Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions that many prospective and current students have about using their VA benefits at SU. If you are still considering institutions the GI Bill® website  has a helpful comparison tool to help you find the best school. If you can't find the answer to the questions you have, please e-mail va@seattleu.edu.

 

Can I use my VA educational benefits at SU?

Yes, Seattle University is a deemed approved school by the Veterans Administration.

Does SU offer a tuition discount for veterans?

No. In Washington State some publicly funded state colleges and universities offer a tuition discount to veterans. While SU, as a private university, does not offer this discount, we are happy to assist you in utilizing any VA Educational Benefits that you may be eligible to receive.  

Does Seattle University participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Yes, Seattle University has participated in the Yellow Ribbon program since 2009. Please contact va@seattleu.edu for information about available spots or waiting list options.

How do I apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Yellow Ribbon is an accompaniment program. You must be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch.33) at 100%, or the spouse using benefits of an active duty member, and have separated from the military with any status other than dishonorable. To be placed on the Yellow Ribbon waitlist you must first be admitted to Seattle University. We then need your Certificate of Eligibility addressed to the individual using benefits.

Do I need to come in for an appointment to turn in my documents?

No. All documents may be submitted to the VA Certifying Official via e-mail at va@seattleu.edu, regular mail or fax using the contact information found by clicking here. Documentation can also be dropped off, in person, at the front desk in the Student Financial Services Office.

How much will my payment be for Veterans Benefits?  When will I get paid?  What Benefits am I eligible for?

The certifying officials do not have this information. Instead, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly at 1-888-442-4551 or go to the GI Bill® website.

How will my financial aid be affected by my VA educational benefits? 

Most VA benefits are not considered when determining a student’s eligibility for Federal and State funding but VA funding may effect institutional aid. To receive the most accurate information, veterans should contact Student Financial Services at 206-220-8020 to talk with or make an appointment to meet with the VA Certifying Official.

Do I have to fill out any additional paperwork to receive my VA Educational Benefits each quarter? 

No. Once you have submitted all your paperwork to Student Financial Services and have registered for a quarter, a VA School Certifying Official (SCO) will automatically review your courses for degree applicability. You will be contacted if any of courses are found not apply to your degree. An SCO will then automatically submit your quarterly certification to the Department of VA for processing.  Summer terms are not automatically certified and student are required to submit the VA Summer Certification Request (e-form) if they want to use benefits.

If I am using the Post 9-11 GI Bill®, will I need to pay my bill out of pocket if the school has yet to receive my tuition and fee payment from the VA by the tuition due date?

No, Student Financial Services will incorporate the anticipated amount of your VA Educational Benefits into your quarterly bill. You are only responsible for paying the portion of your bill not covered by your benefits or other types of financial aid by the tuition due date. If you are receiving Post 9-11 GI Bill® benefits you will not be assessed any financial penalties while the school waits to receive your anticipated tuition and fee payment from the VA.

How many credits do I need to take each quarter to be eligible for the Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) under the Post 9-11 GI Bill®? 

For the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters undergraduates need to enroll in at least 7 credits to be eligible to receive the BAH. Graduate students need to be enrolled in at least 4 credits. To receive the maximum amount of BAH you need to be at full-time status (12 credits for undergraduate; 6 credits for graduate). For courses taken during the Summer quarter please consult the Veteran Certification for Nonstandard Length Quarters (2011-01) or contact the VA SCO in the Office of the Registrar for clarification.

How are enrollment dates reported to the VA?

As an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL), Seattle University is approved to certify standard term dates as published in the Academic Calendar. Coursework that occurs outside of the dates of the term cannot be certified. 

Is there a Common Access Card reader for veterans to use on campus?

Yes.  A CAC reader is located in Seattle University's Office of Military Science which is located in the 13th Avenue Building (behind the Shell station on 12th).  Inquire at the front desk for assistance.

What do I do if I am also eligible to receive Tuition Assistance?

A veteran cannot utilize federal Tuition Assistance benefits and certain VA Educational Benefits at the same time so first, find out if the Tuition Assistance you have is funded federally or by the state. If your Tuition Assistance is funded by the state, submit your paperwork to the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at va@seattleu.edu for processing.

What do I do if I am called to Active Duty?

Please complete a Military Service Leave of Absence Request. As a Yellow Ribbon recipient called to active duty, you are no longer eligible to receive those funds.

When returning from active duty, please:

  • Notify the Office of the Registrar of the date they plan to return to SU.
  • Contact the VA School Certifying Official in Student Financial Services to find out how your VA Educational Benefits may be affected. 

How do I obtain a Certificate of Eligibility?

Submit your application for Veteran Education Benefits through va.gov; choose “Education and training”. The time it takes to receive this document may vary considerably. Therefore, we highly recommend that you apply well in advance of the beginning of the quarter to ensure SU has all necessary documentation required to process your benefits. Questions: Call VA Education 1-888-442-4551