Undergraduate Financial Aid

Veteran Benefit Support

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Veteran Benefit Support

Brown continues its commitment to veterans and their families by collaborating with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in support of the following programs:
 

  • Post - 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E - Chapter 31)
  • Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Prior to considering loans if needed beyond any veteran support, it is important for families to consider eligibility of federal aid through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Representatives in the Office of Financial Aid are available to talk about financing options when considering loans.

 

Brown's Undergraduate Student Veteran Initiatives for 2024-25

  • Brown will consider all prospective, undergraduate student veterans on a need-blind basis, eliminating any consideration of an applicant’s ability to pay from the admission decision.
  • Yellow Ribbon Program offers will increase to cover 100% of mandatory tuition and fees for eligible, undergraduate student veterans and dependents of eligible veterans.
  • Brown will replace all student contributions previously expected from undergraduate student veterans and/or their spouses with a combination of benefits from the VA, University Scholarship, and/or federal grants, fully covering the student’s Cost of Attendance each academic year.  **This initiative will not apply to dependents of veterans**.
  • Undergraduate student veterans and dependents of eligible veterans need not be a recipient of need-based aid to receive eligible benefits.
  • Please note that student veterans are required to use any and all eligible benefits prior to receiving University funding.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about VA education benefits is available at the VA website.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits (Chapter 33)

  • Up to $28,937 annually towards the cost of mandatory tuition and fees
  • A monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school
  • Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year

To determine if you are eligible for this program, please contact the VA.

 

Yellow Ribbon Program Benefits

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a subset of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Brown undergraduate students who receive Post 9/11 GI Bill® Benefits may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

  • Brown will support an unlimited number of eligible undergraduate Yellow Ribbon recipients for the academic year 2023-24. This support applies to eligible veterans and dependents of eligible veterans.
  • Mandatory tuition and fees will be covered 100% by a combination of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits, Yellow Ribbon scholarship from Brown, and matching funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Funding maximums will vary if a student is enrolled less than full-time.

To determine if you are eligible for this program, please contact the VA.

 

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

  • As eligibility for Chapter 31 (VR&E) varies, please contact the VA to determine benefit entitlement.
  • A monthly sustenance allowance is paid each month and is based on the rate of attendance (full-time or part-time), the number of dependents, and the type of training.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

  • Chapter 35 provides a monthly payment to help cover the cost of school or your expenses while you're participating in your education.
  • Chapter 35 is considered an educational benefit, contingent on the student's enrollment, therefore they must be reported to the financial aid office and factored into the financial aid offer.
  • Chapter 35 is not treated as income (military pension, disability, salary, commissions, etc.)
  • Chapter 35 benefits are an additional education-based resource that cannot be used to replace your parent contribution. Please review our outside scholarship policy.
  • Chapter 35 benefits do not affect eligibility for federal Title IV aid programs (grants and loans).

 

The Process

  1. Students must be admitted or currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
  2. Students must apply for eligible benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  3. Students must forward a Certificate of Eligibility or the Transfer of Entitlement from the VA to the Office of Financial Aid.
  4. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. 

*** Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. 

Additional Information

  • All VA educational benefits, including allowances for room and board, books, tuition, and Yellow Ribbon funding, will be coordinated with other University and federal financial aid funds as part of the total financial aid package.
  • Certification of enrollment with the VA will be completed through the Registrar's Office.

University Contact Information