If you are a dependent: you will need your GI Bill benefits sponsor (parent/guardian) to transfer eligibility to you. Follow these instructions with your veteran sponsor/parent/guardian: Transfer Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Register for classes at Appalachian as soon as your class enrollment timeslot opens.
The VA will email or mail this once Step 1 is complete. Appalachian State University does not receive information directly from the VA about approvals or Certificates of Eligibility.
Once we have received your Certificate of Eligibility, we will alert you to the opening of your Enrollment Datasheet.
You must complete the Enrollment Verification form as soon as possible once alerted. The Enrollment Datasheet will need completed before the beginning of each semester.
NOTE: Any schedule change made after the term’s census date resulting in reduced credit hours may result in a VA or school debt.
Once your tuition and fee payment has been added to your account, you will need sign-up for a payment plan with Student Accounts if you have a remaining balance.
Multi-Step Certification Process
For Chapter 33 beneficiaries, schools are required by law to submit both a general enrollment certification and a second enrollment verification after the drop-add period (first week of classes) with tuition and fees added. While your first enrollment verification will not have tuition and fees added, we submit your second verification with tuition and fees added to the VA closer to mid-September/October for Fall and mid-February/March for Spring. You do not need to make any out-of-pocket payments or set up a payment plan until your tuition and fee payment has been added to your account.
Coverage and Payments
Tuition and required fees will be sent to Appalachian State directly. CH 33 will NOT pay for on-campus housing, meal plans, premium medical insurance (including StudentBlue Premium), or elective class fees.
Your book stipend will be deposited in the bank account on file with the VA.
Your monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will be deposited in the bank account on file with the VA. BAH is always one month behind. BAH amounts are dependent on how many distance education classes are registered for and the average cost of living in the area.
For VA payment questions regarding book stipend, BAH, and/or tuition and fee payments, please contact the VA at 888-442-4551.
How do I know if I've been verified for benefits for the semester?
You will receive an automated email from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) verifying that your enrollment has been certified to your AppState email and/or personal email. Please review your email inbox before reaching out to Student Veteran Services. If you have discrepancies or some classes cannot be certified, a School Certifying Official representative will alert you to these discrepancies.
How do I get in-state tuition with my benefits?
You can file for in-state tuition with the Office of the Registrar. While you may receive a non-residency number or denial letter, Appalachian State University commits to providing in-state tuition for all VA benefit types that we can. In-state tuition can only be considered if the student plans to relocate to North Carolina for their degree program or if the veteran enlisted out of North Carolina.
What will the GI Bill (CH 33) cover?
The GI Bill will cover required tuition and fees, including health services fees, book rental fees, student government fees, and internship fees if necessary to graduate. The GI Bill will not cover on-campus housing, meal plans, premium medical insurance, or elective class fees. You will receive a monthly stipend called a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) which you can put towards on- or off-campus housing and meal plans if applicable. The BAH is determined on the local area’s average cost of living but is affected by how many distance (online) classes taken.
How are payments sent?
Tuition and fee payments are made directly to the school. BAH payments are sent to the direct deposit account on file with the VA. If this direct deposit information needs to be updated, changed, or reviewed, call the VA education assistance line at 888-442-4551.
My tuition and fees are labeled $0. Why is that?
For Chapter 33 beneficiaries, schools are required to submit both a general enrollment certification and a second enrollment verification after the drop-add period with tuition and fees added. While your first enrollment verification will not have tuition and fees added, we submit your second verification with tuition and fees added to the VA closer to mid-September/October for Fall and mid-February/March for Spring.
Will I get monthly housing allowance (MHA) during school breaks?
No. In 2011, Congress passed a law that prohibits VA from paying BAH during extended school breaks. This includes breaks between semesters. Be sure to plan ahead to cover your housing costs when school isn’t in session. If your enrollment starts after the first of the month or ends before the last day of the month, the VA will pay you a prorated housing payment for the part of the month you’re enrolled in classes.
Will the GI Bill pay for study abroad?
Under Chapter 33, the VA often pays required tuition and fees, a book stipend, and a BAH. The VA will often not pay for airfare, passports, lodging, or meals. In order for VA to pay any additional fees specific to the Study Abroad program, the Study Abroad option must be required for graduation. The student must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program for VA certification purposes. Certain programs may certify differently, so call the VA education assistance line to learn more.
