Veterans' Education Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs.
These are some of the most commonly used benefits at Drexel:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), including the Yellow Ribbon program
- Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). View more information about education benefits offered by VA.
Drexel's Veterans Award
In addition to VA benefits, Drexel University awards a $5,000 scholarship for tuition only to students who have served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces and whose educational costs are not being covered 100% by VA benefits. You must be utilizing veteran educational benefits (i.e., Post 9/11 GI Bill) or provide us with DD-214 showing proof of service. This scholarship is renewable in any year that you are still not receiving VA benefits that cover 100% of your educational costs.
To be eligible for this award, a student must be admitted and enrolled as a new first-year or transfer student in a full-time undergraduate day program and have received or will soon be receiving an honorable discharge. Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) and Yellow Ribbon students are not eligible for this award since their tuition and fees are 100% covered. We must receive your required documentation that shows your entitlement is less than 100% coverage no later than the end date of your first entry term at Drexel. Upon approval, the award will be added for the first term and moving forward.
If you have questions regarding eligibility for the Drexel Veterans Award, please contact Drexel's certifying officials.
How to Apply for Benefits and Financial Aid
- Determine which benefit is best for you: Use the GI Bill® Road Map for Success or call the VA at 1.888.GIBILL.1 (1.888.442.4551).
- Students should review the application and enrollment checklist and be directed to receive approval from their ESO, military counselor, or service prior to enrollment.
- Complete the Veterans Online Application to apply for your benefits.
- Prospective and transfer full-time undergraduates should complete the CSS Profile.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Submit a copy of your Certification of Eligibility letter and a completed Drexel Veterans' Benefits Certification Form [PDF] to Drexel Central.
- If you are currently on active duty and have served at least 90 days, you may receive a tuition benefit based on how long you've served.
- In some instances, you may be able to transfer your benefits to your spouse or child.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). View more information about education benefits offered by VA.
After you've begun classes, notify Drexel Central if there's a change in the total number of credit hours for which you're registered because this affects your certification.
Your benefits must be certified at the start of each academic year, so be sure to complete the Veterans' Benefits Certification Form every year.
If you would like to request Drexel certify your VA Benefits for terms in which you will be on co-op, please complete the Veterans Co-op Certification Form [PDF] and submit to Drexel Central.
If you want Drexel to refrain from certifying VA Benefits for a specific timeframe, please complete the Veterans Do Not Certify Request Form [PDF] and submit to Drexel Central.
Drexel's Certifying Officials
Drexel University's VA certifying officials are located at both the Creese Student Center and Drexel Central. You can direct your submission of VA Benefit documentation to:
Ryan Fonio
Assistant Director, Veteran Services
Drexel University
Creese Student Center, Room 48L
3210 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.895.2290
Fax: 215.895.2939
rrf34@drexel.edu
Drop-In Hours at Creese Student Center: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bryant Morris
Manager
Drexel Central
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.895.6421
Fax: 215.895.2939
blm72@drexel.edu
View information about all of the services Drexel offers for veterans.
Interested in attending Drexel? Learn more about the admissions process.
Federal Shopping Sheet
Veterans and dependents of veterans who are receiving a financial aid package from Drexel will also receive the Department of Education Shopping Sheet that can be viewed via Discover Drexel. This document provides data and resources to assist veterans and dependents of veteran students in their decision-making process related to financing their education.
Sample Drexel Shopping Sheet for Veterans and Dependents of Veterans [PDF].
Compliance With the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018
A student entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33, should submit a certificate of eligibility as early as possible, but no later than the first day of class. Students should request in writing to use their Chapter 31 or 33 entitlement and provide all necessary information for a timely certification of enrollment. In such cases, the institution will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees; the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities; or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds due to the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided under Chapter 31 or 33.