What are my GI Bill Options at Soka?

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts program at Soka University of America is approved for veterans by the Bureau for Postsecondary and Vocational Education. These benefits are available for veterans and children or spouses of certain deceased or disabled veterans.  Students are encouraged to notify the Office of Financial Aid that they would like participate in a VA program during the admissions process to ensure timely processing before the student arrives for classes.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

Up to $1,473 monthly for up to 36 months

The Montgomery GI Bill is available to admitted students who have been on active duty for at least 90 days since 1985 and having been discharged not longer than 10 years.  The rate of monthly pay is dependent on years of service and your student status as outlined by the table below.

MGIB Rate for Institutional Training for students who have earned 100% of the benefits

MGIB rates apply to those who have completed an enlistment of less than three years

While the GI Bill Post 9/11 usually pays more, the MGIB is still a good option for some students. Students whose enlistment is less than three years may find that the

MGIB pays slightly more than the Post 9/11 Bill in that particular case. Sometimes a “kicker” is built into the original enlistment agreement or payments are made during service that produce bonuses during MGIB payment periods. These additional programs, if specifically reference the MGIB, cannot be paid out if the student chooses the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  The office of Financial Aid is available to answer any questions regarding which program will be most beneficial to the student.

Post 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 (PGIB2)

Up to $17,500 tuition and fees + $1,000 Books + Housing $2,001 monthly while enrolled

Recently Introduced, the PCIB2 is usually the most beneficial to students.   The Bill pays tuition up to $17,500 and fees up to $10,000 per year directly to the university.   The Student directly receives an additional housing allowance of around $2,001 monthly for 9 months each year.   In addition, $500 each semester is paid directly to the student for books and supplies.

Who May Apply For Benefits?

The eligibility requirements for the PGIB2 and MGIB differ slightly; however, some students will be eligible for both programs.

The MGIB is available to students who have served at least 90 days active duty and who have been honorably discharged no more than 10 years from the date the student wishes to enter the university. A student who has served less than 90 days of active duty due to service related injuries or a reduction in force may be eligible for the MGIB.

The PGIB2 is available to students who have either served at least 90 days on active duty after September 10^th 2001 or served at least 30 days on active duty after the same day and have been released with a service connected disability. Students must also have been honorably discharged.

The PGIB2 is also available to the dependents of a service man or woman who has met the above criteria.  This transfer of benefits is not allowable under the MGIB.  Certain restrictions and criteria accompany the transfer of benefits.   For full information, please contact your respective branch of the armed forces.

When to Apply?

You should apply as early as possible. During peak times of the year, the applications can take some time to process through the VA system.  Once they have processed your application, they must process our request for benefits.  This can take a few weeks or several months.

Apply Now!

STEP 1: Notify the SUA Office of Financial Aid that you are interested in using the GI Bill to help fund your education.   A simple email will do: financialaid@soka.edu. We will contact you to help you determine the best benefits program.

STEP 2: Sign yourself up for benefits on the Veteran’s Administration Website.

• Tip: Have the details of your bank account (account # and routing#) handy in addition to the other required paperwork listed on the site.   This will allow you to set up a direct deposit account where your housing funds can be sent.

STEP 3: Once you have received the confirmation letter from the VA describing your eligibility, send a copy to the Financial Aid Office via email.  We will then request your benefits.

STEP 4: Receive your benefits 

• The VA will send your tuition and fee checks directly to the university and we will apply them to your account.
• The VA will send your funds directly to you.  This usually havens between 30-45 days after the first day of classes.