Using Your Benefits

Montclair State University is proud to support veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military-connected students throughout their educational journey. 
 

Benefits, Requirements and Resources

Whether you are applying for benefits for the first time, preparing to enroll, or continuing your studies, we provide important information about available education benefits, required documentation, enrollment procedures, and ongoing responsibilities. You'll also find resources to help you maintain eligibility, navigate military-related academic accommodations, and understand the federal protections and policies designed to support your success.

Before You Start

If you plan to use military education benefits at Montclair State University, follow the steps below to help ensure your benefits are processed correctly and on time. Review the available benefit options and complete each requirement before the start of the semester.

Military Affiliated Students May Be Eligible For

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
  • Chapter 35 (Dependents)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
  • New Jersey National Guard Waiver (tuition only)
  • Military Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/year)

Apply for VA Benefits or National Guard Waiver

  • Submit Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Submit DD214 (if applicable)

NJ National Guard

  • Submit Commander’s Certificate each semester (must also apply for FAFSA each academic year)
  • Complete FAFSA
  • Contact Red Hawk Central, if needed
  • Freshman Checklist
  • Transfer Checklist

Check your University email frequently for updates.

Using Your Benefits Each Term

To continue receiving your VA education benefits, you must complete the required certification steps each term and keep our office informed of any enrollment changes. Review the information below to ensure your benefits are processed on time and remain in good standing throughout the semester.

If you plan to use your VA education benefits, you must complete a pre-enrollment form every term, including winter and summer.

  • Forms are required for each semester.
  • If you do not submit the form, you will not be certified.
  • Submitting late may delay your benefits.

Important: Do not complete this form if you are a new student. Contact our office first for guidance.

  • Summer 2026 Pre-Enrollment Form (Link to MyDrive)
  • Fall 2026 Pre-Enrollment Form (Link to MyDrive)

If you make any changes to your schedule at any time, you must notify our office.

Failure to report changes may:

  • Delay your benefits.
  • Result in a balance owed to the VA.
  • Contact Us About Schedule Changes

If You Are Called to Active Duty

Montclair State University is committed to supporting military-affiliated students throughout their academic journey, including during periods of active duty service. Review the information below to understand your academic options, available protections, and important federal policies related to the use of VA education benefits.

  • Notify Veteran/Military Services and your professors.
  • Provide a copy of your orders to our office.
  • Contact Financial Aid regarding your aid and loans.
  • Cancel housing or meal plans, if applicable.

Depending on your situation, you may have the following options.

  • Receive a Letter Grade.
  • Choose Pass or Fail.
  • Take an Incomplete.
  • Withdraw From Your Course.

Additional protections include tuition refunds and extended timelines.

Title 38 USC 3679(e) Compliance

The following policies and procedures are of primary concern to veterans, service members, members of the National Guard and Selected Reserve, and other eligible individuals who receive VA educational benefits while enrolled at the University.

In accordance with Title 38 U.S. Code § 3679(e), the University adopts the following provisions for students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31) benefits while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. The University will not:

  • Prevent the student's enrollment.
  • Assess a late penalty fee.
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding.
  • Deny access to resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee obligations, including classes, libraries, and other institutional facilities.

However, to qualify for this provision, students may be required to:

  • Provide a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or equivalent), or for Chapter 31 students, a VA Form 28-1905 issued through VR&E, by the first day of class.

Note: Chapter 33 students may use eBenefits through the VA Regional Office to obtain the equivalent of a Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 students cannot obtain a completed VA Form 28-1905 until it is issued by their VR&E case manager and sent to the University.

  • Provide a written request to be certified.
  • Provide any additional information required to properly certify enrollment, as outlined in University policies.

Isakson and Roe Act Information

To meet the requirements of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315, Section 1018), please review the information below.

After completing your FAFSA, you will receive a College Financial Aid Planning document.

Information regarding financial aid planning, estimated cost of attendance (tuition and fees, books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses), living expenses, retention and graduation rates, and estimated loan debt can be found here:

Students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® will have tuition and fees covered at the in-state tuition and fee rate, subject to eligibility.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates transfer credits from other colleges, universities, and military service. Once transfer credits appear in your degree audit, you may meet with an academic advisor to discuss how they apply to your degree program.

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