INFORMATION ON GI BILL BENEFITS
**POST 9/11 GI BILL (CH. 33)** For general information and information specific to UNC click on above tab, labeled POST 9/11 Ch.33
ALL RATES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2009
| Active Duty Chapter 30 |
Enrollment |
Monthly rate |
Full time |
$1,368.00
|
¾ time |
$1,026.00 |
½ time |
$684.00 |
less than ½ time more than ¼ time |
$684.00 |
¼ time or less |
$342.00 |
If you participated in the $600 buy-up click here
| Guard/Reserve Ch.1606 |
Enrollment |
Monthly rate |
Full time |
$333.00
|
¾ time |
$249.00 |
½ time |
$165.00 |
Less than ½ time |
$83.25 |
**Guard & Reserve Members may have GI Bill Kicker to add to monthly rate**
| Guard/Reserve (REAP) Ch. 1607 |
Enrollment |
Service of 90 days to1 year |
Service of 1 year + |
Service of 2 years + |
Full time |
$547.20 |
$820.80 |
$1,094.40
|
¾ time |
$410.40 |
$615.60 |
$820.80 |
½ time |
$273.60 |
$410.40 |
$547.20 |
Less than ½ time More than ¼ time |
$273.60 |
$410.40 |
$547.20 |
¼ time or less |
$136.80 |
$205.20 |
$273.60 |
| Survivors' & Dependents' DEA Ch. 35 |
Enrollment |
Monthly rate |
Full time |
$925.00
|
¾ time |
$694.00 |
½ time |
$461.00 |
less than ½ time more than ¼ time |
$461.00 |
¼ time or less |
$231.25 |
THE POST 9/11 GI BILL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
"At UNC your GI Bill Dollar goes farther!"
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and Fees are fully covered if at 100% on the table below. If not at 100% then the percentage is determined by eligible percentage of your total bill for the semester. For the state of Colorado 100% = $497 max per credit hour. UNC Tuition and all "mandatory" fees are paid by the VA. Mandatory fees at UNC includes the Student Health Insurance plan.
University of Northern Colorado Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: Average $288 per credit hour.
**The Tuition & Fees money is paid directly to the University at the exact amount. Therefore, if you qualify for 100% you will not see any extra money if your tuition and fees are less than $497 per credit hour.
Books & Supplies Stipend
Up to a $1,000 per year for books and supplies. Individuals eligible at the 100% benefit level may receive $41.67 for each credit hour certified up to 24 credit hours each academic year. The books and supplies stipend will be paid in a lump sum amount for each term, quarter, or semester certified. Students not at 100% receive amount based off of eligible percentage of $41.67 per credit hour.
Housing Allowance
Monthly housing allowance equal to the BAH payable for an E-5 with dependents (located in the zip code of the educational institution where the individual is enrolled). Individuals who are pursuing training while on active duty, solely via distance learning, or are training at half-time or less are NOT eligible to receive the monthly housing allowance.
The housing allowance is the same in the greater Ft. Collins, Greeley & Loveland area. As of January 1, 2010 the Housing allowance for UNC, Colorado State, & other colleges north of the Denver metro area is $1011.00 per month at 100% of the table below. **Greeley has the BEST housing allowance to cost of living ratio in the state!
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR POST 9/11 GI BILL & PERCENTAGE OF AWARD
| Post-9/11 Service |
Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable |
| At least 36 cumulative months |
100% |
| At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability |
100% |
| At least 30 cumulative months |
90% |
| At least 24 cumulative months |
80% |
| At least 18 cumulative months |
70% |
| At least 12 cumulative months |
60% |
| At least 6 cumulative months |
50% |
| 90 aggregate days |
40% |
Factors to Consider (Published by the VA)
In some locations the costs of college and housing (which you would receive payment for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) are less than the payment you would receive under the Montgomery GI Bill.
In some states veterans do not have to pay tuition at selected state colleges. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may then pay only the housing benefit and the book stipend. (Since you have no tuition costs the Post-9/11 GI Bill will not pay the college any tuition.) Your payments under other GI Bill programs such as the Active-Duty GI Bill may be higher in these cases. Click here to see other GI Bill rates.
If you are eligible for a college fund under other GI Bill programs, you will continue to receive your college fund payments. Rather than receiving them monthly, you will be paid a lump sum payment each quarter, semester, or term that you are enrolled.
If you participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP you will not receive that additional benefit under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
HOW YOU WILL RECEIVE PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
Chapters 30, 1606, 1607, & 35
These chapters pay benefits directly to student by monthly check or direct deposit from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To set up Direct Deposit with the VA by telephone call 1-877-838-2778 or 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:50 PM Central Time.
If you're receiving the Active Duty or Reserve GI Bill or REAP (CH. 30, 1606, 1607, 35), use the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or call the toll free Interactive Voice Response telephone line at 1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378) to verify your attendance. You must do this every month. Click here to begin using the WAVE program **If you're receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits you don't need to verify your attendance.
Chapter 33 or Post 9/11 GI Bill:
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill the student receives 3 different benefits
Tuition & Fees: This is paid directly to the University by the VA
Books & Supplies Stipend: Paid directly to the student early in the semester by the VA
Housing Allowance: The housing allowance is paid monthly directly to the student by the VA. The BAH is at the rate of an E-5 with dependents based on the Zip Code of the institution.
For more information click on above tab labeled POST 9/11 Ch.33
*To set up Direct Deposit with the Department of Veterans Affairs call 1-877-838-2778 or 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:50 PM Central Time. You will need your banking information that is usually found on a personal check.
"I WANT TO GO TO UNC & RECEIVE GI BILL BENEFITS."
#1. Apply and become admitted to the University of Northern Colorado see "apply now" link or "admissions" link at the top of the page
#2. Decide which GI Bill benefit, that you qualify for, works best for you. Here is an excellent link to help you decide click here, or call or e-mail Lucus DeKinder at lucus.dekinder@unco.edu, (970)351-1403 to discuss your best option.
#3. Apply for your GI Bill Benefit using Veterans ON-Line Application (VONAPP) The VA will then send you a certificate of eligibility that must be turned into the VA Certifying Official in the Office of Financial Aid. Use this valuable CHECKLIST to make sure you are on track. **Attention Guard and Reserve: also apply for State and/or Federal Tuition Assistance, if eligible. Once you are in the system it is highly recommended that you set up direct deposit by calling 1-877-838-2778 or 1-800-827-1000, Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:50 PM Central Time.
#4. Attend New Student Orientation/meet advisor & enroll. With your advisor, fill out and turn in the Semester Certification Form to the Office of Veterans Services. The Certifying Official will then send an Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999) to the VA. The Course Selection/Advisory form must be completed every semester while attending the university.
#5. If you're receiving the Active Duty or Reserve GI Bill or REAP (CH. 30, 1606, 1607, 35), use the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or call the toll free Interactive Voice Response telephone line at 1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378) to verify your attendance. You must do this every month. Click here to begin using the WAVE program **If you're receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits you don't need to verify your attendance.
#6. IMPORTANT: If your enrollment changes at any point during the semester you must notify the VA Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office. This is in reference to dropping classes, withdrawing, or any changes to the classes listed on your Course Selection/Advisory Form.
#7. Pass all of your classes and progress toward graduation!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) & WHAT EVERY VETERAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EDUCATION BENEFITS AT UNC
MISSING CLASS FOR DUTY OR MILITARY ACTIVATION
Attention Military Students:
If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service and/or training during the course of the semester (even 1 or 2 days), you are strongly encouraged to contact all of your course instructors no later than the first week of class to discuss the class attendance policy.
If You Are Called to Active Duty:
Early in the semester:
If you are a UNC main campus student, you need to contact the Office of Veterans Services at (970) 351-1403 or lucus.dekinder@unco.edu. They will need a copy of your deployment orders or official employer letter to process your withdrawal. The copy of your orders or official letter will ensure that you will not be billed for the classes you withdraw from. You may mail the orders/letter, deliver them in person, or FAX them to (970) 351-1870. The Office of Veterans Services will coordinate with the Registrar to withdraw you from your classes (with no resulting transcript record of your enrollment), and will notify the Bursar and Financial Aid offices regarding your status.
Mid to late semester:
Contact the Office of Veterans Services to inform them of your upcoming deployment. If possible, contact each of your instructors in person or over the phone to discuss your options for either completing the course, or withdrawing. Depending on the nature of the course, University faculty will make whatever reasonable accommodations they can, including early completion, assignment of a grade of Incomplete (An Incomplete allows you to complete the course by the end of the next semester or extend up to 1 year), or a withdrawal may be the only option. Once you’ve determined how each individual course will be handled, contact the Office of Veterans Services (970) 351-1403 to complete the process.
Note: If the student is living on campus, the student will be charged for room and board up to the day of departure.
The Office of Veterans Services will contact the following offices:
Registrar (Registration)
Bursar (Student Accounts)
Financial Aid (For Students Receiving Aid)
Residential Life & Dining Services (Those Living and/or Dining on Campus)
Parking Services (Parking Pass Prorated Refund)
When you return:
Depending on the length of your tour of duty, your UNC student record may have become inactive. When you are ready to come back to school contact the Office of Veterans Services (970) 351-1403, and that office will make all the necessary arrangements to get you enrolled for the next semester. A grade of “I” Incomplete will not impact a student’s future enrollments
**Students Enlisting in the Armed Forces
Students who are enlisting in the military are not categorized the same as a student who is activated or deploying. The armed forces recruiting stations have informed the University of Northern Colorado that an enlisting student can provide a proof of enrollment and their enlistment will be deferred until the completion of the semester. If a student decides to go ahead and enlist, it is the student’s own decision and should be treated as a normal withdraw.
Incomplete “I” Grade
An “I” is assigned due to unanticipated circumstances toward the term that made you unable to complete the course requirements within the allotted time (e.g. you had to miss due to sickness, an emergency in the family, or military deployment).
- The instructor must submit to the school director, a written notice of the specific coursework to be completed before the final grade is determined; a copy is kept in the school and one is provided to you.
- To amend a grade of “I” with an earned grade on your transcript, you must complete all incomplete course work by the last day of the next semester, including summer term.
- If the course requirements are not completed within the time limitation and the grade received in the Registrar’s Office, the grade will be recorded on the academic record as a failing or unsatisfactory grade. You may petition for a one-term extension through the Registrar’s Office if extenuating circumstances are warranted. For more information contact the Registrar’s Office at (970) 351-2231. For the Petition to Extend click here.
FAFSA
MORE MONEY!!! GI Bill benefits do not count against Federal or State Financial Aid. All students are encoraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may be eligible for Pell Grants & Student Loans to supplement your education costs. To fill out your FAFSA click here.
COLORADO RESIDENCY
Attention All Current Military Members, Veterans, & Dependents Living in or Moving to Colorado. You WILL be classified as In-State Residents for Tuition rates. You need only to fill out the appropriate form (below) and scan & e-mail, fax, or mail to:
Active Duty & Dependents Guard/Reserve & Dependents Veterans & Dependents
Lucus DeKinder/Military Residency
Assistant Registrar for Veterans Services
University of Northern Colorado
Carter Hall 3002, Campus Box 50
Greeley, CO 80639
lucus.dekinder@unco.edu Fax: (970) 351-1870
POST 9/11 GI BILL & STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
Because health insurance is mandatory for UNC students the Post 9/11 GI Bill will pay for the UNC Student Health Insurance as part of your Tuition & Fees. This insurance benefit is a $890 value per semester.
GI BILL
You may be eligible for up to 48 months of benefits by combining GI Bill programs. For individuals eligible for Active Duty MGIB (Ch.30): Please be advised that your entitlement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months you have remaining under MGIB. However, if you exhaust all of your Ch. 30 entitlement, then you may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For example: if you have used all 36 months of Ch. 30 you are eligible for 12 months of another Chapter.
For individuals eligible for MGIB—SR and/or REAP (Ch.1606 & 1607): Typically, individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a combined total of 48 months of entitlement. For example: If you have used 20 months under REAP, you may be eligible for 28 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE GI BILL CLICK HERE.
TRANSFERRING BENEFITS TO DEPENDENTS
All applications will be submitted through the Transferability of Educational Benefits (TEB) website, located at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/ . Service members will be able to securely access this site with a Common Access Card, a DoD Self Service User ID, or a DFAS PIN. Currently this application may be accessed only with Internet Explorer.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and
*Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
*Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or selected reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute, or Is or becomes retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009, through August 1, 2013. A service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active duty or 20 qualifying years of reserve service.
For more information click here.
SERVICEMEMBERS OPPORTUNITY COLLEGES
UNC is a member school of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges. This gives current members of the military and veterans the ability to finish degree programs at UNC that were began at other institutions, according to the degree plan published by the that institution. This is an important benefit for finishing previous educational goals. For more information click here.
University Resources & Community Contacts
UNC Veterans Services
Lucus DeKinder
Assistant Registrar for Veterans Services
Roudebush Cottage, Campus Box 65
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1403
lucus.dekinder@unco.edu
University Counseling Center
Cassidy Hall, Campus Box 17
Greeley, CO 80639-0001
(970) 351-2496 during normal hours
(970) 351-2245 after hours Emergency Service
http://www.unco.edu/counseling/
Disabilities Services
Ann Murphy
Director of Disability Support Services
Michener L-80, Campus Box 139
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-2298
ann.murphy@unco.edu
Office of Academic Support and Advising
Michener Library L149, Campus Box 79
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado 80639
(970) 351-1391
advising@unco.edu
Tutoring
At UNC there are several great resources for tutoring and academic support. The links below will direct you on where to go and who to contact for tutoring.
http://www.unco.edu/tutoring.htm
http://www.unco.edu/asa/tutoring/index.html
Career Services
University Center 2nd Floor
Campus Box 58
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-2127
career.services@unco.edu