Veterans and Military Services: veteransmilitaryservices@sa.ucsb.edu, 805-893-4724
Veterans and Military Services (VMS) provides comprehensive support to the military-related (veterans, active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and military families) student community at UC Santa Barbara. As the military community’s first stop and strongest advocate, VMS promotes a positive educational experience for military-related students, supports their transition to and through the academic community, and provides access to training, services, and resources to facilitate degree completion and student success.
VA School Certifying Official: veteransbenefits@sa.ucsb.edu, 805-893-8905
The VA School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for administering the federal and state Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits programs at UCSB, as well as providing financial aid assistance and advisement for military-related students.
Federal VA Education Benefits
Students who are seeking eligibility for VA education benefits should visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on different benefit types and the application process. UC Santa Barbara does not determine eligibility for any educational benefits administered through the VA. General information for VA benefit programs and processes is listed below:
Chapters 30 (Montgomery), 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance), 33 (Post 9/11 and Fry Scholarship), and 1607 (Montgomery-Selected Reserve): Once the VA determines eligibility for a benefit, a student will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. A student requesting to use VA benefits at UCSB must submit their COE and a completed Veterans Benefit Request Form (VBRF) each quarter they wish to use VA benefits. The VBRF indicates that a student intends to use their VA benefits for a quarter and that the courses they are taking are applicable for their degree program.
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation): Students must ensure that their VR&E caseworker provides the SCO with an updated VA Form 1905 indicating their program of study and any specific guidelines. This form must be received each quarter.
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) College Fee Waiver for Veterans’ Dependents (CalVet Fee Waiver): The State of California offers a College Fee Waiver Program to dependents of service-connected disabled or service-related deceased veterans. This program is administered by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) and exempts the student from paying quarterly tuition and student services fees. This waiver does not cover student health insurance or campus based fees. Benefits are awarded on an academic-year basis (fall through summer). The waiver may affect eligibility for other forms of financial aid, including the Cal Grant. Students are required to apply each year for this benefit. For more information, including how to apply, please contact your local County Veterans Service Office (CSVO). If you are determined to be eligible for the CalVet Fee Waiver, you will receive an authorization letter from the CVSO. The letter must be submitted to the SCO before it can take effect. The letter should be submitted before the fee payment deadline to avoid late fee penalties.
Additional Resources and Information
In addition to assistance with educational benefits, several other programs and resources are available for eligible students. These include, but are not limited to:
- Priority registration for eligible student veterans beginning the second quarter of attendance;
- Access to the Veterans Resource Center, in which all military affiliated students can rest, relax, study, and interact with other students before, between, or after classes;
- Participation in the VA work-study program, allowing eligible students to work part-time while attending school (dependent upon staffing needs);
- Assistance with the VA tutorial assistance program;
- Priority access to designated veterans living spaces on campus;
- Membership with the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and Military Families Organization (MFO);
- Access to veteran and military affiliated scholarships;
- Access to military specific career transition programs to assist with internships, job openings, and career opportunities.
Points of Contact
California Department of Veterans Affairs-www.cdva.ca.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-www.benefits.va.gov/gibill, 888-442-4551