Steps in Preparation
Active duty service members need to receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO), military counselor, or the Military Service prior to applying.
The DoD has to approve the transfer. If you have not completed this step, go to milConnect. If the DoD approves the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE), then your family members are ready to apply for GI Bill® benefits with the VA.
Military, Veterans, and dependents must apply and be accepted at Gonzaga University (Apply to Gonzaga) and apply for GI Bill benefits.
We also recommend you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize your eligibility for financial aid. Start your FAFSA today at the Department of Education's website studentaid.gov.
How to set up your GI Bill®/VA Education Benefits at Gonzaga
1. Prepare and be timely with your VA application. Whether you are the Veteran or the dependent of a Veteran, the student using the benefit needs to be the one to apply with the VA. Application for benefits can take over a month to process.
Gather necessary documents and information to apply for VA Benefits:
- Your Social Security number
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education and military history
- If spouse/dependent, Veteran information (full name, branch of service, SSN)
- Basic information about Gonzaga University
2. Complete the application for VA Education Benefits. The preferred and quickest method is to apply online via VA.gov. Applications can also be mailed or completed in person at a VA regional office. Contact GU’s School Certifying Officials (info below) for a paper application to be mailed.
3. If approved to receive VA Education Benefits, submit all required documents to Gonzaga University’s School Certifying Officials (SCO) prior to the start of the semester.
- Submit first page of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Complete the Request to Certify Registration Form (Summer, Fall/Spring - coming soon)
- If eligible, complete the Yellow Ribbon Application
- Available only to students with Post-9/11 GI Bill® at 100% level pursuing Undergraduate or Law degree
4. Contact GU’s SCOs if you have any questions.
Ryan Forim – 509-313-6509
Molly Shumaker – 509-313-6594
Email – VAbenefits@gonzaga.edu
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.