We work with Veterans of the U.S. armed forces as well as their dependents to help them navigate the financial support benefits they may be eligible to receive as MIT students.
We know that navigating the different options and determining which programs are best for you can be difficult. We’ve broken out our information based upon whether you are a Veteran yourself, or if you’re receiving benefits as the dependent of a Veteran, because they work a bit differently.
For Veterans
Determining eligibility
As a Veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be eligible for VA benefits that can reduce the cost of attending MIT. You may also qualify for more than one VA program.
Carefully review each program, as they have different benefits and eligibility requirements. In some instances, your initial benefits decision may be irrevocable, so you want to make sure you understand your eligibility before making a final choice.
We consider you an independent student
As a Veteran, you are considered independent of parental financial support. Your financial need will be calculated according to your individual income and assets without regard to your parents’ financial circumstances.
Learn more about veterans benefits and financial aid →For dependents
Determining eligibility
As the dependent of a Veteran of the U.S. armed forces, you may be eligible for VA benefits that can reduce the cost of attending MIT. You may also qualify for more than one VA program.
The two main programs are the Dependents Education Assistance program and the Fry Scholarship. It may also be possible to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Benefits. Your initial benefits decision may be irrevocable, so you want to make sure you understand your eligibility before making a final choice.
We consider you a dependent student
If you receive VA education benefits as the dependent of a Veteran, we consider you a dependent for financial aid purposes. This means we consider your parents’ financial situation when we determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Learn more about dependent benefits and financial aid →Questions? We’re here to help.
If you have questions about how your VA education benefits combine with MIT financial aid, please contact us at va@mit.edu or 617.258.8600. We also offer virtual drop-in hours, see our contact page for current times.
Office of Student Veteran Success
MIT also has an office of Student Veteran Success (SVS), run by program administrator Liam Gale, who served in the Air Force for nearly eight years. SVS serves as a direct point of contact for students, providing support, advocacy, and programming designed to improve the experience of veterans, students currently serving in the military, and military families who are studying at MIT. To reach SVS, please email veteransuccess@mit.edu.