Before you begin
Visit the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool, type “Massachusetts Institute of Technology” in the search box, and hit enter to check that your intended program of study is eligible for VA education benefits — most programs are!
Please note: Certificate programs are not eligible for VA benefits.
Apply for VA education benefits
Follow the instructions below for your specific benefit.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty, and Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- Go to the VA website and apply using their online application.
- After you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, email a copy to va@mit.edu.
- Complete the required SFS veteran questionnaire. SFS will send this questionnaire to your MIT email address before the start of each term.
Please note: Tuition, student life fees, and/or health insurance are certified each semester after Add Date and are applied to your MITPay account 2–3 months after the start of term; prior to those benefits being received, you should see anticipatory placeholder credits on your account. Housing and/or book stipends are certified before the start of each semester and are sent from the VA directly to you 2–4 weeks after the start of term.
Monthly verification of enrollment with the VA
If you receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits including a Monthly Housing Allowance, you are required to verify your enrollment with the VA every month to continue receiving your benefits. The VA’s monthly enrollment verification is only required of students receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits including an MHA, and does not apply to other benefit programs.
Visit the VA website for more information on the specific steps required to verify your monthly enrollment. You must submit your monthly enrollment verification yourself; MIT’s Certifying Officials can’t complete this step on your behalf.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program does not require a separate application. If you are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program and have qualifying expenses (tuition or other mandatory fees), you will receive Yellow Ribbon benefits. As a reminder, students must qualify for 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (as determined by the VA) in order to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Transfer of Entitlement
If your spouse or parent has transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you, you will need to apply for a Transfer of Entitlement.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35) and Fry Scholarship
- Go to the VA website and apply using their online application for dependents.
- After you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, email a copy to va@mit.edu.
- Complete the required SFS veteran questionnaire. SFS will send this questionnaire to your MIT email address before the start of each term.
Please note: Tuition, student life fees, and/or health insurance are certified each semester after Add Date and are applied to your MITPay account 2–3 months after the start of term; prior to those benefits being received, you should see anticipatory placeholder credits on your account. Housing and/or book stipends are certified before the start of each semester and are sent from the VA directly to you 2–4 weeks after the start of term.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
You can apply online for VR&E program benefits through the VA. Three quick questions will determine your eligibility.
For help applying for VR&E benefits, please feel free to contact a VA-approved Veteran Services Organization (VSO).