Credit requirements
Your VA benefits will vary based on the program, as well as the number of credits you take and the length of your classes (the start and end dates for any session classes that are shorter or longer than the regular term impact the credit count.)
To receive the maximum benefit, you must be registered full time (Exception: Chapter 33 recipients who take more than the minimum parttime credits will receive maximum benefits). Visit the USDVA GI BILL web site for complete information on current rates. See also the 13-credit policy for undergraduate credits and less than half-time enrollment information below the chart.
| STUDENT STATUS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 3/4 time | 1/2 time | <1/2 time | |
| Undergraduate | 12+ | 9-11 | 6-8 | 1-5 |
| Graduate* | 6+ | 4-5 | 3 | 1-2 |
| Professional** | 12+ | 9-11 | 6-8 | 1-5 |
| Masters of Public Health, Veterinary Medicine | 9+ | 7-8 | 4-6 | 1-3 |
* Includes students enrolled in the Graduate School, Dental Fellow Specialist, Master of Agriculture, Master of Business Administration (part time), Master of Education, Master of Healthcare Administration, Medical Fellow Specialist, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Psychology Fellow Specialist programs.
** Includes students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (full time), Law School, School of Dentistry, and School of Pharmacy programs.
13-credit policy for undergraduate credits
Be aware that the University has a 13-credit policy for undergraduates in whch you are billed a flat rate, whether you enroll for more or fewer than 13 credits. You are not charged for enrollment above 13 credits. That means your per credit cost decreases as you add credits above the 13 credit plateau. Likewise, the per credit cost increases if you take 12 or fewer credits.
If your life circumstances prevent you from taking 13 or more credits, you may appeal for a 13-credit exception to take a reduced credit load. If approved, the exception will allow you to be billed per credit for 12 or fewer credits, not the flat rate.
Less than half-time enrollment
If you enroll for the minimum number of credits to be considered part time, your education benefit rates will be reduced proportionately and paid as a lump sum, including Chapter 30 students with advanced payments only. This lump sum payment is reimbursement for tuition and fees (book and suppies are not included).
All other recipients, including Chapter 30 without advance payments and those who are registered for at least one credit more than the minimum credits to be considered parttime, will receive pro-rated monthly payments (e.g., 7 undergraduate or 5 graduate credits). Your monthly checks will be based on the prorated monthly rate of payment and training time pursued while in the military.
Maximum payment rates are established for training at less than half time but more than quarter time. You would receive reimbursement of the actual charges for tuition and fees or the established maximum, whichever is less.
