Frequently Asked Questions
Which degree/certificate programs can I use VA Benefits towards?
In order to use Veteran Education Benefits towards a program, the program must be listed on GI Bill Comparison Tool | Veterans Affairs.
If the program is not listed, it has not been approved by the VA for education benefits.
How do I apply to UMASS Amherst’s undergraduate degree programs?
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For the on-campus undergraduate programs:
On-campus UMASS Admissions for Active Military and Veterans -
For the online undergraduate programs:
UWW/University+ Admissions for Active Military and Veterans
Is there an Undergraduate Common App fee waiver for Active-Duty, Veterans, and dependents?
Yes, please visit the UMASS Admission webpage for more information:
Application Fee Waivers : UMass Amherst
In-state vs out-of-state billing for certain VA Benefits?
Effective August 1, 2026 all students using Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserves) benefits will be billed as in-state students provided they live in the state of Massachusetts while attending classes. Please note that being billed as an in-state student will make you ineligible for the Chancellors Award or any other award specific for students being billed as out of state.
Effective August 1, 2022 all students using Chapter 35 (DEA) benefits will be billed as in-state students provided they live in the state of Massachusetts while attending classes. Please note that being billed as an in-state student will make you ineligible for the Chancellors Award or any other award specific for students being billed as out of state.
Effective August 1, 2021 all students using Chapter 33 (Post 9/11), Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment), Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty) or receiving benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship will be billed as in-state students provided they live in the state of Massachusetts while attending classes. This includes veteran dependents who are using transferred Post 9/11 entitlement. Please note that being billed as an in-state student will make you ineligible for the Chancellors Award or any other award specific for students being billed as out of state.
How do I use VA Education Benefits?
Please apply for your VA Education Benefits on the va.gov website. It may take the VA up to 30 days to review your application. Once approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Please email a PDF copy of your COE to @email.
Refer to the Education Benefits Process tab for the types of VA Benefits.
How do I use my VA Education Benefits for a semester?
Once we have your COE on file, to use your VA Education Benefits, please complete the required Certification Request Form.
What is considered Full-time for VA Benefits?
For undergraduates students:
- 12 credits — Fall and Spring semesters
- 4 credits — Winter, Summer session 1, and Summer session 2
- Non-standard sessions will need to be calculated
For graduate students:
- 9 credits — Fall and Spring semesters
- 3 credits — Winter, Summer session 1, and Summer session 2
- Non-standard sessions will need to be calculated
How much is the CH33 Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?
The MHA is based on the zip code of the school, unless you are taking fully online courses. For fully online courses, MHA is based on 50% of the national MHA average. Note: Active-duty service members and their spouses aren't eligible for MHA.
The GI Bill Calculator tool shows the current Full-Time MHA rate for UMASS Amherst: GI Bill Comparison Tool | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).
Can VA Benefits be used for Study Abroad?
No.
After careful consideration regarding all of the current VA requirements, the university has determined that veteran education benefits can not be used toward study abroad programs at this time.
How do I find my course or degree plan on the Military Tuition Assistance Portal (Army IgnitED, Air Force Virtual Education Center, etc)?
Please email @email with your questions regarding Military Tuition Assistance.
How does withdrawing from a course after the Add/drop period affect my VA Benefits?
Withdrawing from a course after the Add/Drop period may result in debt to the VA. For questions regarding withdrawing courses, please contact @email.
Also see: How Your Reason for Withdrawing from a Class Affects Your VA Debt | Veterans Affairs.
How do I fully withdraw from the Fall/Spring semester?
There are five types of University Withdrawals (Personal, Medical, Academic, Financial, and Military/Active Duty). Please let our office know if you plan on withdrawing for the semester. To formally withdraw from the semester, please follow the process on the Dean of Students Office webpage:
Withdrawing from UMass | Dean of Students Office | UMass Amherst.
How do I Re-Enroll in the University?
All students planning to return to UMass after a University withdrawal must complete the re-enrollment process in SPIRE: Re-Enrollment Information | University Registrar.
Please note: ‘‘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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."