Welcome Prospective Student Veterans!
We acknowledge the importance of your military service experience and want to ensure you achieve your academic goals here at UMass Amherst!
You may be eligible for college credit for your military experience. UMass Amherst uses the American Council on Education (ACE), CLEP, and DSST guidelines and applies the same standards to credits for military education as those applied to coursework from accredited colleges and universities.
The Joint Services Transcript military transcript script is available in electronic format only and may be requested via the Joint Services Transcript website. For more information about transferring military credits, please contact Janet Danylieko, Transfer Credit Evaluator, in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at @email or 413-545-0555.
As a new student, we want to ensure you receive all the information and resources to help you achieve your goals at UMass Amherst. Please consider attending New Student Orientation, as well as our welcome events for new student veterans. Call the Student Veteran Resource Center for more information on orientations and welcome events.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
UMass Amherst offers a wide variety of majors, minors, and certificate programs!
Explore your options:
- Undergraduate Programs: https://www.umass.edu/gateway/academics/undergraduate-programs
- Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.umass.edu/admissions/
Contact Information:
- Undergraduate Admissions Phone: 413-545-0222
- Undergraduate Admissions Email: @email
*Make sure you tell them about your veteran/military status so they can best assist!
Graduate Programs
UMass Amherst is home to a range of Graduate Programs. Click here for a list of graduate programs and their corresponding contact information. Prospective graduate students should research and explore the academic department he or she is interested in applying: https://www.umass.edu/gateway/academics/graduate-programs.
For more about the application process, please visit the Graduate Admissions Office: http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/admissions.
The majority of graduate students choose to work in graduate assistantships in order to supplement the cost, as well as gain valuable work experience.
To learn more about the Graduate Assistantship Office, visit: https://www.umass.edu/graduate/funding/job-opportunities.
University Without Walls (UWW)
The University Without Walls (UWW) provides access to a superior UMass Amherst education delivered in formats and schedules that allow you to balance work, school, and personal obligations. From online learning to field-based training, we have it all. For a current list of classes visit: http://www.umass.edu/uww/.
For working professionals building their skills base, college students designing their own majors and adults extending their universe - UMass Amherst programs offered through UWW are designed for the non-traditional learner. Come check us out!
To Apply to UWW: http://www.umass.edu/uww/admissions
UWW is focused on answering the needs of the nontraditional student - that’s why we make it easy for busy adults to enroll in our programs. Whether you’re trying out a course or embarking on a degree, we’ll guide you through the requirements and help you figure out which program speaks to your vision.
Costs and Benefits
Average Costs of Attendance for Undergraduate Students
We know that cost is a factor in choosing the right college/university. In compliance with the Executive Order 13607, The Principles of Excellence, we want to make the cost of attending UMass Amherst transparent to incoming students and their families. Your actual cost of attendance will be based on your educational path and the options you choose.
Please Make Sure To Verify Costs At The Following Locations Based On Your Information:
- Office of the Bursar: umass.edu/bursar/tuition
- University Without Walls: umass.edu/uww
- Costs for On-Campus Housing and Meal Plans
- Information about Off Campus Housing (including area rents)
What Veterans Benefits Can I Receive?
As a student veteran and/or active member for the U.S. Military, you may be eligible to receive Veterans Educational Benefits. Please review the following information located on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine what benefits you are eligible for:
VA Education And Training Benefits | Veterans Affairs
Chapter 30 – The Montgomery GI Bill®
Benefit: pays student directly based on the number of credits enrolled in. Student is responsible for payment of bursar bill.
Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment
Benefit: pays monthly living stipend directly to student as well as book stipend each semester. Pays the university for tuition and mandatory fees. May also provide additional expenses based on approval by VRE counselor. Student is responsible for non-mandatory fees.
Chapter 33 (Veterans) – The Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Benefit: Pays monthly living stipend directly to student, provided student is enrolled at least 51% time and not active duty. Also pays book stipend directly to student each semester. Pays university for tuition and mandatory fees. If student is receiving less than 100% entitlement, all payments will be based on benefit percentage. Student is responsible for non-mandatory fees and any balance not covered benefit. Students will also have to certify their enrollment.
Chapter 33 (Dependents) – The Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Benefit: You may be eligible to transfer your education benefits if you're on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and you meet all of the requirements.
Chapter 35 – Survivors and Dependents Assistance
Benefit: Pays monthly stipend directly to student based on number of credits enrolled in. Student is responsible for payment of bursar bill.
Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
Benefit: Pays monthly stipend directly to student based on number of credits enrolled in. Student is responsible for payment of bursar bill.
Yellow Ribbon Program
As of August 1, 2021, all chapter 33 students are billed as in-state provided they live in the state of MA while attending classes. Yellow Ribbon will no longer be used, unless student lives out-of-state and commutes to school.
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."
Meal Discount for Veterans
The SVRC is pleased to announce that the SGA Secretary of Veterans Affairs has secured a 10% discount on meals at all campus dining locations (this does not include meal plans).
To qualify you must be present a DD-214 (with photo ID), active-duty military ID, or a driver's license with a Veterans indicator at the time of purchase.
Parking Discount for Student Veterans
The SVRC is pleased to announce that the SGA Secretary of Veterans Affairs has secured a 15% discount on full year parking permits for student Veterans.
To qualify you must be registered as an active student with a valid SPIRE ID and present a DD-214 or active-duty military ID at the time of purchase. Please visit the following webpage for full details: http://www.umass.edu/transportation/permits.
UMass Store Discount for Student Veterans
The SVRC is pleased to announce that the SGA Secretary of Veterans Affairs has secured a 10% discount on in store purchases at the UMass Store in the campus center for student Veterans.
Checklists
Prospective Student Checklist
☐ Veteran Education Benefits
- Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill® active (Ch. 30) and reserve (Ch. 1606)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Ch. 35)
- Veteran Readiness & Employment (Ch. 31)
If you need to apply for any of the above benefits, please visit https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
- Once you apply for education benefits, the VA will send a certificate of eligibility (COE).
- The Veterans Benefits Office needs a copy of your COE in order to process your benefits.
- To expedite the process, a screenshot of your approved education benefits from the va.gov website will suffice.
- If you have questions or concerns about your eligibility, please call the GI Bill® benefits information line at 1-888-442-4551 for assistance.
- You should also connect with the UMass GI Bill® education benefits coordinator at 413-545-5792.
Michael Chan, Certifying Official
Military Certification Specialist
Goodell Hall, Rm 457B
@email
413-545-5792
☐ Enrollment Fee Deferral
Once you are notified that you have been admitted, you can select the military exemption to defer the $500 enrollment fee to your bursar bill.
☐ Paying Your Bill
- Always verify the status of your bill in SPIRE. UMass Amherst uses a paperless billing system—bills will not be mailed to your residence. Instead, bills for the semester will post to the “Finances” section of your SPIRE account. Bills will be due before the start of each semester. For more information about billing, please visit the Bursar's Office.
- Submit your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to @email. Please note: Pending awards are placed in Bursar accounts (not Financial Aid) for the amount the VA will pay.
- Complete your FAFSA here: studentaid.gov website
- If you already have health insurance, you may waive your UMass Health Insurance charge. Log into SPIRE, then go to Main Menu. Select Finances and then select Health Insurance Waiver. You will need to put in your insurance policy information.
- You can set up a payment plan with the Bursars' Office for non-mandatory fees or charges VA will not cover: www.umass.edu/bursar/payment/upay.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver: If someone is assisting you pay for your education, they must have a FERPA PIN number to access your account. For more information on the FERPA waiver, visit the Office of the Bursar.
Excess Express: If you want to receive excess funds via direct deposit, make sure you sign up for Excess Express.
Questions? Please call 413-545-5792 or email @email.
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."
Admitted Student Checklist
Taking care of requirements and planning ahead will help you successfully transition to UMass Amherst. Review this checklist carefully, address all requirements, and ensure a smooth start to college life.
☐ Enrollment Fee Deferral
Once you are notified that you have been admitted, you can select the military exemption to defer the $500 enrollment fee to your bursar bill
☐ Choose Your Date for Registration
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure you sign up as soon as possible. Choose a date that doesn’t conflict with work, graduation, vacation or any other prior commitments. If you are considered a transfer student, choose a Transfer Student Registration date.
☐ Explore Living at UMass
If you intend to live on campus, check out the residential options UMass has to offer. As students go through college, many eventually move off campus, and most UMass veteran students do live off campus in privately owned rental housing. Visit the Off Campus Student Services housing listings website to search for rentals or find housemates.
☐ Get Familiar with SPIRE
SPIRE is the student information and registration system, and it will be a major part of your life at UMass! During advising session, you will use SPIRE to register for classes. Spend some time learning to use it before you arrive. Browse the course catalog and check out the search for classes feature to explore the course offerings at UMass Amherst, so you can jump right into the registration process. You can learn more about SPIRE on the UMass IT website.
☐ UMass Google Email
Starting in mid-May, OIT will send you information about your UMass Google Email account. Email is the official mode of communication between the university and its students. It's a good idea to check your UMass Google Email account daily.
☐ Test Scores and Transcripts
If you have questions about the ACT/SAT, email the Undergraduate Admissions office at @email and ask for an SAT/ACT waiver, which is routinely granted to military applicants.
In order to receive credit for AP or SAT II testing, the university must receive official copies of your score report(s). You may have already requested this when you took the test. If not, please go to the College Board website and request an official report be sent to UMass. Our CEEB # is 3917.
For more information, see Frequently Asked Admissions Questions for Veterans and Military Applicants.
☐ Immunizations
Massachusetts law requires that all college students have certain immunizations before coming to school. The New Student Immunization Program (NSIP) at University Health Services oversees these requirements. See the UHS website, for information on required immunizations and to download a copy of the Massachusetts Required Immunization History form. This form must be completed and returned before your first semester on campus. If information is not received by the end of the Add/Drop period, a registration hold will be placed on your record. It’s best to complete all required immunizations before beginning school. For more information, go to the immunizations website or call the NSIP at 413-577-5275.
☐ Health Insurance
Massachusetts law requires full-time college students to have primary health insurance. If you don’t already have insurance, or if the plan you have won’t meet your needs while at school, you can take advantage of the university-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). Students taking five or more credits are automatically enrolled in the SHBP; charges will appear on the semester tuition bill in SPIRE. Depending on your insurance coverage and student status, you may be eligible to waive the plan. If you cannot waive the plan the GI Bill® pays this mandatory fee. For information, visit the UHS website or call UHS Patient Services, 413-577-5192.
☐ AlchoholEdu
AlcoholEdu is an interactive online alcohol and other drug education program that will provide you with tools and information to choose behaviors to help successfully navigate the social pressures of the campus environment and achieve academic success.
The course opens about a month before the semester begins, and you’ll be notified via your UMass email address. Part 1 takes about 90 minutes. Students must receive at least a 70% on the post-test to be counted as completed. Students who do not complete the course by the required date will have a registration hold placed on their SPIRE accounts and will be unable to register for classes for the following semester.
If you have any questions, email Campus Life and Wellbeing at @email For technical assistance, click the “technical help” button in the module.
☐ UMass Amherst Alerts
Sign up to receive emergency text messages and learn more about emergency preparedness through UMass Amherst Alerts. Be sure to update your emergency contact information in SPIRE.
☐ Get Involved
Login and explore Campus Pulse our online community that lets students find out about campus events and clubs (known at UMass as Registered Student Organizations or RSOs).
☐ Jobs
Are you looking for a job in the area? The Student Employment Office lists work study and non-work study jobs available both on and off campus. Auxiliary Services also posts student jobs on their website. A limited number of Veterans Administration work study positions are also available. Visit the Student Veteran Resource Center (Goodell Hall, Room 453) for more information.
☐ Books
A list of required course materials can be found on your SPIRE account. The eCampus Bookstore offers the opportunity to rent, buy used or buy new textbooks. There are also several local bookstores in town as well as ways to find your books online.
☐ Parking
If you do choose to bring your car to campus, make sure you purchase your parking pass as soon as possible. There are many different options for students. Visit Parking Services for more information. If you have a disabled veteran license plate you do not need to purchase parking, but you need to inform Parking Services of your plate number. You can then use any of the properly identified handicapped spots on campus.
The SVRC is pleased to announce that the Student Government Association (SGA) Secretary of Veterans Affairs has secured a 15% discount on full year parking permits for Student Veterans. To qualify you must be registered as an active student with a valid SPIRE I.D and present a DD-214 or active-duty military ID at the time of purchase. Please visit umass.edu/transportation/permits for full details.
☐ Additional Information
New Student Programs supports new students and their families in their transition to UMass and offers programs, services, and engagement opportunities to help you build connections, navigate campus life, and thrive academically and socially.
Questions? Please call 413-545-5792 or email @email.
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.”