Veteran Benefits

See how your veterans benefits can help fund your Seattle University education.

A group of soldiers holding flags.

Using VA Benefits for Your Education

Thank you for you and your family member’s service and your sacrifices. We’re here to help you pursue your passions and make your dreams come true.

Our staff will make sure you get all the VA educational benefits you deserve—and all other financial assistance you’re eligible for as well, from Seattle University, the state of Washington and the federal government.

We will guide you through the process and see that you're receiving all eligible aid, your VA educational benefits are updated quarterly as you register for classes and that your benefits have not exceeded the cost of attendance.

We’re committed to providing support to our active duty, reservists, veterans and dependents.

Explore the Yellow Ribbon Program at SU

Seattle University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This is a program that allows students who are eligible for 100% Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) benefits to gain additional funding for their tuition and fees. No additional application is needed, if you qualify, you will be considered for any open spots.

Seattle University contributes $14,750 and is equally matched by the VA, allowing access up to an additional $29,500 in aid above the Ch. 33 yearly tuition and fee cap. (120 spots) 

Seattle University contributes $5,000 and is equally matched by the VA, allowing up to an additional $10,000 in aid above the Ch. 33 yearly tuition and fee cap. (50 spots) 

Seattle University contributes $10,000 and is equally matched by the VA, allowing up to an additional $20,000 in aid above the Ch. 33 yearly tuition and fee cap. (10 spots) 

If you are eligible for Yellow Ribbon and are an institutional aid recipient, be aware you can only receive funding from one program at a time. You are only able to receive either Yellow Ribbon or institutional aid (ex. Merit scholarships, SU Grants) because Yellow Ribbon and institutional aid come from the same institutional source. We will always choose the option that is most financially beneficial for the student.  

For example, if you were to receive more in other institutional aid than Yellow Ribbon would offer, we would award you institutional aid. In this case, you would remain on the Yellow Ribbon ‘waitlist’; in case the other option becomes more beneficial. If VA educational benefits are exhausted, original institutional aid is reinstated. 

The Yellow Ribbon lists are separately maintained on a first-come, first-served basis for undergraduate, graduate, and MIT/LEMBA/DNP students. Once all of the spots fill up, a waiting list is started and monitored each quarter. If you are on the waiting list and still interested/able to receive Yellow Ribbon benefits when a spot opens, you will be notified (via an updated award letter) with the changes to your financial aid.  

In order to get on the list we (the school certifying officials) need two things: 

  • Confirmation that you have been admitted to Seattle U and that you have confirmed acceptance; 
  • A copy of your Certificate of Eligibility 

You can send all materials and questions about this process to va@seattleu.edu.  

To have a better understanding about how your money will be applied, please see the outline of a sample undergraduate bill below: 

2023-2024 Academic Year Costs  Fall Quarter Winter Quarter  Spring Quarter 
Tuition (flat rate for 12-20 credits)  $17,745.00  $17,745.00  $17,745.00 
Technology Fee (full-time)  $192.00  $192.00  $192.00 
Wellness Fee (full-time)  $158.00  $158.00  $158.00 
Matriculation Fee  $175.00     
Total  $18,270.00  $18,095.00 $18,095.00 

**Additional fees may apply** 

Sample Bill

This table represents a sample undergraduate student bill, outlining fees and total cost. Additional fees may apply.

2023-2024 Financial Aid   Fall Quarter  Winter Quarter  Spring Quarter 
Post-9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33
(cap $27,120.05 for 2023-2024) 
$18,270.00  $8,850.05 $0.00 
Federal Yellow Ribbon ($14,750) $0.00  $4,622.47 $9,047.50
SU Yellow Ribbon ($14,750)  $0.00  $4,622.48  $9,047.50 

Because tuition and fees (as shown above) are less than the full amount of the combined Ch.33 Tuition and Fee Cap plus Yellow Ribbon this leaves students with $2,160.07 that could be used to help pay for lab fees, or summer classes. Contact us at va@seattleu.edu for more information.

**You cannot receive both Institutional aid and Yellow Ribbon funds. You will receive the funding that is to your benefit.** 

VA does not pay room and board directly to institution. If you are living on campus you will need to pay your room and board by the tuition due date.

If you would like a payment plan, contact your SCO to set up by tuition due date.  

Balance Due $0.00  $0.00  $0.00

Sample Financial Aid Breakdown 
This table represents a sample distribution of financial aid throughout the academic year. 

Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the cap before any Yellow Ribbon funds apply.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® Ch. 33 and Yellow Ribbon funds do not cover Room or Meal Plan charges. Please see Housing & Meal plan options. 

Dates to Keep in Mind

Fall August 28, 2023
Winter November 20, 2023 
Spring February 26, 2024
Summer May 2024 
Fall October 9, 2023 
Winter January 22, 2024 
Spring April 15, 2024 
Summer July 2024 
Fall September 8, 2023 
Winter December 8, 2023 
Spring

March 8, 2024

Summer June 2024 

Enrollment Checklist

Whether you are beginning your academic career, transferring, or returning from a period of absence, there are multiple steps to take in order to begin your studies here at Seattle University.

We have compiled a checklist of the steps needed to enroll and use your VA benefits at Seattle University.

Seattle University is pleased to offer various application options to incoming students. Please select one of the application options below for more instructions on how to apply.

  • Submit your application:
  • Submit the non-refundable application fee of $55, unless you are eligible for a fee waiver.
  • Submit all official transcripts and/or test scores to the Admissions Office.
  • If required, submit Proof of English Proficiency to the Admissions Office.

Feel free to call Admissions with any questions related to your application, or visit our website.

Start this process early if you can!

  1. Determine your chapter of education benefits. You may be eligible to utilize multiple chapters of education benefits. By exploring the VA’s comparison page, you can determine which is one option is best for you at this time. TAKE ME THERE!
  2. Submit your application for Veteran Education Benefits using va.gov.
  3. Receive your Certificate of Eligibility. The amount of time it may take for you to receive this document may vary considerably. Therefore, we highly recommend that you apply well in advance of the beginning of the quarter to ensure SU has all necessary documentation required to process your benefits.

Questions: Call VA Education 1-888-442-4551

  1. Complete the appropriate year FAFSA
    Undergraduate Priority Deadline is February 1 for the following Fall Quarter, however both Undergraduates and Graduates can apply throughout the year. Seattle University Federal School Code: 003790
  2. Research and apply for additional scholarships
    Any private outside scholarships for the sole purpose of defraying the cost of tuition will be applied before your VA benefits. Private outside scholarships for any educational purpose would be in addition to your VA benefits within the cost of attendance.
    Download: Exploring Outside Scholarships

Questions: Call Seattle University Student Financial Services 206-220-8020

Confirm your VA educational benefit eligibility by email at va@seattleu.edu, by fax at 206-296-5755, in person at Vi Hilbert Hall 220 Redhawk Service Center, or by mail:

Student Financial Services
901 12th Ave
PO Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122

What to Submit

Students Using: Submit:
Montgomery GI Bill® (Ch. 30)
Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33)
Survivor & Dependents Ed (Ch. 35)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Any GI Bill® Kicker documentation
Vocational Readiness & Education (VR&E) (Ch. 31) Purchase Order from your VR&E Counselor
Montgomery GI Bill® - Reserve (1606) Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) signed and validated by unit Commanding Officer or Officer-in-Charge

All VA Students must complete/submit:

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans Benefits

Find answers to common questions about using your VA educational benefits at SU, from turning in documents to how many credits are needed. If you can't find the answer to the questions you have, please e-mail va@seattleu.edu.

Yes, Seattle University is a deemed approved school by the Veterans Administration. 

No. In Washington State some publicly funded state colleges and universities offer a tuition discount to veterans. While SU, as a private university, does not offer this discount, we are happy to assist you in utilizing any VA Educational Benefits that you may be eligible to receive.   

Yes, Seattle University has participated in the Yellow Ribbon program since 2009. Please contact va@seattleu.edu for information about available spots or waiting list options.

Yellow Ribbon is an accompaniment program. You must be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch.33) at 100%, or the spouse using benefits of an active duty member, and have separated from the military with any status other than dishonorable. To be placed on the Yellow Ribbon waitlist you must first be admitted to Seattle University. We then need your Certificate of Eligibility addressed to the individual using benefits. 

No. All documents may be submitted to the VA Certifying Official via e-mail at va@seattleu.edu, regular mail or fax using the contact information found by clicking here. Documentation can also be dropped off, in person, at the front desk in the Student Financial Services Office.

The certifying officials do not have this information. Instead, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly at 1-888-442-4551 or go to the GI Bill® website.

Most VA benefits are not considered when determining a student’s eligibility for Federal and State funding, but VA funding may affect institutional aid. To receive the most accurate information, veterans should contact Student Financial Services at 1-206-220-8020 to talk with or make an appointment to meet with the VA Certifying Official. 

No. Once you have submitted all your paperwork to Student Financial Services and have registered for a quarter, a VA School Certifying Official (SCO) will automatically review your courses for degree applicability. You will be contacted if any of courses are found not apply to your degree. An SCO will then automatically submit your quarterly certification to the Department of VA for processing.  Summer terms are not automatically certified, and students are required to submit the VA Summer Certification Request (e-form) if they want to use benefits. 

No, Student Financial Services will incorporate the anticipated amount of your VA Educational Benefits into your quarterly bill. You are only responsible for paying the portion of your bill not covered by your benefits or other types of financial aid by the tuition due date. If you are receiving Post 9-11 GI Bill® benefits you will not be assessed any financial penalties while the school waits to receive your anticipated tuition and fee payment from the VA. 

For the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters undergraduates need to enroll in at least 7 credits to be eligible to receive the BAH. Graduate students need to be enrolled in at least 4 credits. To receive the maximum amount of BAH you need to be at full-time status (12 credits for undergraduate; 6 credits for graduate). For courses taken during the Summer quarter please consult the Veteran Certification for Nonstandard Length Quarters (2011-01) or contact the VA SCO in the Office of the Registrar for clarification.

As an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL), Seattle University is approved to certify standard term dates as published in the Academic Calendar. Coursework that occurs outside of the dates of the term cannot be certified.  

Yes. A CAC reader is located in Seattle University's Office of Military Science which is located in the 13th Avenue Building (behind the Shell station on 12th).  Inquire at the front desk for assistance. 

A veteran cannot utilize federal Tuition Assistance benefits and certain VA Educational Benefits at the same time so first, find out if the Tuition Assistance you have is funded federally or by the state. If your Tuition Assistance is funded by the state, submit your paperwork to the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at va@seattleu.edu for processing.

Please complete a Military Service Leave of Absence Request. As a Yellow Ribbon recipient called to active duty, you are no longer eligible to receive those funds.

When returning from active duty, please:

  • Notify the Office of the Registrar of the date you plan to return to SU.
  • Contact the VA School Certifying Official in Student Financial Services to find out how your VA Educational Benefits may be affected.

Submit your application for Veteran Education Benefits through va.gov; choose “Education and training”. The time it takes to receive this document may vary considerably. Therefore, we highly recommend that you apply well in advance of the beginning of the quarter to ensure SU has all necessary documentation required to process your benefits. Questions: Call VA Education at 1-888-442-4551.

Forms and Resources

Below you will find helpful forms and links. If you need further information about a particular service or procedure, please contact us at va@seattleu.edu.

School Certifying Officials (SCOs)

School Certifying Officials (SCOs) are Seattle University staff members. They are the liaisons between Seattle University and the VA. They make sure students are appropriately certified to receive their VA educational benefits. The SCO’s receive regular training and updates from the VA and are advocates for their students.

Who to Contact About VA Benefits & Financial Aid

If you have questions regarding your bill, financial aid, or making payments, please contact the SCOs at VA@seattleu.edu.

School Certifying Officials (SCOs)

Get in Touch

Our VA School Certifying Officials (SCO) are housed in the Student Financial Services office. Please be sure to tell the person helping you that you receive VA educational benefits.

Student Financial Services

Vi Hilbert Hall