Commonly Asked Questions

Welcome Veterans

Welcome to the David Eccles School of Business incoming class. It is our goal to ensure that your transition from military service to academic environment goes as smooth as possible. We have consolidated a list of the most commonly encountered issues regarding incoming students. The following are frequently asked questions that may serve as a resource to you. This list is not exhaustive.

What paperwork will I need to receive my benefits?

This is a tricky question, depending on your situation and benefit entitlements. A majority of you will be using some form of the GI Bill (I.E. Montgomery or Post 9/11). For these programs you will need the following:

Statement of Eligibility

This document details what program you are entitled to and for how long. To obtain this document you will need to contact the Veterans Affairs Education Office at (801) 422-4551. You will then need to have this statement of eligibility on file in the University of Utah Registrar's Office. If you do not do this you will not receive your benefits.

Statement 1995

This form is used by students who have already received an undergraduate degree and starting graduate school, changing schools or programs, and students who have not used their GI Bill benefit in over a year. If you are a student that falls within any of these categories then you will need to contact the Veterans Representative in the University of Utah registrar's Office, at (801) 581-5945, to obtain the Statement 1995 form. This form will need to be completed and returned in order for you to receive your benefit.

DD214

This is the most important document of your military career. It details any military active duty service and/or awards received. You will need to provide this document to receive Purple Heart benefits.

Although these are the big three documents there may be many more depending on your situation.

How does the GI Bill apply to the University of Utah?                 

First, you need to determine your eligibility level. When you exit the service (ETS), if you are judged to have a service-related disability, then you can opt for Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehab). This pays better and generally provides more funding for getting your education.  Make sure you get a VA physical when you ETS to determine eligibility. The Veterans Support Center (http://veteranscenter.utah.edu/) can help with this process. Please note, the Veterans Support Center does not administer the GI Bill, but is available to help with the process and to answer questions.

I am an out-of-state student. What do I need to do to gain residency in Utah?

The State of Utah recently passed House Bill 124 granting in-state tuition to all Veterans and their families if they begin the process of establishing residency in Utah. This bill goes into effect May 8, 2012.

• Evidence of a discharge other than dishonorable from the Armed Forces within the past 12-months (DD 214).
• A written and signed declaration relinquishing residency in any other state and stating that you do not maintain a residency in another state.
• Objective evidence you have relinquished residency elsewhere - Utah voter registration card, Utah drivers license, ID, or vehicle registration, evidence of employment in Utah, rental agreement or utility bills.

More information will be available soon, as the University is still establishing procedures for implementation.

How does the new residency bill affect the Yellow-Ribbon Program?

Yellow Ribbon really only applies for paying the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Because of the new Bill, the Yellow-Ribbon Program no longer applies with the in-state tuition.

What can I expect in tuition and fees?

What an individual can expect to pay for tuition and fees is dependent on what program you are in. However, a majority of students can expect to pay around the same as an MBA student pays. Below is a sample break down of tuition and fees for a typical Full-Time MBA student that qualifies for resident tuition and is taking 17 credit hours.

• Tuition: $11,500
• Fees: $20

These numbers may change depending on the program you select and your personal situation.

What can I expect to pay for books?

The average student taking a full graduate load here at the University of Utah should expect to pay between $400 and $700 for books each semester. Most professors attempt to keep textbook costs to a minimum by offering no-book requirements or notes online. You will also receive a book stipend from the VA of $1000 per year, so plan accordingly.

How do your benefits work?

All you have to do is bring in your statement of eligibility to the University of Utah Registrar's Office, located in the Olpin Student Services building. Just fill out the packet that they have there. Be prepared to fill out additional required documentation, depending on your situation.

What will be covered by my benefits?

According to the new regulations that govern the GI Bill benefits packages, all resident tuition will be covered, with no cap. In other words, the VA will pay every dollar for your in-state tuition, no matter the cost. However, there is a cap on non-resident tuition. This is where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes into play. The University of Utah has the second highest yellow ribbon contribution in the western U.S., at $15,000 per year. This program is designed to split the cost of non-resident tuition between the VA and the University.

• The GI Bill covers the following:
• Tuition
• All fees
• Books stipend

The delivery of your benefits depends on your program. Post 9/11 will be delivered to you and the school. The Montgomery GI Bill will all go to you.

Is there any sort of check-list or additional information on how to apply as a Military Veteran?

The Veteran Support Center has provided the following check-list to help with the enrollment process. This is currently focused on undergraduates, but much of the information is the same.

http://veteranscenter.utah.edu/documents/NEWSTUDENTCHECKLIST.docx 

For additional information, please visit the Veterans Support Center website (http://veteranscenter.utah.edu). You can also ask questions from current student Veterans on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/70176981001/.

Where can I go if I need help?

Marty Swafford
Military Ambassador
militaryambassador@business.utah.edu

The University of Utah Veterans Support Center
(801) 587-7722