Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RMU Enhanced Service Award?

Robert Morris University has announced a new, expanded RMU Military Service Award that will cover all tuition and fees for any undergraduate programs of study for veterans, service members, or their spouses or dependents using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, regardless of their benefit coverage level.

Who qualifies for the “Zero Out of Pocket Costs” Enhanced Military Service Award?

Those who are using Post 911 GI Bill® benefits (Chapter 33) for a bachelor’s degree during their original term of entitlement. RMU will accept 50% to 90% Post 911 GI Bill® benefits as if those were at the 100% benefit level. This includes veterans, service members, military spouses and dependents.

What if I don’t qualify for the Post 911 GI Bill®?

Those who are using other GI Bill® Benefits for their undergraduate or masters program (Chapter 30, 35, 1606), DOD Tuition Assistance (TA) or National Guard benefits (EAP, MFEP) can be guaranteed a 25% discount (net of any other institutional aid).

What if I don’t have any GI Bill® or other military benefits?

Military members or veterans who have fully transferred, exhausted, or have expired benefits will receive up to a 25% discount (net of other institutional aid). Proof of service will be required: official discharge papers (DD214), Military ID, Official State ID with “veteran status”, VA healthcare card etc.

What are the different VA educational benefit chapters?

VA has multiple VA educational benefit chapters, you may qualify for one or more VA educational benefits. You will need to review each benefit in its entirety to make an informed decision on which benefit is best for you.

How do I determine my eligibility for VA educational benefits?

Eligibility is determined by the VA Regional Processing Office in Buffalo. You will apply online. Please refer to the VA Website for an explanation of benefits and to apply.

What is the VA Student Hotline and when should I call it?

The VA Student Hotline, 1-888-442-4551, was established as a resource to answer questions that you have regarding your VA educational benefits. If you have questions on how to verify your monthly attendance, how many months of entitlement you have left, if your VA educational benefit application has been received, or questions regarding what you were paid out from VA you can call the VA Student Hotline and they can assist.

What is a COE and how do I get it?

Your COE is your certificate of eligibility that states which benefit you are eligible for, the percentage, if applicable, and your entitlement allotment.

Veterans: If receiving Post 911 benefits, you can download your COE here. Or you can download a copy of your benefit statement in lieu of your COE on va.gov. For all other benefit chapters you can request your COE by submitting an inquiry to ask.va.gov.

Dependents and spouses: You can request your COE by submitting an inquiry to ask.va.gov.

How many months of entitlement do I have left?

You can find out this information through an updated COE, benefit statement or you can call the VA student hotline- 1-888-442-4551.

I have just applied for my VA educational benefits for the first time. When will I receive my first payment?

Whether you are waiting on your monthly stipend, MHA, or a tuition payment, VA is normally around a 30 day processing time for first time applicants. Stipends and MHA are paid directly to you, the student, on the first of each month but can take up to 10 days to be received. These payments are paid for the previous month of school attendance. Tuition for Post 911 and VR&E beneficiaries is paid to RMU. We understand the delays with the administration of your Post 911 or VR&E benefits may cause you to be late in paying your tuition bill, but all late fees due to VA delays will be waived.

Once I am eligible for VA educational benefits, what are my next steps to ensure I receive funds from VA?

The CVMF will need you to submit a copy of your COE (certificate of eligibility) to our office to verify your VA educational benefits. We will need your COE for your initial certification, you do not have to submit your COE each semester to the CVMF. After you create your class schedule you will need to submit an EV (enrollment verification) form (found under the “important resources” tab). Once the CVMF receives your EV form we will certify you to VA. Each certification the CVMF submits to VA on your behalf you will receive a VA verification email, this ensures your funds are forthcoming.

Am I eligible for MHA (monthly housing allowance)?

MHA is available for students using Post 911 (Chapter 33) benefits. Your MHA rate is based on the percentage of Post 911 benefits you qualify for and the modality you are taking courses. You cannot receive MHA if you are on active duty or if your spouse is on active duty or if you are taking courses at half time or less. Please refer to the VA comparison tool to see the MHA rates for RMU.

Am I eligible to receive Yellow Ribbon?

Per VA, you must qualify for the maximum benefit rate, 100%, under Post 911, Chapter 33 to be eligible for YR. RMU is an unlimited Yellow Ribbon school, that means we do not cap the amount of students we distribute YR funds to nor do we limit the amount of YR funds that are paid out.

How many classes do I have to take to be a full time student?

Undergraduate students are required to take 12 credit hours during the semester to be considered full time.

Graduate and doctoral students are required to take 9 credit hours during the semester to be considered full time.

Per VA policies, the credits you are taking coincide with the dates you are taking them to determine if your rate of pursuit is full time. For example, you are taking 9 credits that are scheduled for 15 week courses and 3 credits that are scheduled for the first 8 week term. You would only be considered as having a full time rate of pursuit for the first 8 week term where you have all 12 credits scheduled for. After the first 8 week term you would only have 9 credits scheduled for the rest of the semester and would have a 75% rate of pursuit. 

VA does weigh courses in non-standard terms (any term less than 15 weeks) more heavily than semester courses. A 3 credit 15 week course equals 3 credits, however, a 3 credit 8 week course equals 6.75 credits.

What is a VA second certification?

VA requires all schools to submit dual certifications for Chapter 33 students. Certification #1 must include the student’s total credits, the credit modality, the semester or term dates and $0 for the tuition and fees. This will ensure that the student will be paid their book stipend and housing allowance on time. Certification #2 will be submitted after RMU’s add/drop period and will include the student’s total tuition and fees. VA will then process this certification and payout tuition and fee funds to RMU accordingly. Your Chapter 33 tuition and fees will be delayed because of this VA mandated process, however, you will not receive any late fees from RMU as a result of the second certification.

How do Chapter 33 students verify their attendance?

VA requires all Chapter 33 students to verify their attendance on the last day of each month. The easiest way to verify attendance is by opting into VA’s text messaging option by calling the VA student hotline at 1-888-442-4551. If students do not opt into the text option they will automatically be enrolled into the email verification option. Students that do not verify their attendance for two consecutive months will have their MHA suspended. Please review VA's Enrollment Verification webpage for more details and specifics.

How do I verify my attendance if I’m using Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607 or Chapter 30?

If using any of these benefit chapters, you must verify your attendance monthly VA. You will not receive your monthly stipend until you verify your attendance on the last day of each month through WAVE (please make sure to review the user guide). You may also call, 1-877-823-2378, to verify your attendance. If you have any questions please call the VA student hotline at 1-888-442-4551.

What should I do if I decide to withdraw or drop from a course?

It is imperative that the CVMF be made aware of any schedule changes you make, these changes may affect your benefits and result in student debts. In order to withdraw/drop from a course you must fill out the RMU withdrawal form and submit it to the CVMF. The CVMF staff will review your request and consult with you about your options and process your withdrawal/drop.

If you withdraw because you are called up to active duty,  you must adhere to the RMU Deployment Policy.  This includes notifying your faculty before you deploy.  Submit all orders to Christie McFadden, mcfaddenc@rmu.edu, your orders will be communicated to the appropriate Department Head.

What happens if I want to change my major while I’m using my VA educational benefits?

You will need to submit a change of major request form. The CVMF will need to sign off on your change of major request and discuss your remaining entitlement with you. After the CVMF signs off on your form, the CVMF will submit the form to the Registrar’s Office on your behalf. The Registrar’s Office will email you confirmation that your major has been changed.

Can I take courses at RMU towards my CCAF associate’s degree?

Yes.  Please review RMU’s GEM program page for more information.

What is VR&E?

Veterans Readiness and Employment is a program for veterans that have a service connected disability that limits or prevents their ability to work. VR&E assists with job training, education, employment accommodations and much more. In most cases, it is most advantageous for a veteran to use VR&E before their Post 911 benefits. Visit the VA VR&E page for more information.

Am I eligible for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship?

If you are a veteran receiving Post 911 GI Bill® or are receiving the Fry Scholarship and are enrolled in an undergraduate STEM major, you may be eligible for this additional benefit. This scholarship provides up to 9 months or $30,000 (combined tuition and fees, book stipend and MHA), whichever comes first, of additional benefits to qualifying individuals. If you qualify you can apply for this scholarship when you have less than 6 months of Post 911 or Fry entitlement remaining. Please review eligibility and apply here.

What is VITAL?

VITAL stands for Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership. RMU is the only school in Pennsylvania that has a VITAL Coordinator on campus. VITAL supports Veterans successful integration into college and university campus life through on-campus clinical care and coordination, improving understanding of Veterans unique strengths and challenges through education and training delivered to the campus community and collaborating with the local VA medical center, the Veterans Benefits Administration, campus faculty and staff members, and community resources. 

How can I get more involved with the CVMF?

Join the RMU Student Veterans Association! The SVA provides veterans and military family members with the chance to stay connected with one another by providing morale boosting events, panel discussions, community event participation, and fundraisers. Contact rmusva@mail.rmu.edu or veterans@rmu.edu if you are interested, have questions, or want additional information. Also, check out the SVA page on Revolution.

Can I use VA Educational Benefits for Study Abroad?

Yes, for some programs.  If you are interested in using VA Educational Benefits for any of the Center for Global Engagements study abroad programs, you will need to let the CVMF office know of your intentions as each students situation is unique and specific VA guidelines and regulations need to be met to ensure VA payment is made to the receiving party.