Veterans Financial Aid Guide

At Stetson University, you can access the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits Programs. The Office of Financial Aid will work with the Office of the Registrar to coordinate your enrollment verification and submit the necessary forms. Current VA programs available include:

• Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606
• Post-911 GI Bill® (Ch. 33)
• The Yellow Ribbon Program

Please be aware that any scholarship you receive from Stetson University—whether for academics, talent, or athletics—will go toward your tuition and fees.

Following Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), Stetson University has adopted additional provisions for students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9-11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while awaiting payment from the VA. Under this policy, Stetson University will not:

• Prevent your enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to you;
• Require you to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny you access to any resources (such as classes, libraries, or other campus facilities) available to other students who have met their tuition and fee obligations.

To qualify for this provision, you may be required to:

• Provide your VA Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
• Submit a written request to be certified;
• Furnish additional information needed for proper enrollment certification as outlined in other institutional policies.

Stetson University also participates in the scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) program.

You are required to complete the Veterans Benefits Request form each year. Submit this form to Stetson University's Office of Financial Aid along with a certificate of eligibility (VA Form 22-0557) or an award letter (VA Form 20-8993). Once your form is received, we will notify the VA regional office of your enrollment.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, please complete the Veterans Benefits Request form.

First-Time Benefits Recipients

If you are applying for benefits for the first time, you must complete a Veterans Benefits Request form in addition to the forms listed above.

If You Are Transferring to Stetson University

If you previously received benefits at another institution and are applying at Stetson University for the first time, you need to complete a VA Change of Program/Place of Training Form.

If You Have Changed Majors or Degrees

If you have changed majors or degrees since your last certified enrollment at the university, you are required to complete a VA Change of Program/Place of Training Form.

Veterans Benefits Request

If you are seeking VA benefits, the following enrollment requirements apply to you:

• The courses you take must meet your degree requirements.
• For full-time funding, you need to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester if you are an undergraduate, or at least 6 credit hours if you are a graduate student. Your summer session pay rate will depend on both the credit hours and the length of your classes.
• If you change your course load after your enrollment has been certified, notify the Office of Student Financial Aid immediately, as it may affect your benefit amount.
• You must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Stetson University Catalog.
• You’re required to declare a major once you have earned 60 credit hours.
• If you want to add a second major or degree, request a list of VA requirements for approval at least three weeks before enrollment certification for the next year.
• If you plan to take an independent study course during the next academic year, Stetson University must seek approval from the VA's state-approving agency before enrollment certification can occur.
• If you intend to attend another college or university during the summer and use VA benefits, first obtain approval from the Office of Student Financial Aid, which will sign your Transient Student Form.
• Finally, it is your responsibility to inform your VA Certifying Official immediately of any changes in your academic career. Failing to do so may result in a temporary interruption of your benefits.

DeLand Campus

Chris Griffin
Director of Veteran Services
VA PSCO - Chapters 31, 1606
421 N. Woodland Blvd, Unit 8244
DeLand, FL 32723
Email: [email protected]

Belem Lopez
Director of Student Financial Aid
VA SCO - Chapter 33/Yellow Ribbon
421 N. Woodland Blvd, Unit 8379
DeLand, FL 32723
Email: [email protected]

Jamie Vanderlip
Registrar
VA PSCO - Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606
421 N. Woodland Blvd, Unit 8398
DeLand, FL 32723
Email: [email protected]

Gulfport Campus

Johnny Pruiett
Coordinator, Veterans Law Institute
Veteran Certifying Official, Chapter 33/Yellow Ribbon
1401 61st Street South
Gulfport, FL 33707
Email: [email protected]

Chauncey Patton
Financial Aid Coordinator
Veteran Certifying Official
1401 61st Street South
Gulfport, FL 33707
Email: [email protected]

Melissa Mundt 
Registrar
Veteran Certifying Official, Chapters 31 and 35
1401 61st Street South
Gulfport, FL 33707
Email: [email protected]

Below are links to the education benefits page of each branch. Stetson recommends that you contact your Base/Unit Education Services Officer to help with tuition assistance and deciding which college fits your needs.

• Army
• Navy
• Marines
• Air Force
• Space Force
• Coast Guard
• Reserve Components
  • Army
  • Marine Corps
  • Navy
  • Air Force
  • Coast Guard
• National Guard
  • Army National Guard
  • Air National Guard

You can postpone your loan repayment before returning to school after your active duty service.

In certain situations, the Department of Defense may cover some or all of your loans, depending on their criteria.

While on active duty, the Department of Education waives many documentation requirements for program benefits, like Income-Driven Repayment (IDR). For example, if you're unable to provide information on family size and income, your IDR monthly payment amount will stay the same.

Under IDR plans, you may qualify for a low or even zero payment amount, with the possibility of loan forgiveness on the remaining balance in the future.

You can also postpone your repayment if you're serving in active duty or qualifying duty in the National Guard during a war, other military operations, or a national emergency.

As a service member, you may qualify for forgiveness of your Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying payments since October 1, 2007.

For federal student loans taken out before your military service, interest is capped at six percent during active duty. This cap can also apply to private education loans, with late fees and NSF fees potentially waived under SCRA.

If you have a service-connected disability, you may qualify for a discharge of your federal student loans. Additional benefits may be available for Perkins Loans. You should contact your school for details.

While serving in hostile areas eligible for special pay, you won’t have to pay interest on Direct Loans made on or after October 1, 2008, for up to 60 months.