student at graduation with child

Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits

Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits

Western Seminary works with veterans and active duty armed forces personnel in the receiving of Veteran's Affairs (VA) and other educational benefits. A student’s ability to qualify for and receive these benefits is determined by the government and not Western Seminary, though a VA Certifying Official on Western staff is available to counsel students that may qualify to receive these benefits. That official will assist eligible students by certifying and tracking students’ enrollment and progress in their degree program. Students receiving these types of benefits will need to partner with their certifying official each semester to ensure full understanding and clear communication about enrollment. Western Seminary strongly suggests that all students interested in receiving VA benefits connect with their ESO or a contact within their branch of military to receive approval prior to enrolling.

If you are eligible to receive VA benefits, please follow these steps:

(1) Send your Certificate of Eligibility to the Certifying Official at your campus

(2) Complete and submit the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities for Students Receiving VA Benefits

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:

  • Prevent the students enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to;
  • Require student secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

  • Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
  • Provide written request to be certified;
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies

G.I. 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.

Comissions, Bonuses, and Other Incentives

  • Western Seminary prohibits the use of inducements, commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments directly or indirectly on securing enrollment or federal financial aid (including Tuition Assistance funds) to any person or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admissions activities, or making decisions regarding award of student financial aid.
  • Western Seminary prohibits the use of high-pressure recruitment tactics, including:
    • Making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 max), including by phone, email, or in-person.
    • Engaging in same-day recruitment or registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.
    • Contacting individuals by phone, email, or text who have informed Western that they no longer wish to be contacted by Western Seminary.

Isakson and Roe (section 1018 of Public Law 116-315)

Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021, and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.

Schools must provide a covered individual (a student using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.) with a personalized shopping sheet that contains:

Designated Contacts:

  • Academic Counseling: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Financial Counseling: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Disability Counseling: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

School Certifying Official:

  • Matt Jolley
    503.517.1820
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research and apply for benefits online at:

Additional Resources

Estimated Costs for Books and Supplies

For veterans considering degrees at Western Seminary:

Estimated cost of books and materials per semester:

  • Ministry students (All masters degrees not counseling): $200–$250
  • Counseling students: $300–$370

These costs reflect typical expenses for full-time students in both masters and ddvanced degree programs.

·         Western Seminary prohibits the use of inducements, commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments directly or indirectly on securing enrollment or federal financial aid (including Tuition Assistance funds) to any person or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admissions activities, or making decisions regarding award of student financial aid.

·         Western Seminary prohibits the use of high-pressure recruitment tactics, including:

o    Making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 max), including by phone, email, or in-person.

o    Engaging in same-day recruitment or registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.

o    Contacting individuals by phone, email, or text who have informed Western that they no longer wish to be contacted by Western Seminary.