Military Connected Students FAQs

Have Questions? We've Got Answers.

We have done our best to anticipate and address all of your questions. However, if you don't see the question you are looking for, please reach out to one of folks in the Who/Points of Contact drop-down list.

I am thinking about applying to Gonzaga, what do I need to know?

1. I’m a veteran or a prospective student with access to Veteran Benefits and I want to apply to GU – what do I need to do?

We are thrilled you are looking at GU. The first thing you need to do is contact our Admissions Team. Connect with the Admissions Office that best describes you:

2. Do I need to have my Associate's Degree to transfer to GU?

While not a hard and fast rule, the overwhelming majority of our military veterans complete their Associate's degree prior to enrolling at Gonzaga. This will allow you to make the most out of your time at GU and help you be successful. For specific questions, reach out to the Transfer Admissions Counselor: Minton@gonzaga.edu.

3. I am a Veteran, is my application fee waived?

Good News - The $50 Undergraduate Fee is waived, and we are working on the Graduate and Law Fees.

4. I want to use my Veteran Education Benefits/GI Bill® to pay for my schooling.

Once you have applied for admission to the program of your choice, it's now a great time to begin the VA Paperwork process. (Check out theUsing my Veteran Educational Benefits / GI Bill + Benefits section of this website for more specific information).

5. How much will I have to pay out of pocket to attend GU?

Veteran Education benefits vary from person to person. In general, if you have access to the complete GI Bill amount it's about $24,000 per year (changes annually). Many of our veterans are eligible and able to access the Yellow Ribbon Program, which means, they do not pay money out of pocket for their education. For more specific Yellow Ribbon information, please check out the Yellow Ribbon Section of this website.

6. Which military school credits transfer over to college credit?

Gonzaga may award up to 25 general elective credits for military education however, the coursework is generally ungraded - or technical/vocational in nature - so it is not included in the academics evaluated for admission purposes. Receiving credit for military training requires submission of an official Joint Services Transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcript.

College credit earned at a regionally accredited institution is generally accepted in transfer and will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis for credit equivalency at Gonzaga University. To review courses that transferred from your previous institutions, please refer to our Transfer Credit Database. If you would like a pre-evaluation of your college credit, please contact Gonzaga’s transfer admission counselor, Audrey Minton.

What do I need to know about using Veteran Educational Benefits / GI Bill® + Benefits?

How do I know if I have GI Bill® Benefits?

Start by checking your e-benefits site. Our university certifying official can be a great resource to help you better understand your benefits, email Vets@Gonzaga.edu

Using your benefits:

Gonzaga veterans are serviced by the Muskogee Regional RPO located in Muskogee, OK. The University uses Electronic Certification (VA-ONCE) to certify enrollment during the semester and also to transmit changes.

New/Initial applications may be done two ways:

1. Apply On-line through the Veterans Affairs Education & Training home page and clicking the "Apply for Benefits" tab, or

2. Apply by sending in a hard copy application available in the Veterans Office.

Processing time for these can take up to sixty days especially during the fall semester, so early filing is important to avoid delays. Print a copy of your application for your records as applications go straight to the VA. Also, after transmitting the application, either print the page with the Transmission ID Number or copy the number down.

Once the application is processed, you'll receive a letter called Certificate of Eligibility. Please send a copy of just the first page to the Certifying Official.

Important Things to Consider:

Discharged service members should bring a copy of their DD 214 and Reservists their NOBE when making initial application for benefits.
Copies of these documents can be made in the Veterans Office.
Spouses/dependents applying for benefits under Chapter 35 should have the service number of the veteran they are filing under.
Veterans coming to Gonzaga from another school or program must sign a VA form 22-1995 (active duty/reservists) or VA form 22- 5495 for chapter 35 veterans before benefits can be certified. These forms are available in the Veterans Office or by visiting their web page.
Refer to the VA website regarding information and a section on FAQs concerning the new Forever GI Bill® benefits.
Since the use of VA Educational Benefits is always the choice of the person being certified, students using VA Educational Benefits at Gonzaga must tell the School Certifying Official (SCO) which term(s) they want certified.
This can be done in one of two ways. By completing the Registration Intent Form or by emailing the SCO each term they wished to be certified.

If you have started classes and your VA check hasn't arrived:

Gonzaga is used to working with the VA – we’ve been doing it for years. Please know that our friends in Financial Aid know that sometimes it can take a month to receive checks. As long as you have completed the necessary paperwork and the GU Certifying Official has said you are good, you are probably good. When in doubt, reach out the GU Certifying Official to double check that you don’t need to do anything else, and check status.

Have you submitted your verification letter to Mike Grabowski?
Has your enrollment certification been done through Mike Grabowski or through the toll free verification number 1-877-823-2378 for chapters 30, 32, 1606 and 1607? (Chapters 31, 33 and 35 do not need to verify at the end of each month).
VA may not have processed your certification yet; it can take as little as 2 weeks to as many as 8 weeks, depending on their work load.
Previous over payments will be satisfied by current awards. Current benefits could be applied towards previous balance.
Don't Panic - the Financial Aid Office is used to the VA timelines, please connect with them.

Do all classes count for VA benefits?

No. Only classes that are specifically required for your degree program and listed in the Gonzaga Course Catalog will be counted towards your VA benefits.

Can I drop or withdraw from a class while I am using the GI Bill?

DROP WITH A REFUND Every fall and spring semester, the last day to drop a class for a refund is the 10th day after classes begin [for late starting classes or summer classes, please refer to your syllabus or contact the Registrar’s Office]. If you drop classes during this period of time, you will not be charged for these courses. However please note that it is your responsibility to notify the School Certifying Official immediately should you make any adjustments to your class schedule. Classes dropped after the drop date, are processed as a withdrawal and you will be responsible for any resulting bills.

How do I receive benefits via direct deposit?

Direct deposit authorization can be initiated at time of application. To update, change or add direct deposit information call: 1-877-838-2778.

Do I need to register my disability with the school?

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. Visit here.

How much BAH do most people get at GU?

BAH varies from person to person depending upon rank, years of service and more. The Defense.gov website is a good resource to learn more.

How do I find out if my GI is going to run out before I graduate?

First check your e-benefits page, then talk to Financial Aid and the GU Certifying official. This will make sure you’ve got ALL the information you need.

My GI Bill is going to run out before I graduate.

This happens, don’t panic. The folks in Financial Aid bend over backward to help our student veterans. So the moment you think your GI Bill may run out, set-up an appointment with the folks in the Financial Aid Office.

Does the VA pay for tutorial services?

Yes. The VA can assist with tutoring, check out this website for instructions. We suggest asking your faculty member for tutor suggestions, the Center for Academic Success is also a great place for that.

Will my VA benefits pay for testing, certifications, and/or licensing?

Yes. The VA can provide assistance check out this website for instructions.

Will the GI Bill cover my expenses if I want to study abroad?

Gonzaga offers a rich variety of study abroad opportunities. In fact, nearly 50% of GU students study abroad at some point in their college career. If you are interested in studying abroad, we encourage you to plan ahead.

Step 1: Meet with the staff at the Center for Global Engagement who can help explain the different opportunities. Most of the applications open in December for the following academic year. Center for Global Engagement, www.gonzaga.edu/studyabroad, 509-313-3549 Hemmingson First Floor.

Step 2: Meet with your academic advisor to affirm the program fits into your academic plan.

Step 3: Meet with the University Certifying Official to make sure the study abroad plan will fit into GI Bill requirements.

Students must be enrolled in courses that apply to their program.

• The program at the “host” school in the foreign country school must be approved.

• VA cannot pay study abroad fees unless it is required as part of the student’s program.

Who are the best contacts at GU for Military Benefits Questions?

Gonzaga's Veterans Benefits Advisor, Mike Grabowski, offers years of expertise combined with his first hand experience as a veteran. Working in the Office of the Registrar, located in College Hall, Room 229, our Veteran's Benefits team serves all military and veteran students, including undergraduate, graduate and law programs.

Veterans Advisor
Michael Grabowski.
Phone: (509) 313-6596
E-Mail: grabowski@gonzaga.edu

Veteran Coordinator
Ryan Forim.
Phone: (509) 313-6509
E-Mail: forim@gonzaga.edu

Where can I find answers to questions about my Veteran Educational Benefits?

Wondering what your educational benefits are?

Veteran benefits vary greatly from service-member to service member. Begin by hopping on to e-benefits to learn more about your specific DOC Educational Benefits.

Looking for a general overview?

Link to an external resource: A College Resource for Veterans.

Gain a better understanding of the benefits and terms:

What are my responsibilities as a student veteran at GU?

In addition to following the student code of conduct and other policies, our student veterans have some additional requirements, when it comes to using their educational benefits at GU.

You must notify the Certifying Official of any VA Status Changes:

Add/drop classes. This may change your eligibility for benefits or cause you to owe a repayment of your benefits.
Stop attending class(es).
Change your program of study.
Change of address or phone number.

Change of Address?

Call the VA’s toll free number (888-442-4551) to verify that your new address is in their database.
Notify the post office so they may forward your checks.
Notify Mike Grabowski and TRANS office.
Change your Gonzaga student information online.

Know the Requirements for Your Program:

You must apply for a specific educational program. The VA will pay only for courses required for graduation.
Mike Grabowski will compare the classes you have enrolled in each quarter against the appropriate Program of Study
Repeat courses are not generally allowed, except for those passed with less than a 1.0 GPA. The exception is if the Gonzaga degree you are pursuing has a minimum GPA requirement for that particular course.
Counselor/faculty academic consultant error is not an acceptable reason for taking classes not applicable to your program.

Transfer Students:

If you have attended another college or university request that your official transcripts be sent to the Gonzaga Office of Admissions. Please send your Official Transcripts to:
Gonzaga Office of Admission 502 E. Boone Avenue Spokane, WA 99258-0102
509-313-6572/ Toll Free: 800-322-2584
Transfer Evaluation Information (https://zagweb.gonzaga.edu/gnzdocs/ug_transfer.pdf)
General Information for Transfer Students (https://zagweb.gonzaga.edu/gnzdocs/ug_geninfo.pdf

Impact of Grades Earned on VA Benefits

Attend classes all quarter and earn a 2.0 GPA each quarter to remain in good standing with the VA.
W” or “Z” grades are considered non-punitive grades and will create a benefit overpayment, resulting in a VA debt.
0.0 (failing) grades are considered punitive grades and may not result in an overpayment.
DO NOT STOP ATTENDING CLASSES!

The VA will NOT create an overpayment if you continue to attend

If you stop attending classes – you will receive an overpayment, resulting in a VA debt

What should I know about Financial Aid and Scholarships?

Nearly two thirds of Gonzaga students qualify for financial aid. To apply for financial aid, students are required to complete a FAFSA. Gonzaga University uses the FAFSA to determine aid eligibility for all federal, state, and need-based institutional aid. Even if you have access to the GI Bill, please complete the FAFSA so we can get you connected with all of the resources available to you.

File the FAFSA every year. It's not too late!

How to Apply for Financial Aid at Gonzaga.

1. Your Admission Application will be reviewed by the Office of Admission to determine your eligibility for a merit-based scholarship ranging from $12,000 to $23,000 per year for the 2020-21 school year. For more information about the admission process or to apply online, please visit the Office of Admission.

2. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) It is to your advantage to file the FAFSA to see what other institutional, state, and federal funding you might qualify for. Submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Gonzaga's Federal School Code is 003778.

3. Apply for other Gonzaga University Scholarships

Gonzaga offers many different institutional scholarships. We recommend viewing the Office of Admissions page for those scholarships requiring an additional application. Many of Gonzaga's other scholarships are offered either through majors of study or through other criteria set forth by the particular scholarship. You are also encouraged to view our outside scholarship database to view available scholarship not specific to Gonzaga.

NOTE: All correspondence from the financial aid office is sent to your ZagMail account. It is important for you to check your ZagMail often regarding the status of your financial aid.

Am I eligible for scholarships if I am using the GI Bill?

Gonzaga Merit Scholarships: All students who complete the Application for Admission are automatically considered for one of several need-blind scholarships, no separate application forms are required. Criteria for the scholarships include difficulty of curriculum, grade point average, SAT or ACT test scores, extracurricular activities, recommendations, quality of the essay, and an optional interview. Transfer scholarships: (generally range from $11,000 to $21,000)

Students entering with 31-59 transfer credits are guaranteed scholarship for up to 6 semesters.
Students entering with 60+ transfer credits are guaranteed scholarship for up to 4 semesters.
Students offered a merit scholarship must be admitted to the University, enrolled in 12+ credits each term, and maintain good academic standing to guarantee continuous scholarship.
Transfer Student Opportunity Scholarship: Available to sophomore and junior transfer students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement at an accredited college and intend to pursue a bachelor's degree full-time. Deadline: April 1st for Fall, November 15th for Spring.
Scholarships will be applied to your account before VA benefits pick up cost. Once VA benefits are applied to your account scholarship funding that is left over should be discussed with Financial Aid counselor, remember a situation may arise that you pay out of pocket for some education expense. Prepare yourself for success.

How is Financial Need Determined?

Your eligibility for federal and state financial aid is based on your documented Financial Need.

Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution
- Outside Scholarships and Other Resources
= Need for Financial Aid

The cost of attendance is determined each year by the University and includes not only tuition and fees, but also your room and meals, books and supplies, traveling expenses, and cost of living — in other words, the cost of being a student.

It is important to note, however, that the total amount of financial aid a student receives cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined by the Department of Education using your FAFSA information. The EFC is calculated based on a formula developed by Congress using both your income and assets as well as your parents’, unless you are considered independent.

What if I am using GI Bill and also eligible for need-based aid (e.g., loans, Pell-grant, Gonzaga grant, SEOG, and the Washington College Grant)?

If you have been awarded and accepted need-based aid, this will be applied to your tuition and fees after your GI-Bill and Merit Scholarships. This means, if your GI Bill and Merit Scholarships cover the total cost of your tuition and fees, you could end up with an “over-payment” or money left over to help you cover life expenses. In this way, the need based aid is designed to provide a foundation or floor of financial aid to help defray educational costs to include living expenses.

What if I am using GI Bill and also merit or external scholarships?

If you have been awarded and accepted merit or external scholarships, this will be applied to your tuition and fees after your GI-Bill and before any need-based aid. The Yellow-Ribbon is considered part of your financial, merit package at GU.

Apply for other Gonzaga University Scholarships

How can I find out if there are any jobs available for me on campus?

ZagsIgnite is Gonzaga University's job search and recruiting platform, you can find solutions to your career development needs, including: Connect with employers and organizations all over the country for job & internship opportunities, Schedule individual career advising appointment, Find information about upcoming Career & Professional Development career fairs, events and programming.

There are many student positions that become available throughout the year. Work Study positions, Graduate Assistants, and regular part-time employment opportunities can be found advertised on the Morning Mail emails, the Gonzaga Bulletin newspaper, and through individual university departments

• Any student interested in on and off campus employment opportunities can contact Student Financial Services at (509)313-6582 or visit http://www.gonzaga.edu/studentemployment.

Apply for other Gonzaga University Scholarships
Gonzaga offers many different institutional scholarships. We recommend viewing the Office of Admissions page for those scholarships requiring an additional application. Many of Gonzaga's other scholarships are offered either through majors of study or through other criteria set forth by the particular scholarship. You are also encouraged to view our outside scholarship database to view available scholarship not specific to Gonzaga.

Does GU participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and how does it work?

Yellow Ribbon Program (Chapter 33)

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the in-state tuition and fees of public institutions or the annual amount payable to private institutions. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. Gonzaga University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program, enhancing financial access for student veterans. For more information, contact Mike Grabowski at (509) 313-6596.

100% eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, plus Yellow Ribbon benefits, generally cover cost of tuition at Gonzaga University – check out the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to see for yourself!

The number of Yellow Ribbon "spots" varies from year to year, the past few years we've had 100 for undergraduates and about 12 for the Law School. The tuition threshold is not high enough in graduate programs to warrant the Yellow Ribbon.

Can you tell me about life on campus as a student veteran?

Life as a ZAG Veteran

At GU we have worked to create a welcoming campus for our veterans. From events to the Transfer and Veteran Office and orientation, we think you'll see that we are excited to welcome you to campus.

What types of clubs do vets get involved in?

There are over 110 clubs and countless involvement opportunities for you - no matter your age or major. Our veterans have been involved in everything from student government to club basketball. Check out involvement opportunities here.

Do you have any organizations for Student Veterans?

Yes. We have a Student Vet Organization that serves all students and military-connected folks. The SVO attends the national conference every year. We also have a student veteran organization at the law school.

How can I meet other veterans?

The best and easiest way is to pop in to the Transfer, Veteran Office in Hemmingson 211 - there you will meet vets working there and get connected with other veterans. TVRAS is also active on Instagram.

As a Veteran, am I required to live on campus?

If you are 21 years or older, you are not required to live on campus.

How many vets attend GU?

It varies every year, but in 2020 we had 141 student vets enrolled, and about 190 spouses and dependents used GI Bill Benefits.

How many vets work at GU?

Our president and two of our cabinet members are veterans. 7% of faculty and staff are veterans.

I'm looking for information about living in Spokane, and resources for veterans in Spokane, can you help?

Visit our living in Spokane Website.

Spokane Veterans Center

13109 E Mirabeau Pkwy,
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
Phone: (509) 444-8387

Make the Connection: Shared Experiences & Support for Veterans

Explore life events or experiences that you can relate to and get information, stories, and resources for support.

Military OneSource

Confidential DoD-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, and their families.

Spokane Veterans Forum

SVF provides services through partnerships with veterans groups, federal, state and local governments, local businesses and non-profits in the Inland Northwest.

Spokane Veterans Forum Community Resource Guide

A comprehensive guide of organizations that provide support services to veterans and their families.

Student Veterans of America

SVA's mission is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.

Vet Center Combat Call Center

Phone: 877-WAR-VETS
Confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life.

Military Sexual Assault

RAINN Safe Helpline for the DoD Community

Live 1-on-1 Help
Confidential
Worldwide 24/7

www.SafeHelpline.org
Call: 878-995-5247
Text: 55-247

Post Traumatic Stress

National Center for PTSD

Includes information on Moral Injury and co-occurring trauma (polytrauma).

Suicide Prevention and Support

Veterans Crisis Line

Provides crisis intervention services via phone, text, and instant chat.

1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Scholarships for Service People or Veterans

Other Resources and Key Veteran Contacts in The Spokane Region:

Army Wounded Warrior (AW2): 509-434-7527
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans: 509-462-2500
Spokane County Veteran Services: 509-477-3690
OIF/OEF VA Transition Team: 509-434-7286
Veterans Outreach Center: 509-444-8387
Spokane WorkSource Veterans Team: 509-532-3102

Veterans Information Sheet – a printable document with phone numbers and addresses of local community resources, veterans’ offices, and military associations.

WIN211 – Washington’s Information Network – A community resource database that can be accessed ONLINE or by simply calling 2-1-1 and a referral specialist will assist you.

Who do I contact for questions and help?

Who do I go to for What?

Interested in applying to GU? You should contact the appropriate Admissions Office: Undergraduate, Graduate, Law.
Need to apply for Yellow Ribbon, Certify your classes with the VA you should contact the University Certifying Official.
Have questions about your financial aid package, tuition, billing or FASA? You should contact Financial Aid.
You have questions about the Veteran community at GU and connecting with other Vets, you should contact the Transfer, Veteran Office.
You need a parking pass: You should check out the parking permit page.

Is there a manual or something I can download that could help answer my questions about being a student vet at GU?

Student Veteran Manual

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