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Veterans Benefits

The Office of the University Registrar is a liaison between Saint Louis University  student veterans and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We process VA forms required for educational benefits, advise student veterans on procedural requirements and certify the enrollment of SLU student veterans to the VA.

Because eligibility for education benefits is determined solely by the VA, questions regarding eligibility should be directed to its representatives at benefits.va.gov/gibill or 1-888-442-4551.

Accessing VA Benefits at SLU

Before using VA benefits at SLU, all veterans and dependents must provide documentation of eligibility. For veterans, this documentation includes your DD-214 and a certificate of eligibility. For dependents, a certificate of eligibility and the Department of Defense authorization for transferred benefits is required.

If you have submitted an application for benefits to the VA but have not yet received a certificate of eligibility, provide a copy of the full application.

New Students

If you are a new student who is a veteran, or if you are an eligible dependent who has never used VA education benefits and would like to apply, complete and submit an application online at vets.gov/education/apply.

Transfer Students

Any student who previously received VA education benefits (other than vocational rehabilitation) at another school must update their current education benefits online at vets.gov/education/apply.

You must also complete a veterans benefits registration form for each semester you wish to receive benefits. This will initially be sent to you by the veteran’s certifying official after proof of eligibility has been submitted. It will subsequently be sent via email to all returning veterans and dependents when registration opens for next semester.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Saint Louis University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We will fund 50 percent of the remaining unmet tuition and fee charges for up to 85 students. Awards are made to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is available to students in all degree programs offered at Saint Louis University with five spots specifically assigned for students who pursue the Doctor of Medicine through the School of Medicine.

The amount each student receives from SLU varies according to the cost of their degree program and any tuition-specific scholarships or grants they may have been awarded. It cannot exceed the maximum contracted annual amount of $17,000. The Yellow Ribbon Program award cannot be combined with other SLU awards to result in a tuition surplus.

Students must:

  • Be admitted as a degree-seeking student with net tuition and fee charges above the Veteran Affairs' annual maximum rate as posted at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
  • Be eligible for the Ch. 33 Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® education benefits at the 100 percent level.
  • Maintain good academic standing at Saint Louis University.
  • Provide proof of eligibility within one week of application. This includes confirmation that the application for benefits has been submitted (with confirmation code) and a copy of the DD-214 or a copy of your certificate of eligibility. Students must forward their certification of eligibility (CoE) as soon as it becomes available. Funds will not be disbursed until the CoE is received by SLU's veterans certifying official.

If you are selected for the Yellow Ribbon Program at SLU, you will be funded each year you are in your current program of study as long as the University continues to renew its agreement with the VA. SLU has the right to reduce awards or discontinue the program at the end of each academic year.

Students must remain continuously enrolled each fall and spring semester to maintain their award. Exceptions will be made for those called for military duty.

Yellow Ribbon contributions will not be adjusted after the last day to drop classes without a W assigned — typically the end of the second week of classes. Any costs accrued due to adding or dropping classes after that date each semester will be your responsibility.

Note: SLU is required to provide the VA with copies of grades and academic records to support certifications or to show failure to meet progress requirements without seeking prior approval of the individual veteran.

Application Deadlines

The online application will be available for the summer and fall 2024 terms from 9 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. It will be open for the spring 2025 term from 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. All times are local.

Student Veteran Responsibilities

The VA and SLU’s veterans certifying official will closely monitor your enrollment status and academic program. Your educational benefit is based on the number of credit hours applied to the academic degree program.

Student veterans have the following responsibilities:

  • Notify the certifying official every time you want to be certified by completing the veterans benefits registration form.
  • Register only for courses required for your selected degree.
  • Do not register for courses for which you have already received a passing grade or credit, even if taken at another institution.
  • Notify the certifying official if you:
    • change programs or major
    • add or drop a class
    • withdraw from classes
    • change address
    • deplete your VA educational benefits
  • Maintain satisfactory progress toward your degree.

Contact Information

Leonard Dollenga
Veterans certifying official
DuBourg Hall, Room 119
314-977-2267
veterans@slu.edu

Direct eligibility and payment questions to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office:

VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 66830
St. Louis, MO 63166-6830
1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551)
benefits.va.gov/gibill

“GI 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.”