VA Benefits

USD School of Law is pleased to continue its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

Consideration for awards will be extended to Juris Doctor, Master of Science, Master of Laws, and Diploma in Taxation. Students. Details and eligibility guidelines for Post 9/11 benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, can be found at on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. You may also inquire with the VA by phone at 1888 GIBill1 (442-4551).

The University of San Diego School of Law is in a partnership agreement with the VA to be a 100% Yellow Ribbon school. This means eligible recipients will be able to have their entire tuition and eligible fees paid for through the USD Yellow Ribbon scholarship program in conjunction with the VA matching Yellow Ribbon scholarship program.

VA regulations require that awards be made on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be considered for grant funding the following procedure must be followed:

  • An applicant must be admitted as a regular student to the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws or Master in Legal Studies program at USD School of Law and must be in a current status in regard to the required seat deposits. Visiting students are not eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits through USD.
Applicant must receive 100% of the benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Program and have remaining eligibility as established by the VA.
  • Applicants must submit their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the law school Records and Registrar office. A consideration list will then be established and students will be notified in strictly date of receipt order about their eligibility for this grant.
  • A student who receives a Yellow Ribbon Grant will be given priority in subsequent years to receive it as long as the requirements listed below apply:
    • Student must annually re-confirm interest to the Records Office by the July 1 deadline. This can be accomplished by a letter or email indicating interest in continuing participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
    • Student must remain continuously enrolled in the original program and must maintain satisfactory progress in that program
    • Student must comply with all USD and VA guidelines and deadlines

USD School of Law will review its participation and reapplication in the Yellow Ribbon Program on an annual basis.

 

College Financing Plan

The College Financing Plan (CFP) (formerly known as the Federal Shopping Sheet) was created to help students compare college financial aid offers. USD Law has made this tool available within the MySanDiego portal, which may be accessed on the Law Student page by clicking on the Financial Aid Status link and then selecting College Financing Plan from the tabs across the top of the page. 

Please note that data may only appear if you have completed your Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and you have been offered financial aid. Veteran benefits may not be available on the CFP (these benefits are viewable at the bottom of the CFP under other resources) if you have not submitted all paperwork for certification of your benefits. USD Law updates information as needed based on the amount of financial aid being offered or changes in your veteran benefits.

Any questions regarding the Veterans Benefits programs may be addressed to the law school Records and Registrar office by calling (619) 260-4526.

 

 

The GI Bill Comparison Tool is helpful to explore the right fit for your educational goal and benefits.

 

Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP)

USD School of Law is pleased to continue participation in the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members interested in joining the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) may be eligible for the Army to cover the cost of law school using the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members continue to serve on active duty and the Army covers the cost of tuition. 
 

Soldiers must meet the following requirements to be eligible for FLEP:

  • Be a Regular Army Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant First Class, Staff Sergeant, or Sergeant in the Operations Division (OD), Operations Support Division (OSD), Force Sustainment Division (FSD), Health Services Division (HSD), Army Special Operations Force (ARSOF), and Cyber branches (CB)
  • Be a U.S. citizen on the Active Duty List (ADL) in the grade of O-1 to O-3 or E-5 to E-7 while applying and at the time of selection
  • Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Officers: Have not less than 2 years nor more than 6 years of active duty, including prior warrant and enlisted service, as of the law school start date. (NOTE: For the next FLEP application cycle in 2023, the maximum time-in-service for officers as of the law school start date may change from six (6) to five (5) years of active duty service.)
  • Enlisted: Have not less than 4 years nor more than 8 years of active duty, including prior enlisted service, as of the law school start date
  • Possess at least a secret security clearance
  • Not have an approved resignation or separation date
  • Eligibility requirements are statutory and cannot be waived
  • Eligibility is outlined in Army Regulation 27-1, Chapter 10

Applicants can apply at U.S. Army's JAG Corps Online Application site. 

 

VA Work Study

Students using DVA Education Benefits can apply for an eligible part-time position under the VA Work Study program. To be eligible, students must fulfill all of the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled at least three-quarter time in a college degree, vocational, or professional program
  • Have found an open job either at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school
  • Can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits, and
  • Be using an approved VA education benefits program to pay for your education or training

Approved VA education benefits programs include:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill for Veterans & family members using transferred benefits
  • Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) & Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
  • The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • (Note: Dependents who qualify under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 may use work study only while enrolled at a school in one of the 50 states.)
  • National Call to Service
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

You can get a job that’s related to VA work, meets your interests, and fills a need. Examples include:

  • VA facility
  • Dept of Defense, Coast Guard, or National Guard location that oversees MGIB-SR or REAP
  • State Veterans agency to help Veterans get VR&E benefits
  • Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success to support the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of Veteran students
  • A cooperative program that we run together with a college, university, or other institution of higher learning
  • College, university, or other institution of higher learning in any Veteran-related role.
Visit the VA Work Study Website for more information. 

 

VA Resources

  • The Student Veteran Organization (SVO) is open to everyone including veterans of all services, their dependents, and advocates of the veteran population. The SVO supports and promotes veterans and veteran issues and provides peer support through a solid network of individuals.
  • The University of San Diego is an educational partner with 50 Strong. The mission of 50 Strong is to provide career preparedness, resume advice, and networking events for student veterans and transitioning service members and to connect them with veteran employer recruiters.
  • The Alumni Veteran Network (AVN) was founded in 2015 and works to serve the over 4,000 USD alumni Veterans. AVN seeks to make the University of San Diego the nation’s premier destination for veterans seeking education, resources, and fellowship.

 

Contact

Department of Veterans Affairs
Western Region
VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
(888) 442-4551
(1-888-GI Bill-1)

USD VA Certifying Official
SAMANTHA SCOTT
samanthascott@sandiego.edu