Veterans Educational Benefits

Florida Gulf Coast University is approved for the education of veterans, eligible dependents, members of the selected reserve, and active-duty personnel eligible for benefits under public laws now in effect. All degree programs currently offered at FGCU are approved by the State of Florida, Bureau of State Approving Agency for Veterans' Training. Additionally, Continuing Education courses are not approved by the State Approving Agency. To facilitate the prompt and accurate reporting of the student's status and course load, the veteran and other VA Education recipients must apply for VA Educational Benefits and submit copies of appropriate forms to Records & Registration.

Additional documentation or forms may be required for certification of enrollment.  Enrollment Certifications are not submitted automatically on behalf of the recipient. The student veteran and other recipients must inform Records & Registration of their enrollment intent before the beginning of each semester. Changes in enrollment, and major/program, must be reported immediately to Records & Registration to avoid overpayments and ensure that the VA is notified promptly with the most up-to-date information. The veteran's previous education and training will be evaluated, and FGCU Undergraduate Admissions will grant appropriate credit.

Section 103, PL 115-407(e) indicates that the institution must permit any covered individual* who is admitted to FGCU to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Letter for entitlement to educational assistance under Ch. 31, 33, 35 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1. The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution; OR
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the COE.

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

• Prevent the student's enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student 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 VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies."

To be considered for full-time VA Education benefits, degree-seeking undergraduate students must enroll for twelve (12) or more semester hours, and degree-seeking graduate students must enroll for nine (9) or more semester hours each academic semester. VA regulations require that students take only courses required for their degree program or other approved program, and they must make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. Students receiving Veterans' Educational Benefits are allowed no more than two (2) probationary/warning terms. If a VA Education recipient reaches this point, their benefits will be terminated for failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress. Additionally, the student should have achieved the GPA (2.0, undergraduate, and 3.0 graduate) required for graduation by the mid-point of their program. VA benefits will be terminated for students who are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons and can only be reinstated after academic counseling and a satisfactory GPA is achieved.

*** It is the student's responsibility to remain in good standing with the VA and to respond to notification of changes in regulation. ***

The VA toll-free telephone number is 1-888-442-4551. More information may be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov

*A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®)

Veterans Choice Act- Non-Resident Tuition Waiver

In accordance with Florida Statute 1009.26(13) and (14), out-of-state tuition and fees shall be waived for covered eligible individuals using VA Education Benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 33T, 35, 1606, 1607, and Active Duty).  

A person who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard; or entitled to and uses educational assistance provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for a term and who physically resides in Florida while enrolled in the institution are eligible for a waiver of out-of-state fees.  

A person who is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States residing or stationed outside of the state is eligible for a waiver of out-of-state fees. The student must submit a copy of their military ID card and a copy of their current military orders. Refer to Veteran Services for the waiver form.

The veteran must present to the University a copy of the Department of Defense Form 214 (DD-214) member 4, and Florida state-issued documentation as proof that the veteran physically resides in Florida. Other persons must present documentation as proof that they physically reside in Florida. Refer to Veteran Services for the waiver form.

A dependent using VA Education benefits is considered an eligible individual. The eligible individual MUST physically reside in Florida while enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University and must receive educational assistance from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the term the waiver is requested.

** Note: If your entitlement has run out or you are electing not to use educational assistance from VA, you will not be eligible for the out-of-state waiver **