Educational Benefits
How to secure your educational benefits
Mount Saint Mary鈥檚 University and its School Certifying Official (SCO) are committed to providing our student veterans, military personnel and military families with the services, information and educational benefits they need to achieve their academic and professional goals.
School Certifying Official
The School Certifying Official (SCO) is responsible for certifying enrolled students and forwarding enrollment certifications to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so that students can receive eligible VA education benefits. The SCO must carry out the certification process in accordance with VA regulations and policies. Mount Saint Mary鈥檚 University maintains a reference file on all VA students for up to three years.
Questions regarding VA education benefits, the certification process, submitted certifications and benefit payments should be directed to our SCO.
For all other questions related to VA eligibility and benefit claims, please reach out to the VA Education and Training helpline at 888-GIBILL1 (888.442.4551) or by .
Contact our School Certifying Official below:
VA School Certifying Official
Paula Avery
Associate Registrar
Phone: 213.477.2522
Email: pavery@msmu.edu
Email me to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.
Online GI Bill® Comparison Tool
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched an online to make it easier for Veterans, Service members and dependents to calculate their Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and learn more about VA’s approved colleges, universities and other education and training programs across the country.
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 Website at .
Covered programs
Tuition Assistance (TA) DECIDE
The Department of Defense TA DECIDE comparison tool is designed to assist participants to make informed decisions about educational programs. .
Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid up to 100% to eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions. Funding is paid directly to the institution.
- Request the authorization as soon as possible before the semester begins, so that payment can be posted to your student account in a timely manner.
- Contact us by phone at 310.954.4130 or by email at VeteranServices@msmu.edu to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.