国产传媒

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

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty® program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses but must be pre-approved by the Veterans Administration. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty.

A veteran of World War II or thereafter who has a service-connected disability (20% or higher) which entitles him or her to VA disability compensation and who is in need of vocational rehabilitation because his or her disability creates an employment handicap, may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits.  Vocational rehabilitation may be provided for up to 48 months, and an eligible veteran now generally has 12 years from discharge or release from active duty in which to use these benefits.  Disabled veterans are encouraged to contact the regional VA office in their area to obtain detailed information and to request VA form #28-1900, Disabled Veteran's Application for Vocational Rehabilitation.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The Veterans Administration limits eligibility to Post 9/11 GI Bill®recipients, who are eligible for 100% of the benefits. Effective August 1, 2010 国产传媒 participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. You may visit the GI Bill® website for more information on 国产传媒 Yellow Ribbon awards. Awards are given on a first-come first serve basis; however, applications cannot be considered until all documentation is received.

For more information, please visit .

The sons, daughters, spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran may be eligible for educational assistance if the veteran died while on active duty, died after release or discharge from active duty or a service-connected disability (80%-100%), became permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability, died while a service-connected disability was rated permanent and total, or has been listed as missing in action, captured, detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power for more than 90 days. Eligible persons are entitled to 45 months of educational assistance and are paid benefits on the same basis as a veteran with no dependents.

Basic eligibility exists for a person who (after June 30, 1985) enlists, reenlists or extends an enlistment in the Selected Reserve.  The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.  An eligible reservist is entitled to a maximum of educational assistance based upon full-time training (or the equivalent based upon three-quarter or half-time training.)

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.