Veterans Benefits

G.I. Bill

• Apply for admission: Apply Now

• If you at some time qualified for benefits but are no longer eligible, you may qualify for exemption from registration fee and tuition charges. Please see the Financial Aid office for a Montana University System Honorably Discharged Veteran Fee Waiver Application.

• In your application to the college, you need to be “degree” seeking, not “non-degree” status. Take the Compass test for math and English placement if you do not have math or English transfer credits.

• Apply for G.I. bill benefits online:www.gibill.va.gov.

• Contact the Veteran’s Coordinator at 406-444-2766 (ACCESS Center, room 139) with questions and to obtain further information regarding G.I. bill benefits.

• Meet with an advisor, register for classes, and let the Veteran’s Coordinator know that you have registered.

• Unless you are 100% eligible for Chapter 33 (post 9/11), you are responsible for payment to the college. Payment dates depend on when you register for classes. Non-Chapter 33 benefits are always paid approximately one month after the semester starts until you enroll continually through semesters and the length between them are 30 days or less.

• ALL CHAPTERS: If you need to defer payment of your tuition and fees, you must sign a “Benefit & Recipient Reporting Responsibility” contract with the Business office.

• The amount of credit load you take reflects the benefits you will receive: Full benefits (12 credits), ¾ benefits (9-11 credits), ½ benefits (6 – 8 credits), tuition & fee rates (fewer than 6 credits). Summer credit loads differ and depend on the length of the summer semester.

• Taking online credits may affect your housing allotment if you receive Chapter 33 benefits.

• The Veterans Administration will not pay for challenged classes.

• ALL STUDENTS MUST sign their schedule bills even if other agencies (including the Veterans Administration) pay for their tuition/fees.

• If you are Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607, you MUST certify your enrollment at the end of every month. Call 1-877-823-2378 or go online www.gibill.va.gov (G.I. Bill Info for Benefit Recipients, Verify your attendance WAVE).

• Let the VA Coordinator know if you change Chapters, address/phone number, drop or add classes, or withdraw completely from college.

• If you have issues related to PTSD or other concerns, we have a licensed counselor on campus you can meet with at no charge.

• The Veterans Administration expects veterans to make satisfactory academic progress.