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Veterans Benefits Scholarships & Aid

As a veteran or servicemember, Biola University is grateful for your service. Given the sacrifices you’ve made, you and your loved ones may be eligible for specific benefits, scholarships and aid while you pursue your education at Biola. Our staff is committed to helping you maximize your college funding in efforts to fulfill the mission of earning your degree.

Questions About Veterans Benefits and Aid?

If you’re looking for more information about financial aid opportunities or benefits for veterans, contact our experts listed below or view more information about general veterans services and resources.

Erin Melcher

Military Educational Benefits Specialist
military.benefits@biola.edu
(562) 944-0351 ext.5221

Sheena Arroyo

Financial Aid Counselor
finaid@biola.edu
(562) 903-4742

Explore Specific Military & Veterans Benefits

Biola is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education to certify enrollment for all Veterans Affairs (VA) educational programs. Eligibility is determined by the VA and based on factors unique to each applicant, so take a look at the information below for details on the programs that could be available to you. For information on additional VA programs visit www.va.gov.

Veterans Affairs Programs

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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Ch. 30: Montgomery GI Bill®

Available to qualified servicemembers and veterans who honorably served or are currently serving in the United States armed forces. May be eligible for up to 36 months of benefits.

View Ch. 30 Information

Ch. 31: Vocational Rehabilitation

VA determines eligibility based on disability rating. Qualified veterans may be eligible for up to 48 months of entitlement.

View Ch. 31 Information

Ch. 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill® (including Fry Scholarship & Yellow Ribbon)

For approved programs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education benefits to    veterans, servicemembers, and in some cases, to their families. Beneficiaries who are 100% eligible may be qualified for the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship. Children and surviving spouses of a servicemember who passed away on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship. Additionally, beneficiaries may also be eligible for the Ahmanson Veteran Scholarship.

View Ch. 33 Information

Ch. 35: Survivor and Dependent Assistance

Dependents of a servicemember who has been totally and permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty due to a service-related condition, may be eligible for this educational benefit as determined by the VA.

View Ch. 35 Information

Ch. 1606: Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve

Available to eligible members of the Selected Reserve. Up to 36 months of eligibility may be determined by the branch of service, such as: Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard or Air National Guard.

View Ch. 1606 Information

Department of Defense Programs

Biola accepts all Department of Defense (DoD) programs that assist servicemembers and their families with tuition and fees. Take a look at a few of the programs the DoD offers to its members.

TA: Federal Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance is authorized by the United States Congress for each branch of the military to fund up to 100% of the tuition of its members. Each branch of the armed forces sets its own parameters via limits on credit hours and financial obligations.

Contact your assigned Educational Service Officer for more information (usually located in the S1 department of the chain of command)

ROTC: Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship

The United States Armed Forces provides scholarships to high school seniors and college students who plan to become military officers upon graduation from college. Scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition in addition to stipends for books and meals. For additional information, contact one of Biola crosstown partners below:

HPSP: Health Professions Scholarship Program

The United States Navy, Army and Air Force offer this scholarship program for prospective military physicians (psychologist, physician assistant, psychiatrist, dentist, medical doctor, and more). It helps to pay educational expenses through graduate school. Upon completion, candidates would serve as a commissioned officer in the applicable military branch.

Contact your local military officer recruiter for more information.

Military Benefit Forms

Benefits Authorization

All continuing students that use any type of military benefits are required by the Department of Defense to give authorization prior to institution certification of enrollment.

Biola Benefits Authorization Form

 

Change of Program or Place of Training

Veterans Affairs requires its beneficiaries to fill out the Change of Program or Place of Training form every time they intend to change their degree program and/or institution. Please fill out the applicable form and send a signed copy to military.benefits@biola.edu.

Scholarships

Ahmanson Veterans Scholarship

The Ahmanson Veterans Scholarship was generously donated by The Ahmanson Foundation in an effort to support veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Amount

Up to $3,000 (for undergraduate students)
Up to $1,500 (for graduate students)

Application

Student must review the following application guidelines:

  1. Complete the FAFSA (with Biola listed)
  2. Submit a current Certificate of Eligibility to military.benefits@biola.edu
  3. Log into the Scholarship Portal
    • Complete the General Application
    • Search for and complete the “Ahmanson Veterans Scholarship” form
Deadline

Funds will be awarded first-come, first-serve throughout summer

Eligibility

Students must review the following eligibility requirements:

  • Student veterans with current Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are eligible to apply.
  • Student is eligible if he or she has demonstrated financial need and is at least a half-time student.
Renewable Status

No, this scholarship is not renewable. Students must reapply annually based on financial need and availability of funds.

Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

Post-9/11 beneficiaries who are 100% eligible may qualify for supplementary funds to use toward their education without any additional impact to the GI Bill®.

Amount

Unlimited, up to the total cost of tuition and required fees.

Application

Students must provide a current Certificate of Eligibility to military.benefits@biola.edu to apply.

Deadline

There is no deadline for this scholarship.

Eligibility

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (100%)

Renewable Status

Yes, this scholarship is renewable based on VA eligibility.

Grants

Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. To see if you’re eligible for specific grants, look through our undergraduate grants page or grant details for your graduate program or specific school.

Loans

Federal or private loans may also be used to help finance your education. If you’re interested in finding additional loan information, take a look at our undergraduate loans page or view loan details specific to your graduate program or specific school.

Additional Resources

Know Your Options

The Office of Financial Aid provides different resources that can help you plan out your finances as you pursue your Biola education.

Financial Aid Counseling

Have questions about the process? Call us or come by our office for a drop-in appointment with a knowledgeable financial aid counselor — they can help.

Connect With a Counselor

Contact Us

The Office of Financial Aid is here to answer questions you have about the financial aid process. Contact us in person, by phone or email.

View Contact Information