Chapter 1606: Reserve and National Guard Education Benefits
Welcome Veteran and Military Students
We are pleased you selected Virginia Tech to continue your education. Welcome to Hokie Nation! Virginia Tech is proud of its long military history and has a strong commitment to supporting the success of our veteran and military students including reservists and guardsmen. The information below will guide you through the process so you can utilize your Veterans Education benefits. See additional information.
Step 1: Apply for Benefits
For National Guard/Reserve members actively drilling with their units: Once your initial training is complete you must apply for benefits. Go to va.gov, Select "Apply for Education Benefits" then answer the questions under "Find your Education Benefits Form". You will be routed to form 22-1990. Complete this form and submit. The VA will process your request in about 30-45 days. When applying, make sure to give the VA your banking information for direct deposit, provide a good mailing address for the VA to send a COE, list Virginia Tech as your place of attendance, and list your intended major if known.
Step 2: Submit COE to Virginia Tech
The veteran will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail after applying for education benefits. Once the COE is received, please provide a copy of this letter to the Virginia Tech Office of Veterans Services by mail, email, or in person.
Step 3: Register for Classes
Most new freshmen and transfer students will register for classes during summer orientation. Be sure to register only for classes that are required for your degree. The VA will not pay for classes that are not required!
Step 4: Complete Veterans Enrollment Certification Form
The "Veterans Enrollment Certification Form" is an online form found on the student's Hokie Spa. After registering for classes, complete and submit this form to use VA benefits. This form must be completed every semester a student wants to utilize benefits, and must be redone within 7 days of every change of enrollment, i.e., add, drop, or withdrawal during the semester. Benefits will not be certified if this form is not completed.
Step 5: 1606 Monthly Verification
You can verify enrollment by text, email or by using the VA online enrollment tool. You can contact the VA to set up your enrollment verification option. The recommended option is to verify your enrollment via text. The VA will send a text at the end of each month of enrollment asking you to verify your enrollment.
1606 Payment Information
Chapter 1606 payments are made directly to the student and based on level of enrollment (i.e. full-time vs. part-time). See current Chapter 1606 payment rates.
- Full time for Undergrads: 12 credit hours during Fall/Spring
- Full time for Graduate Students: 9 credit hours during Fall/Spring
Reserve and National Guard may be eligible to use military tuition assistance.