VA Benefits

This page is intended to provide our active duty and prior service military member’s information on financial aid that is offered by The Department of Veterans Affairs. These aid types can be used in conjunction with or in addition to any federal aid you may receive. This information is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is in no way intended to be a comprehensive listing of all military aid that is available. For more information please visit the VA's website or contact our VA Representative Margaret Estrada.

The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

The MGIB 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. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for 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 Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals:

• tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. see chart listing 2009-2010 maximum rates
• a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. To determine the BAH for your school's ZIP code click here (link goes to a non-VA website)
• an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
• a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals see comparison chart for more information.

This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) (See comparison chart for more information). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of 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. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Important Reminders

Below you will find information and deadlines that are important for helping you to obtain the highest possible financial aid award. 

• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting January 1. Our priority deadline is February 14, but you can still apply any time after that.
• Obtain a FAFSA worksheet from your counselor’s office, or apply for the FAFSA online. ENMU’s FAFSA code is 002651.
• To apply for admissions scholarships, send the completed Application for Admissions Scholarships to the Admissions office by the March 1 priority deadline.
• Apply for scholarships from the ENMU Foundation and the college from which you are seeking your degree.