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VA Educational Benefits 

Welcome veterans, service members and dependents to the Medical University of South Carolina. 

MUSC's Veterans Educational Benefits & Services monitors each U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) student’s enrollment and academic progress. The MUSC Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) does not determine eligibility for benefits or have access to any student’s Department of Defense VA records. All degree programs at MUSC have been approved by the VA as eligible for education benefits. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the certification process, please feel free to contact us at vabenefits@musc.edu.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs Education Service has confirmed that VA educational payments such as GI Bill® are not impacted by the Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs released by the OMB.

Applying for VA Educational Benefits

For new students or students using VA educational benefits for this first time, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Determine your VA benefits
  2. Apply to VA for approval of eligibility
  3. Must have been accepted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at MUSC. Apply to MUSC or Check the Status of your MUSC Application 
  4. After Acceptance: Submit your VA Enrollment Request Form
Returning Students
Submit your VA Enrollment Request Form.

Title 38 USC 3679(e), VA Pending Payment Compliance

The Medical University of South Carolina has established a set of guidelines to support covered individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch.33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31 benefits under (38 USC 3679(e). These individuals are allowed to attend and participate in educational courses during the period beginning on the date the individual provides a certificate of eligibility and ending on the earlier of the following dates: The date the VA makes payment to the institution or 90 days after the institution has certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate. The university ensures that no penalties, such as late fees, denial of access to facilities, or requirements to secure alternative funding, will be imposed on these individuals due to delayed VA funding. However, the university requires certain actions from covered individuals, including submitting a certificate of eligibility- this is due before the first day of the semester, a written request to use the benefits, any additional information necessary for enrollment certification, and payment of any difference between the student's financial obligation and the VA education benefit disbursement. Individuals must be aware that late fees may apply to charges not covered by the VA education benefit.GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

For more information:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
MUSC Veterans Affairs Certifying Official

Military Scholarships 

MUSC recognizes the dedication of military service members, veterans, and their families and aims to connect them with valuable financial support. There are numerous external organizations that offer assistance for tuition and other educational expenses. Below is a list of available military scholarship opportunities, along with eligibility requirements and application details.

Frequently Asked Questions

All degree programs at MUSC are approved for Veterans Educational Benefits Programs.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs my be contacted directly online at http://gibill.va.gov or by phone at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)

Students are required to report any changes in their enrollment to the Office of Enrollment Management immediately. Schools are required to report, without delay, the enrollment, interruption, and termination of attendance for each person enrolled in an educational assistance program administered by VA.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires 6-8 weeks to approve a new application for GI Bill benefits. Once the application is approved, the VA will send you a "Certificate of Eligibility" letter. A copy of this letter must be provided to the MUSC Office of Enrollment Management office before you will begin to receive benefits. Be sure to apply for your VA benefits, as soon as possible to ensure minimal delay.

Once MUSC has submitted your enrollment information, it must be entered into the system by the VA. Because the VA is generally overwhelmed with enrollments at the start of each semester, it could take up to 6 weeks to process an enrollment during those times. Patience is appreciated. The VA will process all of the enrollments in order by the date received. You will generally receive payment within two weeks of verifying your enrollment at the end of the month (or within one week if using Direct Deposit).

Schools are required to report, without delay, the enrollment, interruption, and termination of attendance for each person enrolled in an educational assistance program administered by VA.

In addition to reporting any changes in enrollment status, schools will be held responsible for refunding payments as appropriate. The following list explains when a school will be responsible for refunding VA:

  • The student never attended classes for which he/she was certified (regardless of the reason for non-attendance).
  • The student completely withdraws on or before the first day of the term. (If a student reduces, the debt shall be assessed to the student.)
  • The school received a payment for the wrong student.
  • The school received a duplicate payment.
  • The school submitted an amended enrollment certification and reported reduced tuition and fee charges, reduced Yellow Ribbon amount, or both.
  • The student died during the term, or before the start of the term.
  • VA issued payment above the amount certified on the enrollment certification that was used to process the payment (VA data entry error).

All other overpayments will remain the responsibility of the student.

The funds are sent to MUSC via electronic funds transfer. Upon receipt of the funds, the Bursar's Office applies the funds to your tuition account. 

 

Rate tables can be found at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp

 Yes. With verification that veteran students are receiving 100% tuition benefits, MUSC Student Accounting will delay the accrual of late fees on their accounts until the funds are received.

No. MUSC does not participate in this program offered by the VA.

 

Contact the Office of Enrollment Management 

MSC 203
45 Courtenay Dr, Flr 3
Charleston, SC 29425

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843-792-2536