Veterans' Educational Benefits

Tuition Waivers

Wartime Veterans as defined by Massachusetts Public Law may be eligible for a "Categorical Waiver" if currently a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year. Bring a copy of your DD214 (#4) to The Financial Aid Office in The Enrollment Center on the first floor of G building. You must complete a form each semester to receive this benefit. Active Duty personnel stationed in Massachusetts are eligible for a "Categorical Waiver." A letter from your Commanding Office certifying that you are stationed and reside in Massachusetts is required.

Please note: This waiver covers tuition ONLY, the student is responsible for all fees.‌

• 2020-21 Massachusetts Categorical Waiver Request
• 2021-22 Massachusetts Categorical Waiver Request 

Massachusetts National Guard Tuition Waiver

This waiver is valid for State supported classes ONLY, classes MUST BE day courses during the fall and spring semesters ONLY, summer courses are NOT eligible.

Please obtain a copy of your certificate through your National Guard Unit and bring it to the Office of Student Accounts located in The Enrollment Center on the first floor of G building.

• Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee Waiver Instructions

Veterans Administration Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Students under this benefit program must bring authorization paperwork from the VA to the Bristol Certifying Official. Normally students are serviced through the VA Office in Providence. Please contact them at 1.401-223.3607. 

• VetSuccess Program

Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

• Entered active duty for the first time on or after July 1, 1985.
• Participated in the pay reduction program (pay reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months).
• Served honorably for at least two years.
  
  

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend for personal use. You will receive a full benefit for full-time enrollment; the benefit will be reduced proportionately for part-time enrollment.

Chapter 30 benefits do not affect your eligibility for federally subsidized loans. However, these benefits are included as income when your eligibility for campus-based aid (work-study, Federal Perkins, and matching grants) is determined.

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

• Were on active duty service after 9/10/01 (NOTE: Individuals are eligible while on active duty after serving a period of 90 days)
• Served a period of at least 90 aggregate days or served a period of at least 30 days and received a disability discharge
  
  

Recipients will receive a percentage between 40-100% (percentage is based on the amount of time served after 9/10/01) of their tuition and fees paid directly to the College, a book stipend paid directly to the student (prorated based on the percentage of the benefit, up to $1000 per year) and a monthly housing allowance equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents. This amount is determined by the zip code of the school where the student is enrolled and is also prorated based on the percentage of benefits awarded. Active duty and students with 6 credits or less ARE NOT eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

Students currently collecting Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®) benefits who are interested in switching to Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) benefits but are unsure if this is the right choice for them should contact the VA Office in Buffalo at 1-888-442-4551.

Click here for more information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

DEA (Chapter 35)

The Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) may provide benefits for you if you are the spouse or dependent of a veteran who:

• Is totally and permanently disabled from a service-related injury.
• Died due to a service-related injury.
  
  

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend for personal use. You will receive a full benefit for full-time enrollment; the benefit will be reduced proportionately for part-time enrollment.

Generally, spouses must use this benefit within 10 years from the date eligibility was determined by USDVA. Children must use the benefit between ages of 18-26.

Your benefit affects financial aid in the same way as scholarships or other need-based education resources. Chapter 35 benefits do not affect your eligibility for Federal Pell or state grants.

VEAP (Chapter 32)

You may qualify for Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (VEAP) benefits if you:

• Entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985.
• Were honorably discharged.
• Contributed to VEAP before April 1, 1987.
• Served long enough to qualify.
  
  

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend for personal use for up to 36 months. Your stipend amount will be based on (1) your total contributions; (2) the number of months you contributed; (3) the type of training you are in; and (4) your training time. Your stipend will include matching funds from USDVA that equal two times your contributions, plus any U. S. Department of Defense contributions or kickers. Benefits, generally, must be used within 10 years; however, the time limit may be shorter or longer in rare circumstances.

Montgomery GI Bill® Selective Reserve (Chapter 1606)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

• Are a Reservist or National Guard member who signed a six-year obligation on or after July 1, 1985.
• Completed initial active duty training.
• Are in good standing with your drilling Selected Reserve unit.
  
  

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend for personal use. You will receive a full benefit for full-time enrollment; the benefit will be reduced proportionately for part-time enrollment.

Your benefit affects financial aid in the same way as scholarships or other need-based education resources. Chapter 1606 benefits do not affect your eligibility for a Federal Pell or state grant.

Your benefits must be used while actively drilling with a National Guard/Reserve unit. Once you leave the National Guard/Reserves, your education benefit ends. 

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

• Are a Reservist or National Guard member.
• Served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, for at least 90 consecutive days.
  
  

Recipients will receive a monthly stipend for personal use. You will receive a full benefit for full-time enrollment; the benefit will be reduced proportionately for part-time enrollment.

Your benefit affects financial aid in the same way as scholarships or other need-based education resources. Chapter 1606 benefits do not affect your eligibility for a Federal Pell or state grant.

Your benefits must be used while actively drilling with a National Guard/Reserve unit. Once you leave the National Guard/Reserves, your education benefit ends.

GI Bill®

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 website: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.