Veterans earn a variety of educational benefits through their service to our country, designed to help pay for college. These benefits include the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, Vocational Rehab and Employment, and a variety of state benefits.
The University of Montana (UM) is a great place to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate degree, a graduate program, or want to continue your education, UM offers a supportive environment for veterans and active-duty service members. Much of this supportive environment stems from our Military and Veteran Services Office.
Scroll below to walk through how veterans can use their benefits to attend UM and the resources available to make the most of their education.
Read More: Veterans Thrive at UM (UM Blog)
Understanding the Educational Benefits Available for Veterans
There are several federal and state programs designed to help veterans pay for college. The key benefits available to veterans include:
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most popular educational benefits, offering full tuition coverage, a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
This benefit can be used at many schools, including the University of Montana. If you're a veteran who served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, you're likely eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Read More: VA.Gov – Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill is another option to pay for school, and is available to veterans who enlisted before 2009. . This benefit requires a minimum of 2-years of active-duty service and earns up to 36 months of benefits. Read More: VA.Gov – The Montgomery GI Bill
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
If you have a service-connected disability, you may qualify for VR&E services, which can provide funding for education, training, and career counseling. VR&E can cover tuition, fees, and even provide financial support for living expenses while attending school. Read More: VA.Gov – VR&E
Yellow Ribbon Program
The University of Montana participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® that helps cover costs exceeding the standard tuition rates set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for veterans who need additional support if they are taking classes remotely. Read More: VA.Gov – Yellow Ribbon Program
Montana State Benefits
Montana offers its own set of benefits for veterans, including in-state tuition for veterans who live in Montana, even if they were not originally residents of the state. Additionally, Montana offers a tuition waiver for certain veterans who meet eligibility criteria, such as those who are disabled or have been awarded certain honors. Read More: Montana.Gov – Veterans Benefits
Activating VA Benefits at the University of Montana
To start using your educational benefits at the University of Montana, follow these steps:
Step 1: Apply to the University of Montana
Applying to the University of Montana is easy. Whether you’re a first-time student or transferring credits from other colleges, or pursuing graduate school, applying and using your veteran benefits is a streamlined process.
Step 2: Apply for VA Benefits
After applying to UM, the next step is to apply for the appropriate GI Bill® benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can complete the application online via the VA's website . This process typically takes about 30 days, so be sure to start early.
Step 3: Register for Classes
You’ll be assigned an academic advisor after applying and being accepted to the University of Montana. With their assistance, you’ll register for classes and the MVSO will review your curriculum to ensure compliance with education benefits.
Step 4: Submit Your Notification of Intent (NOI) through the Military and Veteran Services Office
Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA confirming education benefit eligibility, and you are registered for classes, you can submit a Notification of Intent to active VA benefit payments for the upcoming academic term.
Step 5: Work with the University of Montana’s Military and Veteran Services Office
The MVSO team will help guide you through the process of using your benefits. They’ll provide you with information on how your benefits can be applied to tuition, fees, and housing costs. They can also help you explore additional funding opportunities, such as the FAFSA and/or available scholarships.
3. Exploring Additional Resources for Veterans
Beyond federal and state benefits, the University of Montana offers a range of scholarships and resources specifically designed for veterans:
Student Veterans Association (SVO)
UM has an active chapter of the Student Veterans Organization, a national association that provides networking, support, and advocacy for student veterans. Joining the SVA is a great way to meet other veterans on campus and transition to university life.
Campus Lounge
The University of Montana has a MVSO Lounge, a dedicated space where veterans can relax, study, and connect with other student veterans. This space is a supportive environment where veterans share space and find community on campus.
Academic Support and Counseling
UM offers academic support tailored to veterans, including tutoring, disability services, and career counseling.
4. Benefits of Attending the University of Montana as a Veteran
You'll find community and mountains to explore at UM, alongside other veteran-specific benefits:
Veteran-Friendly Campus
The University of Montana is known as one of the nation’s top veteran-friendly campuses. With a dedicated Military and Veterans Services office, student groups, and academic support tailored to veterans, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment to help you thrive.
In-State Tuition
If you are a resident of Montana or move to the state to attend school, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates.
Veteran Support Services
UM offers specialized counseling and career development services to help veterans with everything from transitioning to civilian life to finding post-graduation employment. UM’s Career Center works with veterans to connect them with employers who value military experience.
5. Veterans Thrive at UM
While attending the University of Montana, take full advantage of all the resources available to help you thrive. This includes networking opportunities, academic resources like tutoring and counseling, career-building workshops and internships, and tons of social groups to build your community.
Discover all the resources and dive into one Military student’s journey:
UM is a great place for veterans to transition into academic life and further their careers. If you're a veteran interested in attending the University of Montana, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Military and Veterans Services Office to get started. Your education is just a step away!
Pat Beckwith is the Director of Military and Veteran Services. He is a West Point graduate with four combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. Pat currently serves in the Montana Army National Guard.
