Columbia University is a Yellow Ribbon School

There are many benefits available to advance the education of veterans, service members, and their family members. We encourage you to explore the various education benefit options before you apply.

For assistance applying your benefits to your studies at Columbia University, contact the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs by phone at 212-854-3161 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers higher education and training benefits to veterans, service members, and their families who served after September 10, 2001. The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is comprised of multiple payments. All payments and maximum amounts listed on this page are applicable to individuals eligible for the full benefit (100% eligibility tier). If you are not eligible for the full benefit, the payment and maximum amounts listed will be prorated based on your eligibility percentage. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill you may receive a:

• Tuition & fee payment sent directly to the school 
• Monthly housing allowance sent to you 
• Books and supplies stipend sent to you

There are two main Post-9/11 GI Bill programs offering education assistance to survivors and dependents of veterans:

• The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is currently available for children of those who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Beginning January 1, 2015, Fry Scholarship will also be available for surviving spouses of those who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
• The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Montgomery GI Bill®

The Montgomery GI Bill assists active duty and reservists with the pursuit of higher education degrees, certificates, and other education and training. There are two main programs:

• Montomery GI Bill Active Duty for active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve for reservists with a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve who are actively drilling. 

Forever GI Bill®

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the Forever GI Bill,  was signed into law on August 17, 2017 and brings significant changes to Veterans' education benefits over the next few years, many of which expand education benefits for veterans, service members, families, and survivors. A summary of changes can be found here.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

• For Veterans: You may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
• For Servicemembers and Veterans: VA's Education and Career Counseling program is a great opportunity for service members and veterans to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.

National Testing Program

The VA's National Testing Program will reimburse required fees charged for national admission tests, such as the GRE. For fall 2023, the GRE is not required for CVN Master's and Doctorate degree applications.

Application Fee Waiver

Additionally, CVN application fee waivers are available to active U.S. Military personnel and veterans. Email [email protected] to request a waiver of your application fee.