Academic Catalog

Veteran Information

mcla.edu/administration/registrar/veterans-information/index

(413) 662-5216
registrar@mcla.edu

Information for MCLA Students who are United States Armed Forces Veterans, Active Duty, Selected Reserve, National Guard, or their Dependents

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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Students are encouraged to identify their veteran status with the Registrar’s Office, Eldridge Hall Quad Level.

The Registrar’s Office certifies eligibility for tuition benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits can come from one of the following sources:

  • Massachusetts Categorical Tuition Waiver
  • The Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) (Chapter 30)
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (Chapter 1606)
  • Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32)
  • Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

In compliance with the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, qualifying veterans and dependents will be charged tuition and fees at the rate for in-state students.

The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (codified at 38 U.S.C. 3679) has been amended by Section 1005 of Public Law 116-315, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which modifies 38 U.S.C. 3679(c).

The amendment requires that for all courses, semesters, or terms beginning after August 1, 2021, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.

In compliance with 38 U.S.C. 3679(c), as amended, the following individuals will be charged the in-state resident rate:

  • A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G Bill), of 38 U.S.C. who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
  • Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
  • Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same institution. The person must be using educational benefits under Chapter 30, Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 of 38 U.S.C.
  • Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).

In compliance with the Valor Act of 2012, the Registrar’s Office evaluates potential college credit for military training programs, college courses taken while on active duty, and various examination programs. MCLA awards college credit based on the recommendations provided by the American Council on Education, DANTES, and our own Experiential Credit Program. Students are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Office for more information.

In compliance with the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, qualifying veterans, dependents, and eligible individuals will be charged tuition and fees at the rate for in-state students.  Additionally, in compliance with the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, individuals using education assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) will be charged the in-state residential rate.

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, MCLA does not penalize veterans and dependents using Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 benefits when the VA is late making payments by preventing these students from enrolling, charging additional late fees, requiring alternative sources of funding, or denying access to school resources. Qualifying students should submit their Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits before the first day of classes.