Educational Benefits for Military-Affiliated Students
Each semester, the staff at Mesa College's Veterans Office help students apply for federal educational benefits to fund their education. We're here to help you find the program(s) that you may be eligible for. Explore the benefit and assistance programs on this page to get started.
Post-9/11 GI Billchevron_right
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an educational benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or since September 11, 2001. Eligible students may receive benefits to help cover the costs of approved educational programs, housing, and supplies for up to 36 months. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the only VA Education Benefit that does not affect your eligibility for a Subsidized Direct Loan.
Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill on the Veteran's Affairs website.
See what your GI Bill covers and learn how to avoid debt with the DVA. Access GI Bill Quick Tips.
GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
AP 5013 - Students in the Militarychevron_right
This procedure outlines the following:
- Prohibition of high-pressure recruitment tactics
- Residency Determinations for Military Personnel and Dependents
- Withdrawal Processes for Members of the Military
- Readmission Policy for Members of the Military
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)chevron_right
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) provides educational benefits for individuals who have served at least 2 years on Active Duty. Eligible students may receive up to 36 months of educational benefits.
Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)chevron_right
The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve is an educational benefits program for members of the Selected Reserve that doesn't require active duty service. Eligible reservists from any branch may receive benefits for up to 36 months to cover their educational costs.
Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607)chevron_right
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is an educational benefits program that provided benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserves (IRR), and National Guard who were called to active service in response to a national emergency or war. The program ended on November 25, 2015 and some of those who were receiving benefits did so until November 25, 2019.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)chevron_right
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services help veterans with disabilities secure employment, build career skills, and seek independent living.
Learn more about the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32)chevron_right
The Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is a $2-to-$1 government-match program for educational assistance in which service members make contributions from their military pay to be doubled and applied toward paying for your degree, certificate, and or training.
Learn more about the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35)chevron_right
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance provides benefits for children or spouses of a veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities.
Learn more about the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) ProgramMilitary Tuition Assistance
For current servicemembers, Military Tuition Assistance (MTA) will cover the enrollment fees for classes you enroll in at Mesa College. In order to receive these funds, you must pass your class(es), otherwise, you will be responsible for paying the full amount. Once approved by your base education office, you will need to bring the MTA approval to Mesa College's Student Accounting Office to update your account. Learn more about how to start the process with your branch of service.
- You will find that most if not all the branches will require you to start the process of receiving MTA through an online portal (links below by branch). Once you have complete the online process to receive MTA and it has been approved by your base Educational Services Officer (ESO), you will need to bring the MTA Voucher to our Student Accounting Office. Once the Student Accounting Office has everything, your account will be updated showing you are receiving MTA.
- If you have any additional questions regarding how to get started with MTA, we highly encourage you to talk with your base education office. You can also reach out to the Veteran Services Office at San Diego Mesa College via our general email at [email protected].
Student needs to see Counseling for an Education Plan.
Apply for Financial Aid
Students who are eligible to receive any of the federal veterans' educational benefits listed below may also apply for federal financial aid. Veterans' financial aid eligibility is determined by the same federal process applied to all students.
If a veteran student is under the age of 24 and is not married, he/she may need to provide the Financial Aid Office with a copy of his/her DD214. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the only VA Education Benefit that does not affect student eligibility for a Subsidized Direct Loan.
Learn more about applying for financial aid and paying for college
Cal Vet Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, CSU or UC campus. There are four plans under which dependents may be eligible.
See if you qualify for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver program
To submit the CAL Vet Fee Waiver:
- Submit your Cal Vet Fee Waiver Applications directly to the California Veterans Service Office in your local county. For a full list of offices, please visit County Veterans Service Office.
- Once you have the CAL Vet Fee Waiver approval/award letter from the county, please
submit it to Mesa’s Financial Aid Department via the online portal or stop by their
office with the approval letter printed out.
Note: The online document submission portal is ONLY for the CAL Vet Fee Waiver Form
Submit Cal Vet Fee Waiver to Mesa
Additional Questions About Benefits?
If you have any questions, please get in contact with us through our email at [email protected] or by giving us a call at 619-388-2805.
Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to view the various benefit programs, determine your eligibility, and calculate your benefit.
Department of Veterans Affairs
