The Veterans Services office wants to thank all veterans for their service, and welcome you and your eligible dependents and spouses to Boston University. Veterans Services is here to provide dedicated services and information to support students during their time at Boston University, and is a resource for assistance with any issues, concerns, or questions.
The main function of this office, located in the Registrar’s Office, is to certify and report enrollment information to the Veterans Administration to ensure receipt of educational benefits by eligible students.
For active duty military, service members are encouraged to contact their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or command counselor prior to taking classes.
Veterans Service Manager
881 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Phone: 617-353-3678
Fax: 617-353-2792
Email: veterans@bu.edu
Education Benefits
Under Title 38 of the U.S. Code there are many different Education Programs available. Each program has a different set of criteria that must be met. The Veterans Administration will help determine an individual’s eligibility to receive benefits. Be sure to check out the New Rules for Tuition Assistance as of September 2014.
The following documentation is required for benefits processing, and can be submitted by email (veterans@bu.edu) or fax (617-353-9770):
1) Certificate of Eligibility
2) DD-214, if not active duty
3) Unofficial transcripts for any other schools attended
4) If benefits have been used previously, a copy of form 22-1995 (Change of program); see transfer student information below.
Students are responsible for notifying the Veterans Services office each semester, by emailing veterans@bu.edu, if they will not be using their benefits for the upcoming semester.
Transfer Students
Students who have previously used VA educational benefits must complete a Change of School/Program Form (VA Form 22-1995 for Veterans, and VA form 22-5495 for Dependents) at the Boston University Veterans Affairs Office. The veteran is also required to provide an admission acceptance letter.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that his/her transcripts for academic work at other schools are evaluated to determine the number of transfer credits that will be accepted by Boston University towards the student’s program of study/degree and to have this information submitted to the Veterans Affairs Office for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.
Valuable Resources
Boston University Financial Assistance:
In some instances, it may be permissible for a student to receive VA Educational Benefits that when combined with other financial aid exceeds the total cost of attendance for the academic year. However, Boston University encourages students to limit their educational borrowing to no more than absolutely necessary. Educational loans must be repaid.
College Scorecards:
College Scorecards in the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center make it easier for you to search for a college that is a good fit for you. You can use the College Scorecard to find out more about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend.
College Navigator:
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. NCES fulfills a Congressional mandate to collect, collate, analyze, and report complete statistics on the condition of American education; conduct and publish reports; and review and report on education activities internationally.
Paying for College:
Get help to make informed financial decisions about how to pay for college. Start by comparing financial aid offers or understanding student loan repayment options.
Boston University Veterans Association:
Note: this is a Facebook page posting current scholarships, free activities/lunches, and other freebies for veterans are posted daily on this message board. Membership is welcome for current veterans, their spouses, dependents, and alumni to stay connected.
For any veterans who would be interested in becoming a part of the student-organized Veterans Association at Boston University, please contact that organization at vets@bu.edu.
Readmission for Activated Military
In accordance with the Department of Education’s regulation (34 C.F.R. 668.8) and Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of the FSA Handbook, BU will allow active duty service members readmission to their program if they are temporarily unable to attend classes for less than 30 days within a semester due to a Military service obligation when such absence results in a withdrawal under institution policies. Service member must supply documentation in accordance with ‘668.18 (g) Documentation’ on page 2-57 of the FSA Handbook, Chapter 3 of Volume 2, located here.