Understanding Military and VA Education Benefits at GGU
If you're a service member, veteran, or eligible family member thinking about Golden Gate University (GGU), this guide helps you understand how military and VA education benefits work at GGU and how to use them with confidence.
What Are VA Education Benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers several education benefit programs to help military-connected students pay for college, training, and more. The most common ones include:
Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
Often covers tuition and fees, provides a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606)
Helps pay for education or training based on service type and duration.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Supplements Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ benefits for private schools like GGU.
These benefits may also extend to eligible spouses and dependents in certain circumstances. You typically can only use one VA education benefit at a time, and you must meet that benefit's eligibility requirements. To check your eligibility or apply for benefits, use the official VA website or tools like the GI Bill®️Comparison Tool.
How VA Benefits Work at GGU
1. Confirm Your Program Is Approved
Before you enroll, make sure your chosen GGU degree or certificate program is approved for VA benefits. GGU's Diller Center team can help you confirm this, which is essential for benefits processing.
2. Submit Your Enrollment and Certification Forms
Once admitted to GGU, you'll work with the VA Certifying Officials in the Financial Aid Office to submit your enrollment for VA certification. This tells the VA to start your benefit payments.
3. Use the GGU Self-Service Portal
GGU students should access the MyGGU portal to submit VA Education Benefit Certification Requests and track their benefit status.
4. Expect Benefit Processing Time
After GGU certifies your enrollment with the VA, it can take time for your benefit payments such as housing allowance or book stipends to begin. It’s important to fully understand GGU’s academic terms and always verify your enrollment with the VA and reach out to your VA Certifying Official if there's a delay.
What Benefits Can Pay For
VA education benefits may help cover:
Tuition and Fees often directly paid to the school
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ users
Books and Supplies Stipend for eligible programs
Training and Certification Costs (in some cases)
The exact amount you receive depends on your benefit chapter, service history, and enrollment status.
GGU Military-Specific Support
GGU offers resources designed for military and veteran students beyond just benefit processing:
The Helen Diller Center for Veterans of U.S. Military Service provides coaching, virtual community spaces, and peer support for veterans.
Military Student Onboarding and Success Coaching helps you transition smoothly into academic life at GGU and stay on track academically.
Career and Wellness Resources are available to help you balance school, life, and career planning.
These services exist to help you make the most of your experience as a military-affiliated learner at GGU.
Yellow Ribbon and Additional GGU Grants
Golden Gate University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which may cover tuition amounts that exceed what the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ pays at private schools. GGU also offers programs like the Military Family Tuition Assistance Grant for eligible military family members pursuing their first degree.
Tips for Success
Stay in contact with your VA Certifying Official. They can guide you through the certification and benefits process.
Submit your benefit paperwork early. Certification and VA processing take time.
Use official VA tools. Always verify benefits using VA.gov resources, such as the GI Bill®️ Comparison Tool.
Summary
Using military and VA education benefits at Golden Gate University is a reliable way to help fund your degree. Confirm program eligibility, submit your certification forms through the proper channels, and take advantage of GGU's Diller Center with dedicated support services for military-connected students to make your educational journey smoother. You're not doing this alone. GGU and the VA offer tools and people to help you succeed.
For the GGU VA Educational Benefits Certification Request Form, Check your Student Self-Service Portal.