ADMISSIONS
Veteran Financial Aid
Financial Aid & Support for Veterans & Active Military
At Rochester Christian University, we are honored to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families as they pursue their education. As a veteran-friendly school, RCU provides flexible learning options, military tuition assistance, and personalized support to help you maximize your benefits and transition into college life successfully.
Our dedicated Veteran Services Team is here to assist you with financial aid, academic advising, and career planning to ensure you get the most out of your time at RCU.
How Much Aid Can I Get?
Many veterans, service members, and military families qualify for 100% tuition coverage through the GI Bill® and other VA education benefits. These programs can help cover:
✔ Tuition & Fees – Full or partial coverage based on eligibility.
✔ Housing Allowance – Monthly stipends for qualifying students.
✔ Books & Supplies – Financial assistance for course materials.
To determine your eligibility and estimated benefits, visit the VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits
Applying for VA education benefits is a simple process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility – Visit the VA’s Education Benefits page to check which programs you qualify for, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill®, or Yellow Ribbon Program.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents – Prepare the necessary paperwork, including your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), military service records, and transcripts from previous institutions.
Step 3: Apply for VA Benefits – Submit your VA Education Benefits application online through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Step 4: Notify RCU’s Veteran Services Team – Once approved, provide your COE and benefit confirmation to RCU’s Veteran Services Office so we can apply your benefits to your tuition.
Are you in the
right place?
Need Help?
- RCU: Kierstyn Oldenburg, School Certifying Official, Rochester Christian University, 248.218.2056 or koldenburg@rochesteru.edu
- VA/DoD: Call 888-GIBILL-1 (888.442.4551) or visit va.gov/ebenefits/contact
- Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs: Visit https://www.michigan.gov/dmva
Important Financial Aid Dates
FAFSA Opens | October 1st (for the following fall) |
Priority Deadline – State of Michigan Aid | July 1st |
Early Admission Deadline | May 1st |
Crimson Days | June 17th & 26th July 22nd August 7th |
Registration Deadline | August 1st |
Next Steps After Applying for Benefits
Step 1: Submit Official Transcripts – from colleges/universities previously attended to Rochester Christian University for evaluation of transfer credit
Step 2: Request Military Transcript – for evaluation of credit for military service (in accordance with the recommendation of the American Council on Education)
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript
- Option 1: Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) – Note: only available if you are accessing AFVEC from a .mil network
- Option 2: Parchment – third party company offers first class mail and overnight delivery (for a fee) of CCAF transcripts
- Joint Services Transcript (JST)
Step 3: Complete FAFSA Form – studentaid.gov to apply for federal student financial aid
Step 4: Register for Classes – work with your admissions recruiter for information on how to get registered at RCU
Step 5: Chapters 30/1606: Verify your Enrollment – each month with the VA via the Web Automated Veteran’s Enrollment (WAVE) system
Step 6: Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- SAP standards are found in the RCU course catalog
- Note: students who are certified for veteran educational benefits but who fail to obtain the minimum cumulative GPA within one semester after being placed on academic/financial aid warning may not be recertified until their cumulative GPA meets the minimum standards identified in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Step 7: Schedule Changes or Withdrawals – can cause interruption of benefits or overpayment that must be repaid directly to VA before receiving future benefits
- Email veterans@rcu.edu – when adding a class, changing sections, dropping or withdrawing from a class and when registering for a future semester
- Note: The VA School Certifying Official is required to report all schedule changes to the VA, including adds/drops and if a student never attends or stops attending a class
Additional Resources
- ACE The Military Guide
- Building Your Future with the GI Bill® : Education Pathway Guide
- Building Your Future with the GI Bill® : Benefits Guide
- Colmery Act Section 107- specific resources:
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
- Enrollment Verification FAQs
- Forever GI Bill®: Monthly Housing Allowance Guide
- Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)
- Request Military Service Records (DD Form 214)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training
- VA Rate Tables
- Veterans Benefits Administration YouTube Channel
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Verify School Enrollment
Additional Information About VA Education Benefits
- Chapter 30/1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® – assists active duty and Reservists with the pursuit of higher education degrees, certificates and other education and training
- US Department of Veterans Affairs pays a monthly stipend to the Veteran directly
- Student is responsible for payment to RCU
- Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)– provides for the training and rehabilitation of Veterans with service-connected conditions
- US Department of Veterans Affairs pays RCU directly for tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies
- Student receives monthly housing allowance paid directly from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, based on enrollment
- Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill® – offers higher education and training benefits to veterans, service members and their families who served after September 10, 2011
- US Department of Veterans Affairs pays RCU directly for tuition and mandatory fees only
- Student receives monthly housing allowance paid directly from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, based on enrollment
- RCU is partnered with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is specifically designed for those who are fully eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Transfer of Entitlement Option – specific to Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program– provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans
- Important: please provide the name and SSN associated with benefits to ensure accurate certification with the US Department of Veterans Affairs
- US Department of Veterans Affairs pays a monthly stipend to the Veteran directly
- Student is responsible for payment to RCU
- Military Tuition Assistance Program – many branches of the military offer eligible service members tuition assistance that provides financial assistance towards your college education.
