Things All Veteran Students Should Know!

Did you know that all students can sign up for Federal Financial Aid?

The number one money related question I get from veteran students is whether or not they can use Federal Financial Aid.  Most of the time when I ask the student if they have applied for financial aid they tell me that they haven't.  They are often worried about those funds interfering with their GI Bill benefits and visa versa.  The reality is that most schools, including Yavapai College, encourage their veteran students to apply for financial aid on top of their GI Bill so that things that might not be covered by their GI Bill will be covered by another funding source!

No joke!  You really can use your GI Bill and receive other financial aid at the same time!  In fact, at most schools it is really important to go through the process of applying for financial aid because if you apply for and receive scholarships that is how the school processes the scholarship.  Aside from all that, the GI Bill does not cover everything.  Classes that are not a part of your degree, books, miscellaneous supplies, all of these things are out of pocket.  But, in most cases other financial aid will cover those expenses!

So, speaking as a School Certifying Official (aka the folks who report your enrollment to the VA) and an Advisor I can say that we absolutely encourage all of our students to apply for Federal Financial Aid alongside their GI Bill benefits.  The two different funding sources do not impact one another and you only stand to gain by utilizing both!

If you would like help applying for Federal Financial Aid as a Veteran Student please contact one of the representatives at Yavapai College's Veterans Education and Transition Services Department for an appointment.  va.services@yc.edu or vub@yc.edu

Posted By Carol Beard
Advisor/Certifying Official