Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the primary federal veterans’ education benefit, and the Wisconsin GI Bill, the state’s major veterans’ benefit, can be used to help pay for UW Flexible Option tuition for most programs.
In general, the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees as well as up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies. In addition, eligible students who are enrolled more than half-time are eligible to receive a monthly housing payment. Currently, UW Flexible Option students who enroll in a single competency set are not eligible for a monthly housing payment, while students enrolled in two or more competency sets may be eligible for a housing payment.
The Wisconsin GI Bill is a state-mandated benefit providing tuition and fee remission for 128 credits to qualifying veterans as well as to the spouses and children of certain deceased and disabled veterans. Veterans must be current Wisconsin residents to access their GI Bill benefits. With few exceptions, veterans are eligible for the Wisconsin GI Bill if they were residents of Wisconsin when they entered military service or if they lived in Wisconsin for five consecutive years prior to their enrollment in a UW program.
Wisconsin state law requires eligible students to access their federal Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits before accessing the Wisconsin GI Bill benefits.
Students who are eligible, or who believe they may be eligible, for veterans benefits should also contact their designated campus Veterans Contact/Certifying Official (VCO).
Veteran Scholarship Opportunities
VetEd Reimbursement Grant
- Veterans must exhaust the GI Bill benefits before using a VetEd tuition reimbursement grant
- Go to the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs website to learn more
What if I’m called to active duty while I’m a student?
If a veteran student is called to active duty, the student will be withdrawn and granted a full refund for the subscription period. No grades or credits will be awarded for that subscription period. These provisions apply to involuntary Federal Title 10 activations and missions authorized by state Governors during times of disaster relief or similar emergency, not to routinely scheduled training.
Important links:
- Student Application Guide for Wisconsin G.I. Bill
- Veterans Wisconsin Education Portal
- State of Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs
- Wisconsin G.I. Bill Frequently Asked Questions
Institution-Specific Information
UW Milwaukee
This is for the Information Science & Technology, Diagnostic Imaging, Health Sciences, RN to BSN, and Associate degree programs.
UW Parkside
This is for the Business Administration program.