Many veterans, servicemembers, and military family members don't apply for college financial aid, because they feel that they don't need it, or won't qualify for it. However, most colleges strongly suggest it, and here's a few reasons why:
- Financial aid can be used to secure your enrollment while you're waiting for VA funding, so you don't have to pay "up front" and wait for VA reimbursement
- Financial aid is a good "backup" plan in case of delays in VA processing
- Most forms of financial aid can also be used for books, technology or lab equipment, school supplies, room & board, transportation, childcare, or any other expense related to your education
- You might want to save your VA educational benefits for a future term, in which case you can use financial aid to cover your current-term expenses
- You might want to transfer some of your VA benefits to a family member (if you're eligible), and use financial aid to cover your own expenses instead
- You'll eventually exhaust your benefits; careful management of your benefit entitlement and financial aid awards will help you maximize your benefits and achieve your educational goals
- VA benefits are usually not counted as income on financial aid applications, which means you may qualify for more money than you think!
Many veterans, servicemembers, and military family members don't apply for college financial aid, because they feel that they don't need it, or won't qualify for it. However, most colleges strongly suggest it, and here's a few reasons why: