Bridgewater State University understands that military and veteran students may encounter financial challenges in reaching their educational goals. That is why we provide an array of resources available to help you finance your education, such as fee waivers, tuition assistance, scholarships, and federal and state financial aid. Explore the following opportunities designed to make your BSU education more affordable. Financial Aid Award Guide
In addition, BSU has a dedicated Military and VA School Certifying Official who can counsel you one-on-one, so that you are fully informed on your benefit eligibility along with guidance on financial matters. Contact Denise McNulty, Veteran Certifying Official:
Denise J. McNulty, Veterans Certifying Official
Bridgewater State University
Welcome Center Suite 209
Phone: 508.531.2474
Fax: 508.531.1728
Email: dmcnulty@bridgew.edu
VA Education Benefits
There is a new law regarding student veterans who have been regarded as “Out of State” students: The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. The new law makes it possible for many of these students to pay tuition and fees at the “In State” rates in many cases beginning July 1, 2015. BSU, adopted this practice as of July 1, 2020. To see if you qualify, call BSU’s certifying Official (508) 531-2474. (Public Law 113-146) changed the amount of tuition and fee charges which can be reported to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Effective July 1, 2015, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans and dependents tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.
UPDATE: Public Law 116-315, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which modifies 38 U.S.C. 3679(c). The amendment requires that for all courses, semesters, or terms beginning after August 1, 2021, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents and eligible individuals’ tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.
Service Members, Veterans, Spouses/Dependents
You may be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We have provided an overview of these benefits below, and our team is available to assist with questions. We also encourage you to visit the VA website or your service branch’s education office for the most detailed information regarding your options.
Next Steps
Review the various VA Education Benefits featured below and visit the VA Website, where you can check your eligibility and apply online. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. We encourage veterans, dependents, and military students attending BSU to contact our certifying official with any questions. We can be reached by email dmcnulty@bridgew.edu or phone 508-531-2474.
If you are an enrolled student or planning to enroll at Bridgewater State University, please be sure to complete the BSU Military Education Benefits Form. Please note that your VA Certification Request form must be submitted every semester in which you are enrolled.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® - Chapter 33
Service Members, Veterans, Spouses/Dependents
If you served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible to receive payment for a percentage of the tuition and fees that are paid directly to the University, along with a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year. Some service members may also transfer unused benefits to their dependents. You may be eligible to receive this benefit if you:
have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001
- are still on active duty
- are an honorably discharged veteran
- or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days
Flight Training Fees: If you are receiving Post 9/11 CH 33 education benefits and you are enrolled in Aviation Science, Flight Training Concentration, BS; please reach out to Denise McNulty to determine your eligibility of coverage for flight hours. Email: dmcnulty@bridgew.edu.
Montgomery GI Bill® - Chapters 30 and 1606 & Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Service Members, Veterans
The Montgomery GI Bill® provides education benefits for tuition, books, and fees paid directly to service members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The VA offers two unique benefits: The Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30) and the Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606). You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.
Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship
Spouses Only
If you are a military spouse, you may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 of financial assistance via a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship. This program helps military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certifications, or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in high-demand, high-growth career fields. Penn State World Campus is a participating school, and our military team can help you through the application process.
Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) - Chapter 35
Dependents Only
The DEA program offers education and training opportunities to eligible surviving dependents or dependents of veterans who are permanently or totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for benefit eligibility and other information.
Signed into law on January 5, 2021, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (P.L.116-315) provides for the improvement and/or expansion of various GI Bill® programs. This includes Provision 1005, Requirements for In-State Tuition:
- Effective August 1, 2021, provision 1005 removes the requirement for covered individuals to enroll in a course at a public institution of higher learning within three years of being discharged to receive in-state tuition. VA will also make publicly available on the VA website a database explaining any public institution’s requirements for beneficiaries to be charged in-state tuition.
- As of Fall 2020 BSU charged in state tuition rates to all identified Military or Veteran recipients who enrolled in classes at BSU.
Service Members
Funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) program can cover a significant portion of tuition expenses for eligible active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members. For information on specific benefits and the approval process, click on your branch of service below or visit your military education center.
Next Steps
Click on the appropriate service branch link above. When requesting approval for TA, be sure to use OPE-ID # 002183-00. Once your tuition assistance form is approved, please send it to Denise McNulty in the Financial Aid Office dmcnulty@bridgew.edu.