Paying for School

Paying for School

Tuition and Financial Aid

Learn about the costs and financial support opportunities available at IU East:

VA Benefits

VA Education Benefits provide financial support for your experience at IU. This page will help you understand your benefits eligibility.

A summary of benefit options is listed below. For complete details about each program, visit the GI Bill® Website. Before you apply for VA benefits, make sure you have completed the steps outlined in how to apply.

IU East services the following benefits. For more information, please visit the VA Website.

Options for Benefits

There are significant differences between Chapter 30 and Chapter 33 benefits. You can switch from the Chapter 30 program to Chapter 33, but the change is permanent, and should only be made after you understand the differing amounts of entitlement available under each program.

  • Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)—Active Duty
  • Chapter 31, Disabled Veterans Qualified for Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Chapter 35, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
  • Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information on what each benefit has to offer you.

 eBenefits

The eBenefits web portal is an online resource for tools and benefits-related information. The portal serves Veterans, Service members , their families, and their caregivers.

Indiana Veteran Benefits

Children of Disabled Indiana Veterans

Children of disabled Indiana veterans and Purple Heart recipients may qualify for a state tuition fee remission. The Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs has applications for this program online.

Unemployment Benefits

In some instances, veterans attending college are eligible for unemployment benefits. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development offers detailed information concerning jobless benefits for student veterans.

Tuition Assistance

Each service branch provides tuition assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. The application process varies by branch. Eligible service members must receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling.

Once you have approval, you will need to complete the following steps:

  1.  Create an account with your specific branch of the military:
  2. If you have not already met with your academic advisor at IU East, you will need to do so and complete your course registration.
  3. Apply for tuition assistance according to the guidelines for your branch of the military.
  4. Contact Student Records at earecord@iu.edu to notify us that you will be using tuition assistance and which branch you are serving so we can complete the necessary process at the end of the semester.
  5. If you are a student using the military Tuition Assistance program and you have questions about non-military financial aid please visit Red Wolf Central to learn about how to Apply for Financial Aid.
  6. If you are awarded tuition assistance, please let the Bursar’s Office know by submitting your tuition assistance authorization. If you have further questions about the sponsored student process, visit Red Wolf Central’s Payments from Sponsors page.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program specifies that degree-granting colleges and universities in the US may voluntarily fund up to 50 percent of their veteran-students’ tuition and fees that exceed the highest rate at a public, in-state school. In participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, IU East has agreed to contribute up to

Yellow program icon.

A provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program specifies that degree-granting colleges and universities in the US may voluntarily fund up to 50 percent of their veteran-students’ tuition and fees that exceed the highest rate at a public, in-state school. In participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, IU East has agreed to contribute up to:

  • $1700 per academic year ($850 per semester) for each veteran enrolled as an adult degree completion student.
  • $1700 per academic year ($850 per semester) per veteran enrolled as a traditional undergraduate student.

Criteria:

  • Eligible for CH 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits at the 100% level
  • Maintain good academic standing at IU
  • Be admitted as a degree‐seeking student w/tuition and fees above the in-state costs for your program.

Indiana University East has agreed to award up to 12 students one half of nonresident tuition to be matched by the VA. Awards to qualified applicants are on a first---come basis.

Students must forward their Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) as soon as it becomes available.

Once selected for the Yellow Ribbon Program at IU, students will be funded each year they are in their current program of study (i.e. until their degree is awarded) AS LONG AS IU CONTINUES TO RENEW ITS AGREEMENT WITH THE VA EACH YEAR, and student has benefits available. IU has the right to reduce awards or discontinue the program at the end of each academic year.

Applicants must provide proof of application for the Post 9/11 GI Bill to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon award and must demonstrate proof of eligibility by providing their Certificate of Eligibility from the VA before any funds will be disbursed. For high school students, application must be submitted to the VA immediately after high school graduation.

Students must remain continuously enrolled each fall and spring semester to maintain their award. Exceptions will be made for those called up for military duty. Students can be enrolled full or part---time and receive funding.

For additional information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, please visit the GI Bill website.

For questions or to apply, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Email: eaosfa@iu.edu
Phone: 765-973-8206
Fax: 765-973-8288
Mail: Indiana University East
Office of Financial Aid Whitewater Hall, Rm. 112
2325 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, IN 47374

Residency & Non-Resident Fee Remission

Non-Resident Fee Remission

If you are serving on active duty stationed in Indiana on PCS orders, you and your spouse may be considered nonresidents of the state of Indiana for university tuition purposes. However, your military status entitles you to a remission of the nonresident portion of your credit hour fees. If you wish to be considered for fee remission, you must provide a copy of the military orders to the Office of the Bursar. Spouses of military personnel must produce a military-issued identification card in addition to military orders. Once your eligibility has been determined, the bursar’s office will remit the nonresident portion of the credit hour fees.

The residency status of children of full-time military personnel is addressed by Trustees Residence Guidelines, Rule 2(c).

Residency Exception (SEA 177)

If you are a veteran with an honorable discharge who is enrolling as a non-resident undergraduate within 12 months of separation from service, you may qualify for a residency exception under Senate Enrolled Act 177. Current members of the Indiana National Guard are also eligible. You must present a copy of your DD214 or proof of current NG membership. You are also required to show intent to establish residency by providing an Indiana driver’s license, IN automobile registration, or IN voter registration within your first 12 months at IU. This exception does not change your residency classification, but provides a reduction in tuition charges down to the resident (in-state) rate.  Again, it is only valid for one year.  Questions regarding residency should be directed to the Office of the Registrar, earecord@iu.edu.

Change in Financial Status

If your income level has significantly changed in comparison to the tax year information you reported on your FAFSA due to separation from the military or other factors, complete an appeal form with the Financial Aid Office to be considered for an increase in financial assistance.