Veterans' Resource Center

The Veterans’ Resource Center (VRC) serves all students who are veterans, spouses, dependents or military students. VRC staff will help these students get the most out of their CMU experience, build academic and social networks, and receive assistance with their educational benefits, including those applicable to spouses and dependents. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment. The Veterans’ Resource Center is located in Bovee University Center 110 and may be reached at 989-774-7991 or veterans@cmich.edu.

Specific information regarding Veterans’ Certification can be found at: https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/veterans-resource-center.

Military Service Commission

A commission in the United States Army may be obtained while enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school. Interested individuals should contact the chairperson of the Military Science Department, telephone 989-774-3049.

Application Fee

All U.S. military veterans, active duty, National Guard, and reserve service members are eligible to have their application fee to CMU waived. To receive the waiver, the individual must provide one of the following to CMU at the time of application:

• DD-214 form verifying service,
• Service verification letter from their command indicating current duty station,
• VA Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), or
• Active military ID if you are applying in person at a CMU center.

Resident Tuition

Unless otherwise qualified for one of CMU's military discounted tuition rates, the following individuals shall be charged the in-state tuition:

Any individual using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment), Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) (to include the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship [38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b) (9) or 3319], of title 38, United States Code), Chapter 35 (Dependents Education Assistance Program), and Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve).

Please see https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_residentraterequirements.asp for additional information on GI Bill® resident rate requirements.

Covered Individuals (includes Veterans, current military personnel, and family members), eligible for VA education entitlement must provide a copy of the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter verifying approval of VA educational entitlement.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Military Discounted Tuition Rates

Listed below are the 23-24 Military tuition rates per credit hour for which academic credit is awarded. The President or designee may vary these tuition rates and fees according to cohorts, programs, locations, or terms of contracts.

Notes:

Military Rates are applicable to programs that do not exceed the standard undergraduate and graduate rates. However, the graduate military rate is also applicable to the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Specialist in Education programs. 

Qualifying Categories for Military Discounted Tuition Rate

Active duty members, reservists or National Guard members currently serving in a branch of the United States military, which includes the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force or the spouse or dependent child(ren) of military members. Eligibility for family members includes (a) those that qualify under the existing IRS definition of a qualifying dependent and/or (b) possess a current military benefits identification card (excludes military veterans and retirees).

Individuals must submit documentation verifying their eligibility for the Military discounted tuition rate. If not already on file with Central Michigan University, acceptable means of verification include:

1. Present your current military ID or dependent military ID to your nearest CMU education center.
2. Alternatively, active military members including eligible family members, reservists or guard members may submit a verification letter from the military members command reflecting their status as well as their end of service date.

CMU Student Services Fee

Information on the Student Services Fee may be seen by clicking the link.

Registration Information

Central Michigan University offers the earliest registration appointment times to all active military personnel, certified veterans and those deemed eligible for VA benefits by the Dept. Veteran Affairs. Central Michigan University also reserves the right to permit other approved student populations earlier registration appointment times as designated. Military affiliated students will receive earliest Priority Date based on their official course registration date and class availability.

Current Servicemembers must speak with their Education Services Officer (ESO) or military service counselor regarding the approval of tuition assistance benefits prior to enrolling in courses.

Veteran Award

Consideration for the Central Michigan University Veteran Award is available to honorably discharged veterans from the U.S. Military Service who have regular admission as an undergraduate or graduate in one of CMU’s on-campus or online standard degree programs.

Applicant Requirements:

• Complete the Veteran Award Application:  https://Veterans.cmich.edu/VeteransAward.
• Provide a copy of your DD-214 member-4 copy verifying honorable discharge or, documentation from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs indicating eligibility for educational benefits. Do not email documents.
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Undergraduates must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.
• Graduates must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.

Due Dates for Fall and Spring semesters

• November 1 for Fall only enrollment.
• March 1 for Fall and Spring enrollment.
• The Summer Veteran Award Application will be available each year in March.

Awarding Criteria

The CMU Veteran Award is a need-based award for eligible veterans admitted to CMU after August 16, 2016. Current students who are already receiving a special rate are not eligible for this award. Eligibility is based on the students Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications will not be considered if the FAFSA is not on file with CMU’s Financial Aid Office. The amount of an award will vary dependent on student EFC and grade level. Students must maintain enrollment requirements each semester to retain the award:

• For an undergraduate, this is 9 credit hours per semester.
• For a graduate, this is 6 credit hours per semester.
• Enrollment will be verified at the time of awarding.

Awards made for two semesters are subject to adjustment based on changes in credit hours enrolled. Dropping without tuition charges, after the award is credited to the student account, will result in the reversal of the award for the semester. This may result in a bill back to your student account. Withdrawal from classes during the semester will result in the loss of eligibility for the Veteran Award in the subsequent semester. Students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for Federal Student Financial Aid regardless of whether or not financial aid is being used.

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Federal Financial Aid for the Military Community

Federal Financial Aid and other educational assistance programs are available to service members, veterans, and other eligible family members to help cover the cost of tuition. The following is an overview of Title IV Federal Student Aid and benefit programs through the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense.

Title IV Federal Student Aid

What is the maximum amount of Federal grant and loan aid available to students under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV)?

The Federal government offers a variety of grants and loans to students. The Federal Student Aid Gateway (https://studentaid.gov/) provides detailed information about Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs and loans and how you can apply for these programs.

A grant is often referred to as “gift aid” because this program provides a student with financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Federal Grants (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell) include Federal Pell Grant, Teach Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants & the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans) provides students with subsidized and unsubsidized loans (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans) based on a student’s year in college as either a dependent or independent undergraduate or at the graduate degree level.

The amount (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans) a student can borrow is determined by their grade level and prior student loan borrowing.

In addition to subsidized and unsubsidized loans some students or students' parents may qualify for a Federal Direct PLUS loan (https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/) based on the cost of attendance (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa).

How can you qualify for loans and other Title IV assistance?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa) is required for the school to determine your eligibility for Title IV financial aid. Undergraduate dependency (https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency) status for federal aid is determined by the questions on the FAFSA.

Title IV eligibility is automatically packaged by CMU, usually within 10 business days of receiving the FAFSA as long as there are no flags on student data. Once a student receives their award notification, they have the option of accepting, reducing, or declining the offered student loans within their student financial aid portal. Student may contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid via email at FinancialAid@cmich.edu with any questions.

Why may Title IV student loans be more favorable than private educational loans?

“Student loans can come from the federal government or from private sources such as a bank or financial institution. Loans made by the federal government, called federal student loans, usually offer borrowers lower interest rates and have more flexible repayment options than loans from banks or other private sources.” See https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/office-scholarships-financial-aid/loans to compare the terms and conditions of federal student loans and private lender loans.

CMU Withdrawal Information and Satisfactory Academic Progress

Refer to the CMU Withdrawal page for Return of Title IV Financial Aid Refund and Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy information:

https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/finance-administrative-services/financial-services-reporting/student-account-services-university-billing/withdrawal-information

Also refer to Military Drop/Withdrawal Refund Policy for exceptions. See also Offset Policy for Undergraduate students.

Additional Information on Title IV Federal Financial Aid

Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) via email at FinancialAid@cmich.edu or by phone at 989-774-3674.

A number of tools are available to assist you in understanding and evaluating your options as a student:

• College Navigator - http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
• CMU Net Price Calculator - https://cmich.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx
• College Scorecard - https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
• GI Bill® Comparison Tool - https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
• Estimate Your Federal Student Aid - https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
• Paying for College - https://studentaid.gov/h/understand-aid

Upon admission to CMU the College Financing Plan is also available to students through Central Link.

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense

If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program (https://www.dodmou.com/TADECIDE).

• Check your eligibility status and the amount for which you qualify with your service prior to enrolling.
• If you served on active duty, you might be eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp) provides financial support for educational and housing expenses to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
• You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
• If you are the spouse or child of a service member who is serving on active duty Title 10 orders in the paygrades of E1-E5, O1-O2, or W1-W2, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Defense for education, training, and/or the occupational license and credentials necessary for a portable career.
• If you are the spouse or child of a service member, you may be eligible for transfer of the service member’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to you.

Additional Information on Military Educational Benefits

• CMU Programs for the Military Community (https://www.cmich.edu/admissions-aid/military-veteran-students/additional-resources)
• CMU Veterans’ Resource Center (https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/veterans-resource-center)

Transfer Credit for Military Training and Experience

1. Military service school experiences. Granting of academic credit for military service school experiences will be guided by the evaluations prepared by the American Council on Education and published in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.” All Military Service School experiences that are recommended for undergraduate level credit will transfer to Central Michigan University. Acceptability of credit for military service school experiences to fulfill CMU major or minor requirements is at the discretion of the individual department.
2. Military occupational specialties. Granting of academic credit for military occupational specialties will be guided by the evaluations prepared by the American Council on Education and published in the “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.” All Military Occupational Specialties that are recommended and for undergraduate level credit and are germane to CMU will transfer to Central Michigan University. Acceptability of credit for military occupational specialties to fulfill CMU major or minor requirements is at the discretion of the individual department. To be considered for transfer credit student must provide an official Joint Service Transcript (JST) with the American Council of Education (ACE) Recommendation. CMU follows the ACE Recommendations as it relates to military experience and training; to be considered for transfer, students should provide official transcripts or official documentation that includes an ACE Recommendation.
   
   

Army Tuition Assistance

The ArmyIgnitED portal is exclusively the reference point for requesting Army tuition assistance.

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Re-Admissions

Military Service members whose enrollment is interrupted or precluded due to military service requirements will be promptly readmitted with the same academic status as when last attending and/or admitted to CMU.

• Notification of military service. The student (or an appropriate officer of the armed forces or official of the Department of Defense) must give oral or written notice of such service to the school as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances.
• Notification of intent to return to school. The student must also give oral or written notice of her intent to return to the school within three years after the completion of the period of service.

The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from the school for military service may not exceed five years. Only the time the student spends actually performing service is counted.

To be readmitted to CMU, students should submit an updated application; an application fee is not charged and any official transcripts previously submitted do not need to be resubmitted. Once readmitted and prior to registering, students should work with their Academic Advisor to update their degree plan; this is to ensure they are registering for the correct courses.

Withdrawal To Enter Military Service

See Withdrawal To Enter Military Service.

Military Drop/Withdrawal Refund Policy

Students who currently serve in the active duty military, guard units, the military reserve, and/or family members whose educational pursuits are interrupted by military orders or unforeseen military obligations must submit documentation verifying their eligibility for the military refund exception. If not already on file with Central Michigan University, acceptable means of verification include:

Present your active or dependent military identification to your nearest CMU education center along with a copy of official military orders indicating the specific time period and nature of the military service obligation; or alternatively,

Active military members including eligible family members, reservists or guard members may submit a verification letter from the military member’s command reflecting their status of their military obligation and service dates.

Additional exceptions to the course refund policy shall be considered for military members whose military duties or responsibilities impair or prevent their ability to participate in class and complete the course requirements. Where possible, exceptions must be requested prior to the last class session. A copy of TDY orders or other appropriate confirmation of the assignment that precluded completion of the course must accompany the withdrawal exception request.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To comply with the Department of Defense policy, Central Michigan University will return any unearned TA funds on a prorate basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.

Student Short-Term Military Service Policy

Policy. Central Michigan University recognizes that those students who are actively serving in the Reserves or National Guard are required by their military contract to attend to military orders requiring mandatory training or serve at the request of the Governor of their state to respond to natural disasters or other occurrences in which the use of the National Guard is in the best interest of the state. Failure to attend these orders is punishable under law. The University therefore provides the following rights to students required by their military contract to respond to military orders through the Student Short-Term Military Service Policy.

Procedure. Central Michigan University will not penalize students for complying with mandatory military orders and will give the opportunity to earn equivalent credit and to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning outcomes for missed assignments or assessments in the event of a schedule or class conflict due to mandatory military orders. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor at the earliest possible time of the existing schedule or class conflict.

Students are eligible for up to fifteen (15) days of short-term, military required absence per academic year with no more than ten (10) academic calendar days taken consecutively. Total absences, including travel, may not exceed 1/3 of the course meetings for any course.

Students may be granted additional absences to account for travel considerations, to be determined by the distance of the verified military service from the CMU campus where the student is registered, as follows: Within a 150 mile radius of campus or center: no additional excused absence days; Between a 150 - 300 mile radius of campus or center: one additional excused absence day; Beyond a 300 mile radius of the campus or center: two additional excused absence days; Outside the continental United States: four additional excused absence days.

A student must contact the office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs to request that a notice of the leave be sent to instructors as soon as the student is informed of the dates of military service. The student must provide documentation of the mandatory military service in the form of orders or equivalent documents as proof of legitimate absence to the office of the AVP for Student Affairs as soon as these documents are available. When documentation is presented to the office of the AVP for Student Affairs a verified absence notification will be sent to the student’s instructors.

With a verified absence notification for the office of the AVP of Student Affairs, instructors will not penalize the student for missing class and will provide the opportunity to earn equivalent credit and to demonstrate evidence of meeting the learning outcomes for missed assignments or assessments or will negotiate with the student for additional time to complete assignments or alternative dates for required assessments.

Should a student not be satisfied with the agreed upon plan, they shall provide, within 10 days, a written statement to the instructor clearly explaining their objection and suggesting an alternative accommodation. If the instructor and student cannot expediently resolve this written objection, then the student may appeal for further review or consultation of their case to the Department Chair of the course or courses in question. In a case where grades are negatively affected, the student may follow the established grade appeals process.

In courses with extensive laboratory exercises, group projects, group performances, or participation requirements, equivalent exercises or assessments may not be possible as determined by the instructor and subject to review by the Dean of the college offering the course, or their designee. In such a case, the student may be eligible for retroactive withdrawal. The student should always consult with the instructor to determine the potential impact of any absence. Students should also contact Central Michigan University’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the Veterans’ Resource Center to determine if retroactive withdrawal has any impact on financial aid awards or Veteran Administration education benefits.

For a full copy of this policy (including procedures for faculty and information on available counseling), see Policy 7-12 on the General Counsel website, https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/general-counsel.

Release of Information

The University will only release non-directory information regarding the education progress of military members or other covered individuals utilizing Veterans Education Benefits/military tuition assistance upon proper authorization by the student. For additional information, refer to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act section of the Bulletin.

Endowed Scholarships and Awards

See the Scholarships and Financial Aid section for awards and scholarships specifically for students in the military.

Curriculum and Course Changes

See Curriculum and Course Changes.

CMU Online Courses

Those students applying Post 9/11 or Veteran Readiness & Employment benefits toward tuition of an online course should contact CMU’s Veterans’ Resource Center for information regarding certification and restrictions.

CMU Department of Military Science and ROTC

See the Department of Military Science.