Ball State University is proud to have been named one of only 60 "Military Friendly Universities" by Military Advanced Education Magazine in 2009. G.I. Jobs Magazine named Ball State a 2010 Military Friendly School, putting us in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide. Learn more about our online degree programs and financial options for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Veterans and the dependents/spouses of disabled or deceased military veterans are encouraged to join the Veterans Support Group. The Veterans Support Group meets three times each semester with the goal of making certain that all members receive all of their financial benefits and to encourage each member to graduate. Professional and faculty mentors from eight university offices have pledged one-on-one help to veterans and their dependents in order to achieve these goals.
Certification of Veterans Educational Benefits-Every Semester
After registering for classes, each student is required to complete a Request for Enrollment Certification Form. This form is available online or in the Ball State Veterans' Affairs Office located in Lucina Hall, room 242. After completion, Veterans Affairs will certify you on the VA-Once online system for VA educational benefits. It is important that this form be completed at the beginning of each semester because the VA Regional Office requires up to 10 weeks to complete the certification process.
Monthly Verification of Enrollment
Veterans receiving Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607, Chapter 30, and Chapter 33 benefits must verify their enrollment at the end of each month. Chapter 31 and Chapter 35 recipients are not required to verify. You can verify your enrollment online or call 877-823-2378. You will not receive payment until you have verified your enrollment each month.
Reporting Changes in Enrollment
You must notify the Veterans Affairs office whenever you add or drop a class. Failure to report changes is viewed as a serious matter by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You will be required to pay back any benefits that you received as a result of overpayment.
Reporting Changes In Programs or Majors
You must notify Veterans' Affairs of any change in major or program and complete a Form 1995-Request for Change of Program. You may notify Veterans' Affairs in person, by phone (765-285-5736), or by e-mail (vetbenefits@bsu.edu).
Important Veterans Contact Information
VA Certifying Official at Ball State University:
Beck Hannaford 765-285-5736, Fax: 765-2852173, e-mail vetbenefits@bsu.edu
Veterans Affairs Regional Office/Information:
1-888-442-4551 (press "1" then "0" to be connected to a telephone professional)
Veterans Affairs Monthly Certification:
1-877-823-2378 or https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave
Indiana Veterans Affairs Office:
1-800-827-1000
Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation/Indianapolis Office/Chapter 31 Recipients:
317-916-3746 or Kristin.pherson@va.gov
Reserves Called to Active Duty & Military Withdrawal Policy Concerning Students Called to Active Military Duty
All students called to active duty during the first half of semester will be officially withdrawn, and a full refund of fees will be made. All students called to active duty after the first half of the semester may:
- withdraw and receive a full refund of tuition (issuance of grades would be at the discretion of the instructor) or
- request incomplete grades, and if granted, complete the course upon return to the university
Graduate students will be granted an extension of time to complete degree requirements equivalent to the period of active duty, but in no event to exceed four years.