New VA Students
First Steps
- Apply and be admitted into the University. Contact the ORU Admissions Office.
- Apply for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Follow the links on their website to apply for benefits. - CLICK HERE
- If transferring benefits under Chapter 33 to a spouse or dependent you will need to complete a Transfer of Entitlement Form. This document, along with instructions, can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. - CLICK HERE
- Once you have been approved for educational benefits you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This will explain the benefits for which you are entitled. Email a copy of this document to veterans@oru.edu.
- Each semester, once you have enrolled, you will need to complete and submit your VA Benefits Questionnaire
Returning VA Students
A new VA Benefits Questionnaire must be filled out each season (Fall, Spring, Summer) in which a student is enrolled and wishes to utilize their VA benefits. Click Here to access the secure online VA Benefits Questionnaire, or click the box below.
Available VA Education & Training Benefits Programs
Eligible students enrolled at ORU in approved programs may utilize the following chapters of Veterans Association Educational Benefits while enrolled at ORU:
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®
More details, including eligibility information can be found on the VA Website - CLICK HERE
Effective August 1, 2023, the VA will pay up to $27,120.05 towards net tuition and fees per academic year. The monies for tuition and fees are paid directly to ORU. The percentage of benefits
paid is based on the Veteran's eligibility.
Students enrolled at least half-time receive a monthly housing allowance to assist with housing and living expenses. The monthly housing allowance is paid directly to the student. Active duty personnel are not eligible for the housing allowance.
Effective for terms starting on or after 12/17/21, monthly enrollment verification is required to continue receiving MHA/kicker. The VA highly recommends verifying via text message. Learn more about how to opt into text verification! Click Here
Students may also receive a stipend to assist in covering the cost of books and supplies. This is provided in a lump sum paid directly to the student each semester. Active duty personnel are not eligible for the stipend.
Students who qualify for 100% eligibility for Chapter 33 benefits may also receive a Yellow Ribbon scholarship from ORU based on eligibility. Yellow Ribbon scholarships may become available after a student has reached the maximum yearly allowable from the VA. Active duty personnel are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. More information on the Yellow Ribbon program can be found HERE.
Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill®
More details, including eligibility information can be found on the VA Website - CLICK HERE
Monthly benefits are paid directly to the student.
Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI and Selected Reserve Bill
More details, including eligibility information can be found on the VA Website - CLICK HERE
Monthly benefits are paid directly to the student.
Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness & Employment
This is a program for those with service-related disabilities. Please reference the VR&E webpage for details - CLICK HERE
Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance or Fry Scholarship
More details, including eligibility information can be found on the VA Website - CLICK HERE
Monthly benefits are paid directly to the student.
For more information, contact
ORU VA Certifying Officer
918.495.6205
veterans@oru.edu
The Regional VA Office for ORU is located in Muskogee, Oklahoma. This is the department that provides our veteran students with their benefits.
Department of Veterans Affairs
PO Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74401-8888
1.888.442.4551
Helpful LInks
VA Education & Training Homepage
Education & Training Rate Tables
Definitive Guide to GI Bill® Benefits and Eligibility
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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill