Veterans Admissions

Rivier University is committed to working with veterans to help them take full advantage of the benefits they have earned. G.I. Jobs magazine has named Rivier a military-friendly school, placing us in the top 15% of colleges, universities, and trade schools in the country in working with veterans.

We’ll help you navigate the admissions and enrollment processes as smoothly as possible. We recognize that veterans have a great deal of experience that can translate to college credit, and we participate in the CLEP program. Also, we accept credits from ACE, DANTES and National Credit Recommendation Service (formerly National PONSI), reducing the time it takes to earn your degree.

Accessing Your Benefits

In cooperation with the Veterans Administration (VA), Rivier participates in numerous veterans benefits programs. If you are eligible for veterans benefits, as determined by the Veterans Administration, please contact Rivier’s Veterans Coordinator Sherry Lyle via email once you’ve submitted your application or at the start of the semester. You must be enrolled in a degree program to obtain benefits.

The United States Department of Veteran Affairs offers a wealth of information on the GI Bill®.

Applications for veterans benefits may be obtained directly from the VA by visiting the Veterans Administration/Education benefits webpage. Completed application forms can also be mailed to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Processing Office, P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, NY 14240-4616.

Submit an application to Rivier by reviewing our step-by-step guide. Our Veterans Coordinator is available to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Review Military Benefit Eligibility

If you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:

• Contact your military branch’s education office to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Work with your education officer to set up your paperwork in preparation for Tuition Assistance authorization and any other potential benefits, like the GI Bill®.
• If you are eligible for VA education benefits and have not yet applied, you will need to complete an application for benefits.
• Please retain a screenshot of the confirmation page once your application is complete.

If you have previously used your VA education benefits at another institution, you will need to complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training in order to update your current education benefits. Please retain a screenshot of the confirmation page once complete.

Step 2: Submit an Application

• Apply to one of our degree programs.
• A Rivier University admissions counselor will contact you, usually by phone, to confirm your application.
• Inform the counselor that you are currently serving or are a veteran and that you’ll be using your military benefits.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Send an official high school transcript or GED. Non-nursing transfer applicants with an associate’s degree do not need to submit high school transcripts.

If you are transferring credits from a post-secondary military or civilian institution, you will need to request official transcripts be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Admissions at Rivier University.

Military transcripts must be requested by military personnel. For any credits earned through military training or institutions, please request that an Official Joint Services Transcript be sent to Rivier University.

For any credits earned through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), contact CCAF for transcripts and send these to Rivier.

Step 4: Acceptance and Benefits

Each branch of the military has specific benefits, as do veterans and spouses.

Air Force

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Notify your branch’s education office that you’ve been accepted to Rivier University and request Tuition Assistance authorization and/or any other education benefits paperwork.
• The Air Force Portal allows you to quickly find relevant data and information, applications, and collaboration tools to help you.
• Send your Tuition Assistance authorization directly to the Rivier VA School Certifying Official.
• Once the Rivier VA School Certifying Official has reviewed your Tuition Assistance authorization, your academic advisor can enroll you in courses.

Army

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Upon acceptance to Rivier University, work with your academic advisor to enroll in your classes for the next term.
• Request Tuition Assistance.
• Army or Army Reserves — Visit the FAQ page on the Tuition Assistance Program For Service Members | The Official Army Benefits Website portal for steps on how to start using your tuition assistance.
• Army National Guard — You may qualify for additional money from your state. Contact your education center for more information on this benefit.
• Get a copy of your Rivier Degree Program plan/evaluation and a Promissory note/Statement of Fees. These can be obtained from the Rivier VA School Certifying Official
• Your promissory note/statement of fees from Rivier University should detail the term dates, course information and tuition fees.
• Then, log in to your Tuition Assistance Program For Service Members | The Official Army Benefits Website account and register yourself for the classes you just signed up for.
• After completing your course registration, notify the VA School Certifying Official to finalize the enrollment process.
• Note: You must enroll in both Rivier University and Tuition Assistance Program For Service Members | The Official Army Benefits Website. The two systems are managed separately, so you are a critical link in ensuring both systems contain the correct information.

Coast Guard

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Notify your branch’s education office that you’ve been accepted to Rivier University and request Tuition Assistance authorization and/or any other education benefits paperwork.
• Visit the Coast Guard website for tuition assistance application information and forms.
• Send your Tuition Assistance authorization directly to the VA School Certifying Official.
• Once the Rivier VA School Certifying Official has reviewed your Tuition Assistance authorization, your academic advisor can enroll you in courses.

Marines

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Notify your branch’s education office by logging into Tuition Assistance (marines.mil).
• Notify both your education officer and the VA School Certifying Official via email that all items have been uploaded and appropriate entries made.
• Your education office will verify all facts and documents for final approval authority. Then your Educational Sservices Officer (ESO) will send you an email authorizing your TA and directing you to log back into Tuition Assistance (marines.mil).
• Log in and open your existing application to view your approved class.
• Print and sign your TA voucher and submit it to Rivier University VA School Certifying Official.
• Once the Rivier VA School Certifying Official has reviewed your Tuition Assistance authorization, your academic advisor can assist you with enrolling in courses.

Military Spouses

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Upon acceptance to Rivier University, your academic advisor will work with you to register for classes.
• Let the VA School Certifying Official know and refer to the GI Bill® website regarding GI Bill® Transfers.

Navy

• Contact your military branch’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution to find out what benefits are available to you.
• Request Tuition Assistance.
• Navy — Find Navy tuition assistance instructions and forms.
• Get a copy of your Rivier Degree Program plan/evaluation and a Promissory note/Statement of Fees. These can be obtained from the Rivier VA School Certifying Official
• Your promissory note/ statement of fees from Rivier University should detail the term dates, course information and tuition fees.
• Complete “My Education Plan,” then “Upload File.” (This is your Rivier University Degree Audit/ program evaluation.)
• WebTA will automatically send an approval notice to your commanding officer for approval.
• Notify both your education officer and the Rivier VA School Certifying Official via email that all items have been uploaded and appropriate entries made.
• Your education office will verify all facts and documents for final approval authority. Then your educational services officer (ESO) will send you an email authorizing your TA and directing you to log back into myeducation.netc.navy.mil.
• Print, sign and submit your TA voucher to the Rivier University VA School Certifying Official.
• Once the Rivier VA School Certifying Official has reviewed your Tuition Assistance authorization, your academic advisor can assist you with enrolling in courses.

Tuition and Payment Information

• Upon acceptance to Rivier, you will work with both the VA School Certifying Official and a Student Accounts Representative to determine your eligibility and payment options.  Your GI Bill® eligibility is based on when you served your country and other requirements determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration. Learn more about your eligibility for military benefits through the VA, including information on Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.
• If you plan to use financial aid with your VA Benefit, a Rivier Student Accounts representative will help arrange your financial aid and finalize your paperwork. Students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® at less than 100 percent eligibility will be responsible for the percentage not covered by the VA.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 Compliance

Under Title 38 US Code 3679 (e), with respect to any students using VA Education Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) or Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA, Rivier University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment.
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student.
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding.
• Deny the student’s access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee payments to the institution.

To qualify for this provision, such students may be required by the school to:

• Produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility or eBenefits entitlement summary by the first day of class.
• Provide a written request to be certified.
• Provide any additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other Rivier’s policies.

However, Rivier University reserves the right to require additional payment or impose a late fee for the amount of tuition or fees due, which is the difference between the amount of the covered individual’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.

• Once our VA School Certifying Official has reviewed your VA documentation, your academic advisor can assist in your course enrollment.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Veterans who are receiving 100% in tuition benefits may be eligible for funding under the Yellow Ribbon Program, if the veteran has met the maximum allowance determined annually by the VA.
• Visit Financial Aid for information on tuition and fees, refund policy, and other financial information.
• Principles of Excellence (Shopping Sheet template): Students will receive a personalized Shopping Sheet upon admission or after applying for financial aid.

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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.