Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315
Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.
Schools must provide a covered individual (a student using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.) with a personalized shopping sheet that contains:
Estimated total cost of the course that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs.
Estimated cost of living expenses.
Other types of Federal financial aid, not administered by VA that is offered by the institution, that the individual may be qualified to receive.
Estimated amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation.
Information regarding graduation rates.
Information regarding job-placement rates for graduates, if available.
Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits including military credits.
Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual.
Other information to facilitate comparison by the individual about aid packages offered by different educational institutions.
The College Financing Plan (CFP)
Is a model aid award letter designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school. The shopping sheet can be accessed at https://patriotweb.gmu.edu.
The CFP is available to newly enrolled students indicating on the admissions application an intent to use VA benefits and to continuing VA students within 15 days of a subsequent change in tuition rates.
The CFP presented is an estimate only and may not accurately reflect VA benefit awards. This is an estimate only based on either a student indicating an intent to use benefits on the admissions application or for continuing students that previously used benefits at Mason. Please note, out-of-state student estimates are based on full-time attendance with tuition and fees at the out-of-state rate. The CFP may not accurately reflect the net price to you if you are eligible for the Section 702 out-of-state tuition exemption.
Chapter 35 beneficiaries that are domiciled as out of state:
If you are residing in Virginia, you are eligible to apply for the section 702 exemption each semester you are using VA benefits. Once approved, the tuition costs are reduced to in-state. The net cost to you is then reduced by subtracting the difference between in-state and out-of-state.
Chapter 33 beneficiaries that are domiciled as out-of-state:
The CFP is originally calculated as the maximum amount of the Post 9-11 GI Bill benefit incorporating the Yellow Ribbon program. If you are residing in Virginia, you are eligible to apply for the section 702 exemption each semester you are using VA benefits. Once approved, the tuition costs are reduced to in-state. The net cost to you is then reduced by subtracting the difference between in-state and out-of-state and removing the Yellow Ribbon allocation from the VA education benefits amount. Scholarships associated with out-of-state merit awards will also be reduced since the out-of-state tuition is no longer charged. Please note additional factors like modality, rate of pursuit, and the zip code of the location you take the majority of your classes can also impact the VA education benefits amount.
VA estimated benefits do not appear as a financial aid award. Please reach out to the Office of Military Services for additional information.
The ‘Paying for College’ Web Page
This site can be used by prospective students to enter the names of up to three schools and receive detailed financial information on each one and to enter actual financial aid award information. The tool can be accessed at: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college
The College Scorecard
A consumer planning tool and resource to assist prospective students and their families as they evaluate options in selecting a school. The College Scorecard is located at: http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard
The College Navigator
A consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. The College Navigator is located at: http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
The Net Price Calculator
By completing our Net Price Calculator, you will be able to estimate your costs to attend Mason, as well as explore the grants, scholarships, and other aid programs you may be eligible to receive. The Net Price Calculator is located at: https://gmu.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx
GI Bill® Comparison Tool
A helpful tool to explore the right fit for your educational goal and benefits use. The tool is located at: https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/