Serve. Lead. Achieve.
We are here to support prospective and current student veterans, service members and their families throughout their education journey, from admission to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøto graduation.
Veteran benefits at SMU
51³Ô¹ÏÍøaccepts the following VA education benefits. Learn more here.
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® — Active Duty (MGIB)
- Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Yellow Ribbon Program
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
- Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
- Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
- Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® - Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Texas’ Hazelwood benefit cannot be used at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøas it is only offered through public institutions.
How to get veteran benefits
- Apply through the VA: Apply for VA benefits . If you plan to apply for Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment, complete . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determine eligibility.
- Submit documents to SMU: After the VA determines your eligibility, submit the and attach a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or . You will need your 51³Ô¹ÏÍøID and password to access the form.
- If you do not attach your COE, you will need to email a copy to vabenefits@smu.edu before your certification can be processed. Your COE will arrive in the mail after the VA has processed your application. You can request a copy from the VA Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
- Veterans and active-duty servicemembers must also submit a copy of their military transcript: (Air Force) or (all other branches).
Admission and enrollment
How do I apply to SMU?
Undergraduate students: Follow the steps here. There's no application fee for undergraduate U.S. military veteran applicants!
Graduate students: Apply . For more information on programs, click here.
Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) students: Earn certificates designed to get you ahead in the workforce, ranging from financial planning to digital marketing. This is a great option for those who can't pursue a degree full-time. Contact vetresource@mail.smu.edu or 214-768-1086.
What if I make changes to my enrollment?
You must notify the VA Certifying Official of any enrollment changes during the term. If you drop a course, you will be responsible for repaying any resulting debt to the VA, SMU, or both.
I was called to active-duty service and left SMU. How do I return?
Undergraduate students: If you were called to active-duty service and left 51³Ô¹ÏÍøin good academic standing, your file remains active for one year. If your service period lasted longer than two regular terms (fall, spring), you must request reactivation by submitting . When you are ready to return to SMU, we suggest you notify the appropriate University departments as soon as possible.
Graduate students: Contact your school of record directly.
Student support and services
51³Ô¹ÏÍøis proud to have students who have served their country in the armed services. We are dedicated to your growth and well-being. From academic support to health and wellness services, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøfamily has your back.
Any veteran with a disabling condition is encouraged to reach out to Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) to explore accommodations and other resources.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøhas hundreds of student groups, including some that are tailored specifically to veteran students, such as 51³Ô¹ÏÍøMilVets, Veterans in Business and Veterans Law Association.
More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .
The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f): Find out about 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f) and how 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcomplies with its requirements, including cost transparency, educational plans, accreditation, and ethical recruitment.
Contact Us
Call us:
214-768-4348
Email us:
vabenefits@smu.edu
Schedule an appointment:
Visit us:
Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 100
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 750181
Dallas, TX 75275-0181
Delivery Address:
Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 100
6185 Airline Rd
Dallas, TX 75205
More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .
Compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f): Find out about 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f) and how 51³Ô¹ÏÍøcomplies with its requirements, including cost transparency, educational plans, accreditation, and ethical recruitment.
The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.