Welcome, Dependents!

We are so glad you are joining the KU community! We recognize the unique background, needs and strengths military dependents bring to KU and foster an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all our military-affiliated students.

Transitioning to KU

These tools can help you in your decision-making process.

Undergraduate students
Graduate students
  • Steps to using GI Bill benefits at KU Includes information on:
    • Chapter 33 - Post 9-11 GI Bill
    • Chapter 33 - Fry Scholarship
    • Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
    • Frequently asked questions about using benefits
  • VA Work Study – on-campus jobs in the Military-Affiliated Student Center for GI Bill users. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more. 

You may be eligible to apply for in-state tuition rates per the Armed Forces Residency (AFRB) benefit if:

  • You are eligible for the GI Bill/DEA
  • Your sponsor was stationed in Kansas during service and/or was a Kansas resident prior to joining the service
  • You are the dependent of current Active Duty, Reservist, or Kansas National Guard member
  • Note: The deadline to apply for AFRB is the 30th day of classes.

Yellow Ribbon Program funding is available for Post-9/11 GI Bill users NOT eligible for in-state tuition (i.e. those living outside of Kansas while attending classes at KU). No need for Yellow Ribbon if you live in Kansas while attending KU; apply for AFRB instead.

Online students: Most online programs offer flat-rate tuition.

If you would like a third party (i.e. parent) to access and/or ask questions about your accounts, you must delegate access to them.

Delegates can be authorized to pay bills, check VA benefits status, and conduct other account related business.

Programs & Resources for Students

Located in 345 Summerfield Hall, we offer dependents study and meeting spaces, computers, a 24-7 lounge, dedicated staff to provide support tailored to all military-affiliated students, and more. Learn more about the center.

TRICARE/CHAMPVA Considerations, Military ID Card Info

  • KU's Watkins Health Center (WHS) provides health care to KU students. Every Lawrence campus student enrolled in at least 3 credit hours pays a required wellness fee each semester. The wellness fee entitles the student to be seen by WHS providers at no charge for the office visit (regardless of insurance) and discounted rates for lab tests, medications, and any procedures performed. WHS will file to most insurance policies, regardless of in-network or out-of-network status. Learn more about the wellness fee.
  • Learn more about how medical insurance works at WHS.
    • TriWest beneficiaries: WHS is an in-network provider.
    • Tricare East beneficiaries: WHS is not an in-network provider, but they are able to file claims with Tricare East for chargeable services. Tricare East may notify the patient and/or policyholder of their determination after receiving WHS's claim. WHS does not accept Tricare East write-offs and adjustments. Tricare East offers a variety of plans and some of these plans issue payment and an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) directly to WHS, while others issue payment directly to the patient and/or policyholder. Feel free to call WHS at 785-864-9520 with questions about your specific Tricare East policy and WHS billing.
    • Learn more about going to college and using TRICARE in the local community.
    • CHAMPVA beneficiaries: WHS is not an in-network provider. 
  • If you need proof of enrollment for TRICARE/CHAMPVA continued eligibility, visit our school enrollment verification letters page.
  • There are civilian providers in Lawrence and neighboring communities who are authorized TriWest providers.
  • The nearest MTF is at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., about an hour away.

Turning 21 and need proof of enrollment to renew your military ID card?

Preparing for the Next Chapter

‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, see the GI Bill Trademark terms of use."