Welcome, Veterans!

We are so glad you are joining the KU community! Located in 345 Summerfield, we are your centralized resource and offer study and meeting spaces, a 24-7 lounge, dedicated staff to provide support tailored to all military-affiliated students, and more.

Transitioning to KU

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

Undergraduate students
  • Apply to KU (Note: ACT/SAT scores are NOT needed.) New to college and need help completing your application? Reach out to Melody with KU TRIO EOC.
    • Undergraduate admission application fee waivers are available for veterans who are applying as degree-seeking students.
  • KU awards some college credit for military courses. Visit the KU credit transfer page and look for the “military service credit” section for more details.
    • To get credit for military courses, if you list your military affiliation and include your SSN on your KU application, we will order a copy of your military transcripts from the JST system for you; or you can get them on the JST website and have them sent to KU. (Air Force – you will need to request your CCAF and/or Air University transcript)
    • Visit KU CredTran to see how JST/CCAF courses have historically transferred. For JST or by MOS, select the state, "District of Columbia." For CCAF/Air University, select "Alabama."
  • You may be eligible for foreign language proficiency credits, credit from CLEP exams, and/or credit for high school work: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate (regardless of when you graduated high school). Visit the Credit and Exemption for High School Work page to learn more.
  • If you served overseas, you may be eligible to petition to meet a KU Core Goal. See KU Core Petitions for more information on petitions based on experiences.
Graduate students
  • Steps to using GI Bill benefits at KU. Includes information on
    • Ch. 30 - Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
    • Ch. 31 - Veteran Readiness & Employment (previously Vocational Rehabilitation)
    • Ch. 33 - Post 9-11 GI Bill
    • Frequently asked questions about using benefits
  • The GI Bill Comparison Tool shows you approximately how much you can expect from your GI Bill benefits.
  • VA Work Study – on-campus jobs are available in the Military-Affiliated Student Center for GI Bill users. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more. 

Learn more about/apply for in-state tuition rates per the Armed Forces Residency (AFRB) benefit for:

  • GI Bill users
  • Veterans stationed in Kansas during service or were Kansas residents prior to joining the service
  • Current Active Duty, Reservists or Kansas National Guardsmen
  • Note: The deadline to apply for AFRB is the 30th day of classes.

Yellow Ribbon Program funding is only 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; follow the AFRB process instead.

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

 

Programs & Resources for Students

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

 

If you are transitioning out and still need a CAC reader:

Health Insurance/Care Information

You may be eligible for VA health care simply based on your income as a college student. Learn more and apply for VA health care benefits.

Nearby outpatient VA clinics include :

The nearest VA Medical Centers are:

  • TRICARE beneficiaries: The on-campus Watkins Health Center is not an in-network provider. Learn more about TRICARE and Watkins Health Center
  • Students can receive some services for free or reduced rates at Watkins Health Center regardless of health insurance. Check out the section on this web page regarding on-campus health care information for more info.
  • There are civilian providers in Lawrence and neighboring communities who are authorized TRICARE providers.
  • The nearest MTF is at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., about an hour away.

Note: This information is not VA/military-related and is applicable to all KU students.

  • KU's Watkins Health Center provides health care to currently enrolled KU students who are eligible to receive some services at no cost and others at the reduced "Health Fee" rates.
    • Every Lawrence campus student at KU pays a health fee each semester as part of the mandatory campus fees. It is not optional. The health fee entitles the student to be seen by WHS providers at no charge for the office visit. However, if the provider orders lab tests, X-rays, medications, etc., there are charges for those services. Students receive a reduced rate for those charges which are very often well below the local market. This health fee is not the same as health insurance.
  • The spouse or domestic partner of a currently enrolled KU student is eligible for the same health care services at WHS. Check out the "Eligibility for Services" tab on WHS' web page.
  • The Kansas Board of Regents offers optional health insurance to students and their spouses/dependents. For more information on the KBOR plan or to enroll, please visit United Healthcare Student Resources.
  • Immunization compliance: KU requires proof of 2 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunizations for all new students, and proof of meningitis vaccination if living on campus. This proof is required before you can enroll in your second semester of classes. If you have deployed overseas or been stationed in countries like Korea/Japan, you’ll likely need to be screened for TB (see Watkins’ TB Screening Policies). Tricare/VA can do TB tests for free, if needed. 
  • You can provide proof by (a) providing your immunization records from an official source (i.e. personal physician's office, school, military, state record, or childhood immunization booklet as official documentation) or if you do not have any official record (b) having your provider complete an “Immunization History Form.” 
  • Ways to access your military/VA health records:
    • Visit VA's website for information on how to get your immunization records from VA.
    • If you still get treatment at a military hospital/clinic, visit Tricare's website for information on how to get your records.
    • If you retired or separated after Jan. 1, 2014, paper copies of your Service Treatment Records (STRs) were digitized following your retirement or separation from the Armed Forces. If your STRs don’t contain information classified as sensitive, they’ll be available via your MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.
    • Or to request a complete copy of your health record, you’ll need to submit a Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF 180) to the applicable organization as identified on the form. Requests can also be made in person to your last home military hospital or clinic.
  • Visit KU's Immunization Compliance website for more info, including how to submit necessary documents.

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."