How to Apply

Getting Started

(updated 21 February 2024)

#1: Apply immediately for your Post 9/11 GI Bill® on the eBenefits website. Be sure to apply early as it can take 3–5 weeks to receive your Certificate of Eligibility. If you have any questions, call the VA at (888) 442-4551.

*Though you may be entitled to the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, you must still apply for it and receive your Certificate of Eligibility.

**For dependents using the Chapter 33 Transfer of Entitlement, the sponsor must transfer benefits through the DoD website at archive.defense.gov, while still actively serving. The dependent will receive an award letter in about 3–5 weeks, at which point, they can apply for the Chapter 33 benefits through the VA.gov website.

#2: Submit an inquiry for information on your desired program at CBU. You can also schedule a campus visit for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

#3: Apply to CBU. Once you begin an application, the admissions office will reach out by phone to begin a conversation with you. If you are bringing in military credits, under the college list, please select "United States Military" that is located in Washington, DC.

#4: Submit your military transcripts with your admissions application. You may be eligible for college credit from going to your military schools (basic training, fielding of equipment, pathfinder, MOS/AIT, etc.). If you are currently active duty, reserve or national guard, you should request new transcripts to be sent to CBU after each military school you attend. Click on the following links to access your military transcripts:

For US Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard (Reserves or National Guard), use this link: https://jst.doded.mil/official.html

For a video to walk you through the above Joint Service Transcript please click here.

If you have an issue logging in or with your JST you can email them at jst@doded.mil.

Air Force

For a video to walk you through the above Community College of the Air Force Transcript please click here.

#5: Fill out the FAFSA application. Applying is free and we recommend that you apply as you may be eligible for grants and/or loans.

For important dates and deadlines, visit Financial Aid Important Dates and Deadlines

If you do not wish to submit a FAFSA application, fill out the Statement of Understanding and send it to CBU's Financial Aid Office at finaid@calbaptist.edu.

*Without a FAFSA your options for financial aid are very limited.

**If you are a veteran of the Armed Forces it changes your dependency status to independent. If this is the only thing making you an independent (i.e. you are under 24, not married, have no dependents, etc.), we must confirm that you are a veteran by obtaining a copy of your DD-214. You can email a copy of your DD-214 to Financial Aid at finaid@calbaptist.edu.

#6: Figure out what educational benefits you will be using.

#7: Submit necessary documents to CBU's VA certifying official email vabenefits@calbaptist.edu  or drop off in person at the Financial Aid Office. Look at the instructions below to see the necessary documents needed to be turned in for each chapter to start your benefits. These documents can be turned in at anytime during the application process. Complete Statement of Responsibility Form. 

Are you a member of the CA Army/Air National Guard? You can qualify for the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (formerly the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program). Read more about it here.

#8: Register with VA eBenefits and make a PREMIUM account to track your educational benefits, such as your deposits from the VA, history of certification status or remaining entitlements. You can also manage direct deposit or update your address.

#9: Attend orientation. Once you are accepted to CBU, your admissions counselor will contact you regarding course registration and an orientation. Virtual orientations are available for students that live more than 4 hours from campus.

#10: Register for classes. You MUST be registered for classes before we can certify you with the VA. Our goal is to have your courses certified with the VA between 30 days prior to the class session start date. Upon certification, you will instantly receive a confirmation email from the VA and in 7–10 days a letter mail Certificate of Eligibility letting you know your remaining eligibility after the session that was just certified. If you did not receive either the email or letter mail, you can either update your information on ebenefits.va.gov or call the VA at 888-442-4551.

#11: Submit the VA Certification Request Form. You are required to fill out the Certification Request Form every semester you plan to use your VA educational benefits at CBU. Complete and submit documents through the Statement of Responsibility Form.

#12: Submit outside scholarship information. If you are bringing in an outside scholarship (i.e., local American Legion post) please email the scholarship acceptance letter to finaid@calbaptist.edu and have them mail the check to:

Attn: Financial Aid
8432 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92504

If they sent the check to you and it is in your name, please sign the back of the check and mail it to the above address with your student ID written on the check.

At anytime, if you have a question or need assistance, contact us by email at veterans@calbaptist.edu or at (951) 343-8304. We are here to serve you!