How to Apply and Use Your Veterans Education Benefits at CBU
How to Apply and Use Your Veterans Education Benefits at CBU
Step 1: Apply for Veteran's Education Benefits by visiting the VA's How to Apply page. There are a few questions under the "How do I apply?" section that will help to determine your next steps. Be sure to apply early as it can take several weeks to receive your Certificate of Eligibility.
Step 2: Apply to CBU. Complete an application for admission to CBU. If you are transferring military credit, under the college list, select "United States Military" (Washington, DC).
Step 3: Submit Your Military Transcripts. You may receive college credit for military training and coursework (basic training, pathfinder, MOS/AIT, etc.). Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard students should request updated transcripts to be sent to CBU after each completed school.
- Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard: Request your Joint Services Transcript (JST).
- Air Force/Space Force: Request transcripts through Parchment by searching for Air University.
Step 4: Complete the FAFSA. We recommend that every student complete a FAFSA to be considered for federal grants and loans. If you are a Veteran, the FAFSA classifies you as an independent student. If your Veteran status is the only thing making you independent, we must confirm it by receiving a copy of your DD-214. Email your DD-214 to finaid@calbaptist.edu.
Are you a member of the CA Army/Air National Guard? You may qualify for the California Military Department GI Bill (CMDGI) Award Program! Learn more and apply here!
Step 5: Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) to CBU's School Certifying Officials through our secure upload form. These documents can be turned in at anytime during the application process and the SCO's are notified when documents are uploaded here.
Step 6: Register with VA.gov and make a PREMIUM account to track your education benefits, including deposits from the VA, certification history, remaining entitlements, direct deposit and address updates.
Step 7: Attend orientation. After you're admitted, your admissions counselor will guide you through course registration and orientation.
Step 8: Register for classes. You must be enrolled in courses before CBU can certify your enrollment to the VA. We begin certifying about 30 days before each term and continue through the start of the semester. Once certified, you will receive: A confirmation email from the VA and a letter by mail within 7–10 days showing updated eligibility. If you don’t receive them, update your VA.gov contact information or call the VA at 888-442-4551.
Step 9: Submit CBU's VA Certification Request Form. Once you have registered for classes, please complete our VA Certification Request Form so our SCO's know you would like your courses certified for the upcoming semester. A new form is required every semester, and we will remind you when it's time to submit it.
Step 10: Report Outside Scholarships.
If you receive an outside scholarship: Email the award letter to finaid@calbaptist.edu. Please have checks made payable to California Baptist University and mailed to CBU Financial Aid Office, 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. If a check is issued directly to you, sign the back and mail it to the above address with your student ID noted.
We're Here to Help
If you have questions or need assistance at any step, contact your Admissions Counselor or one of our School Certifying Officials at: vabenefits@calbaptist.edu or (951) 343-4236. We are here to serve you!