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UC Riverside

Veterans

UC Riverside is for Veterans

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Take your next steps to the UC Riverside and join a thriving community of Veterans and 1,200+ military-connected students. We’ll help you navigate campus life and reach your academic and professional goals. To learn more about undergraduate admission, visit admissions.ucr.edu.

 

Admissions

  • When are the application deadlines?

    To apply to UCR, complete the UC application by the deadlines below.

    • Fall Admission (First Years and Transfers) – Submit Oct. 1-Dec. 2.
    • Winter Admission (Transfers only) – Submit July 1-31.

    For more dates and deadlines, visit:
    • First Year
    • Transfer
    • Out-of-State

  • Does UCR have an ROTC program?

    While UCR does not have its own ROTC program, opportunities are available through cooperative agreements with other universities whose ROTC programs welcome our students. You may enroll in ROTC courses at another institution while completing your degree program at UCR with:

    • Army ROTC: UCR students have participated in Army ROTC since 1995 under an affiliate relationship through Claremont McKenna College. UCR is one of six universities in the Inland Empire that make up the Golden Lions Battalion. Other partner institutions include California Baptist University, California State University San Bernardino, Azusa Pacific University, and California State Polytechnic University. For more information, contact armyrotc@ucr.edu, armyrotc@ucr.edu, or (951) 827-2764.
    • Airforce ROTC: AFROTC offers two-, three-, and four-year programs leading to a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Freshmen and sophomores take one hour of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory a week; juniors and seniors take three hours of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory a week. Scholarships covering up to 100% annual tuition for one to four years along with a nontaxable monthly stipend are available. For admission questions, get answers at admissions.ucr.edu/ask or Frequently Asked Questions.
  • What happens if I get called up to active duty while enrolled at UCR?

    UCR wants to make it as easy as possible for you to leave without worrying about your education and return. Below are policies and resources to help you during this transition.

    • If you’re an incoming student who is called to active duty, you may be able to obtain a waiver of the $60 University Application Processing Fee. The fee can be credited toward admission for another quarter during the same academic year. To see if you qualify or to get answers, submit an inquiry at admissions.ucr.edu/ask.
    • The U.S. Department of Education has modified the withdrawal requirements of colleges for the "Return of Title IV Funds" for students called to active duty. Typically, when a student totally withdraws from classes, colleges have 30 days to return a portion of federal student aid the student has received. For more information, contact Financial Aid at (951) 827-3878.
    • The U.S. Department of Education has issued special guidance to lenders regarding Reservists who have Perkins, Stafford, or PLUS loans. If you are a member of the National Guard or Reserves, and are ordered to active military duty, you should notify your lenders to request extended loan deferments and/or forbearance while on active duty.
    • If you think you might be called to active service, learn how you can Set Up Authorized Users to access your records and student account. This permits designated users such as your parent(s), spouse, or friend to take actions, such as withdrawal from the university on your behalf.
    • Military.com's Deployment Guides and Resources will help you through deployment.
    • Returning Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND) details the VA benefits available to returning Veterans: employment, housing, health and dental care, life insurance, and more! 
    • DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center helps Veterans get mental health treatment and support. 
  • How do I apply for priority enrollment?

    UCR offers priority enrollment to all Veterans and members of the military beginning with the second quarter of enrollment. This will happen automatically if you have visited the Office of Financial Aid to request U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Otherwise, contact Financial Aid at VASCO@ucr.edu or (951) 827-4921 to discuss the documentation needed to initiate priority enrollment. Then, watch your R’Mail for notification of the course enrollment date.

  • I have some college, but I want to go to UCR. What is my next step?

    Your next step is to complete the Transfer Admissions Planner (TAP). This is where you enter all of your transcripts for evaluation. For questions, get answers at admissions.ucr.edu/ask. 

  • Can I guarantee admission to UCR?

    Transfer students can secure their place at UCR through the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.

  • How do I apply for priority enrollment?

    UCR offers priority enrollment to all Veterans and members of the military beginning with the second quarter of enrollment. This will happen automatically if you have visited the Office of Financial Aid to request U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. Otherwise, contact Financial Aid at VASCO@ucr.edu or (951) 827-4921 to discuss the documentation needed to initiate priority enrollment. Then, watch your R’Mail for notification of the course enrollment date.

  • As a transfer student, when and where do I submit a TAG?

    To complete the TAG application, use the Transfer Admission Planner (TAP). Frequently review your TAP with your community college counselor and a UCR transfer counselor. If you miss the TAG deadline, you can still apply to UCR during the regular application period (Oct. 1-Dec. 2).

    Deadlines for Fall Admission:
    • Aug. 1 – Access the UC application
    • Sept. 1-30 – Submit your TAG application 
    • Oct. 1-Dec. 2 – Submit your UC application

    Deadlines for Winter Admission:
    • May 1-31 – Submit your TAG application 
    • July 1 – Access the UC application
    • July 1-31 – Submit your UC application

 

Admitted Students

 

Financial Aid

  • What does it mean to be a Yellow Ribbon School?

    UCR is a Yellow Ribbon School. It, in conjunction with the VA, will pay any remaining tuition for a program that’s cost is over the VA cap. It will also pay non-residency fees.

  • How do I apply for Tuition Assistance?

    The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. Tuition Assistance is a source of financial aid for active military duty. In general, eligible active-duty Service members can receive TA at a rate of $250 per semester hour cap with an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Services are authorized to establish Service specific eligibility criteria to manage TA funds.

    Tuition Assistance funds are a unique, distinct source of financial aid available to eligible Service members, and UCR processes TA as a first payer. Service members identified as eligible DoD TA recipients will have their TA benefits applied to their educational institution’s account prior to the application of their Pell Grant funds to their account.

    There is a 3-step process to apply for TA:

    Step 1: Reach out to your Education Services Officer, or military counselor, prior to enrollment to learn about the service specific TA policies and procedures at the appropriate voluntary education websites below:

    Step 2: Contact the Financial Aid Office programs to learn how TA may affect your financial aid package. Reach out to us at VASCO@ucr.edu to discuss your eligibility.

    Step 3: Email a copy of the Tuition Assistance Authorization Letter to University of California, Riverside Student Business Services at sbsofc@ucr.edu for processing. After receiving the authorization, Student Business Services will credit your student account with the funds.

    Tuition Assistance (TA) Top Up: Using Top-Up benefits may be an option if you plan to use tuition assistance (TA) to complete a degree program while on active duty, and don't plan to continue your education after service. Top-up can also be helpful for just taking a few courses with TA while on active duty; then you can save most of your GI Bill benefits for after service to complete your education program. Learn more about TA Top Up.

    Tip: Request your TA Authorization Form as early as possible before the quarter begins, so the payment can be posted on time to your student account before the term Fee Payment Deadline.

  • How do I apply for the GI Bill and related benefits?

    Apply for VA educational benefits if you haven't already done so. You will need the following to complete the application:

    • Social Security number
    • Bank account direct deposit information
    • Education and military history
    • Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

    Contact Financial Aid when you are enrolled in classes to certify your enrollment to VA. VA certifying officials process your paperwork proving to the VA that you are enrolled in classes that meet requirements for your degree objective.

  • How do I apply for VA Vocational Rehab & Employment (Chapter 31) benefits?

    If you already have a VA disability rating:

    • Sign in to your eBenefits account.
    • Select Apply.
    • Click Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.
    • Select the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefit you’re applying for.
    • If you’re eligible, the VA invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional benefit office.

    If you haven’t yet received a service-connected disability rating:

    • Fill out VA Vocational Rehabilitation – Getting Ahead After You Get Out (VA Form 28-0588). Download VA Form 28-0588.
    • After you apply, the VA will schedule a meeting for you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to find out if you have an employment handicap and if you’re eligible for VR&E benefits and services.
  • Once I’m a student here, am I eligible for a deferred payment plan fee exemption?

    As a student Veteran or service member, you may be eligible for exemption from the Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) $25 processing fee and the first late fee ($50) each quarter. Through DPP, you can pay your tuition and fees in three installments each quarter with no interest. Waiver of the application fee and first late fee will happen automatically if you were certified for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits through Financial Aid. For questions, please contact VASCO@ucr.edu.

  • Who can apply for the California College Fee Waiver?

    Under the California Education Code, dependents of Veterans whose death or disability was service connected may be eligible for exemption from many university fees.

    Contact your local county veterans service office to obtain applications, information, and to apply for benefits under this program. The Riverside County Veterans’ Services Office is located at 4360 Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501 and can be reached at (951) 276-3060. Always try to apply for these benefits prior to attending school. Benefits are awarded on an academic-year basis and students are required to reapply each year for ongoing benefits.

  • Do I qualify for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)?

    You may qualify for VA educational benefits under Chapter 35 if your parent or spouse died or is permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. Call the VA's toll-free number (888) 442-4551 to determine if you are eligible for assistance. Be sure to have your parent's or spouse's VA file number available when you call.

  • Return of Tuition Assistance Upon Withdrawal

    Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.

    To comply with the new Department of Defense policy, UC Riverside will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military Service branch.

    In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, UCR will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

    • Before or during week 1: 100% return 
    • During weeks 2-3: 75% return
    • During weeks 4-5: 50% return
    • During week 6: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
    • During weeks 7-10: 0% return

 

Spouses and Dependents

Military-connected students includes spouses and dependents.

  • How do spouses and dependents use VA benefits to cover tuition and fees?

    Spouses and dependents can access VA education benefits to cover tuition and fees through several programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Here’s a breakdown of the primary programs available and how they work:

    1. Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

    • Eligibility: This benefit can be transferred from a service member to their spouse or children if the service member meets specific service requirements.
    • Coverage: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions and up to a capped amount for private or foreign schools. It also provides a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
    • Transfer Process: The service member must transfer the benefits while still on active duty. This is done through the Department of Defense’s Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB). After approval, the spouse or dependent must apply for the benefits through the VA.

    2. Fry Scholarship

    • Eligibility: This scholarship is available to children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001.
    • Coverage: It provides up to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, including tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.
    • Application Process: Eligible dependents can apply online through the VA’s website.

    3. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35)

    • Eligibility: Available to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
    • Coverage: Provides up to 36-45 months of education benefits for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Correspondence courses and remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may also be approved.
    • Application Process: Eligible dependents can apply online.

    Chapter 35 students do not receive any tuition and fees payment, but normally qualify for the CalVet Fee Waiver. These same students also qualify for the Cal Grant.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website. 

  • Do spouses and dependents receive a blanket percentage or is it student-specific?

    There’s no blanket percentage, since VA Benefit Eligibility percentages differ from one student to another.

  • To maximize VA benefits, does it matter if I’m a California resident?

    Yes, being a California resident can significantly impact the maximization of VA benefits, particularly concerning tuition and fees. Here are several ways California residency can influence VA education benefits:

    1. In-State Tuition Rates

    • Public Institutions: California residents attending public institutions benefit from lower in-state tuition rates. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions, so residency ensures maximum coverage without the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.
    • Non-Residents: If you are a non-resident, you may be charged higher out-of-state tuition rates. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill® may cover a portion of these costs, it might not cover the entire amount, potentially leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses. However, If you’re utilizing VA Education Benefits, you can qualify for Veterans Access and Choice Act of 2020 exemption to ensure “in state tuition.”

    2. California-Specific Benefits and Programs

    • California Veterans Dependents College Fee Waiver: This state-specific program waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. To qualify, you must be a California resident and meet other eligibility criteria related to the Veteran's service.
    • CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver: This benefit waives tuition fees for eligible dependents of disabled or deceased Veterans. This waiver can be used in conjunction with federal VA benefits to cover additional costs not covered by the GI Bill®.

    3. Yellow Ribbon Program – Private Institutions: If you are attending a private institution or an out-of-state public institution as a non-resident, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover the difference between in-state tuition and the higher out-of-state or private tuition rates. California has many institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can further help reduce costs.

    4. Residency Determination

    • Establishing Residency: To be considered a California resident for tuition purposes, you typically need to live in California for at least one year prior to the residency determination date and demonstrate intent to make California your permanent home. This can include obtaining a California driver's license, registering to vote, paying state income taxes, and other actions that indicate a permanent move. See UCOP Policy on Establishing Residency. 
    • Military Exceptions: Active-duty service members and their dependents often qualify for in-state tuition rates regardless of residency status due to the federal and state laws. Check with individual institutions for their specific policies and required documentation. If you’re utilizing VA Education Benefits, you can qualify for Veterans Access and Choice Act of 2020 exemption to ensure “in state tuition.”

    5. Additional Considerations

    • Cost of Living: California has a higher cost of living compared to many other states. While the monthly housing allowance provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® can be substantial, particularly in high-cost areas, planning and budgeting for additional expenses is important.
    • Educational Institutions: California has a wide range of VA-approved institutions, including some of the nation’s top public universities, which can provide excellent value when combined with VA benefits.

    6. Maximizing Benefits as a California Resident

    • Ensure Residency Status: Take steps to establish and maintain your California residency to benefit from lower in-state tuition rates. See UCOP Policy on Establishing Residency. 
    • Utilize State-Specific Benefits: Apply for the California Veterans Dependents College Fee Waiver and other state-specific programs that can supplement federal VA benefits. However, you must meet California’s residency requirements to utilize the CalVet Fee Waiver.
    • Choose Approved Institutions: Select VA-approved schools that offer favorable financial terms for Veterans and their dependents.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website. 

 

Veterans Resource Center

  • Where is the VRC located and what are the hours?

    UCR’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is located at 125 Costo Hall.

    Hours: 
    Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
    Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • How do I handle parking?

    UCR has several parking lots on and around campus. Visit Transportation Services to purchase parking permits and view alternative transportation methods, electric vehicle charging areas, and more. 

  • What services, programs, and events are available from the VRC?

    The VRC offers is a central hub of information, connecting Veterans, spouses, and dependents to campus and community resources. It provides peer-to-peer support, mentoring, and networking.

    VRC services are available to all UCR student Veterans and military-affiliated individuals, with the exception of the Veterans Graduation Luncheon.

    VRC events include:

    • Student Veterans Panels – The VRC regularly hosts panels for students, faculty, and staff where you can share you experiences in service and at UCR
      with the campus community. 
    • Veterans Day Ceremony (November) – Meet at the campus flagpole to recognize Veterans Day with remarks from UCR’s chancellor, a flag-raising ceremony, and free refreshments. This event is held in conjunction with student Veterans, the local ROTC, and the staff/faculty Veteran and family group.
    • Memorial Day Ceremony (May) – Student Veterans and military-affiliated students are invited to join the VRC in lining the flagpole lawn with small flags to commemorate those lost during military service. A moment for reflection will be shared.
    • Graduating Veterans Lunch (June) – This celebration is for student Veterans only. They will receive a red, white, and blue cord to wear at graduation. 
  • How can I make an appointment?

    Answering questions is a big part of what we do, and we’re happy to provide you with answers and resources to help you take your next steps.

    Meet with the Veteran Services Director
    Tamara (Tami) Thacker, M.Ed. (she/her/hers)
    U.S. Navy Veteran
    tamarat@ucr.edu 
    (951) 827-2099
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    To make a Virtual appointment: 
    • For Virtual Appointments

     

    Meet with the VA School Certifying Official (VASCO)
    In-person support from the VASCO is available at the Veterans Resource Center (125 Costo Hall).

    Blason Taon, Ed.D 
    UCR Alumni and OIF/OEF Combat Veteran 
    VASCO@ucr.edu
    (951) 827-6162
    Hours:
    • Tuesday, 1-5 p.m.
    • Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

UCR Student Veteran: Travis Garrett

“UC Riverside has a well-rounded and caring Veterans Resource Center, and the campus community is very diverse with many places to find a sense of belonging.”

Jessica McPherson
Class of ’24
Languages and Literatures – Classical Studies
Languages and Literatures – Linguistics

900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521

Tel: (951) 827-1012

Veterans Resource Center
125 Costo Hall

Web: veterans.ucr.edu
Tel: (951) 827-2099
Email: tamarat@ucr.edu
 

This information is accurate and reliable at time of posting but may change without notice. Please contact Undergraduate Admissions for the most up-to-date information.