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    If you're worried about the transition to UC or about costs, we can help. Not only can you use your veterans' benefits at UC, but we offer one of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation.

    U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Education and Training Benefits

    The GI Bill® program provides financial assistance or education benefits for military service members, Veterans, and qualified family members pursuing education or training.

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Services provides information about its benefit programs and what you need to do if you're claiming your VA benefits for the first time. Eligibility for veteran's educational benefits is determined by the VA, not by UC.

    Key VA programs and tools

    • GI Bill®: These benefits can help you pay for school. Use the official VA tool to compare education programs and determine which GI Bill benefit is best for your specific situation.
    • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): If you have a service-connected disability, check your eligibility for personalized support exploring employment options, education, and vocational rehabilitation services.
    • Educational and Career Counseling (Chapter 36): Access free educational and career counseling if you are transitioning out of active service soon, were discharged within the past year, or are a Veteran or dependent eligible for VA education benefits.

    Maximizing and managing your benefits

    Depending on your situation, you may want to consider postponing the use of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if you decide to attend a California community college before transferring to UC. This strategy can help maximize your remaining monthly entitlements once you arrive at a UC campus.

    Through your online VA.gov profile, you can actively manage your earned benefits to:

    • Check your remaining Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement and view payment history.
    • Verify your monthly school enrollment.
    • Download your official VA education decision letter.
    • Transfer benefits or request a change of GI Bill school or program.

    Receiving VA education benefits does not reduce your eligibility for scholarships or need-based financial aid at UC. To be considered for federal, state, and UC institutional aid, all veterans are strongly encouraged to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2 of each year.

    Learn more about your benefits and financial aid at UC

    Cal Vet Fee Waiver

    The Cal Vet Fee Waiver waives systemwide tuition and fees at UC for eligible students.

    In addition to income thresholds a students must meet the following requirements for consideration:

    • Residence requirement: California residents (or equivalent) for tuition purposes
    • Enrollment requirement: Enrolled in a degree program
    • Other eligibility requirements:
      • Dependent or surviving spouse or child of a disabled or deceased California veteran (as certified by the VA) OR
      • Medal of Honor recipients and children of Medal of Honor recipients under the age of 27 may qualify for undergraduate studies only.

    Program exclusions: The waiver covers systemwide tuition only. It does not cover campus-based student fees, UC Extension courses, or self-supporting degree programs. Contact your campus veterans' representative to verify if your specific program qualifies.

    Learn more about the program and how you can apply