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FAQs

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I start receiving my G.I. Bill®?

To begin the certification process, we need two items:

1.  Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. You can apply for this at va.gov , and it may take up to one month to receive.

2. The completed Bunker Intake Form

Once we have both items, we can begin certifying your VA education benefits. Learn more about your benefits  here

Will I get reimbursed if I have to pay my tuition and fees upfront while I am waiting for my benefits to begin?

Yes, students who are required to pay tuition and fees upfront while awaiting the start of their benefits will be reimbursed once those benefits are active. This applies only to students using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 VA benefits, and in some cases, military tuition assistance.

What is considered full-time status for benefits?

Typically, enrolling in 12 credit hours during a 16-week semester is considered full-time. To learn more about the VA’s policies on full-time status and rate of pursuit, please visit their official guidelines. here

Why haven't I been paid yet?

First, ensure that all required documents have been submitted to our office so we can begin processing and certify your enrollment for the applicable academic term. If your paperwork is complete and we have submitted your certification, you must then verify your enrollment with the VA—this is a required step for students using Chapter 1606 and Chapter 33 benefits.

If you have completed both steps and are still experiencing issues, please contact the VA Education Hotline at 888-442-4551.

Please note: Most VA payments are deposited either on the first day of the month or within 5–7 business days after enrollment verification. Our office does not manage or process VA payments to students and cannot view the status of pending payments. Only the VA has access to that information.

Will my G.I. Bill benefits cover my academic deposit and housing deposit?

No, those deposits are the student’s responsibility and must be paid upfront. Non-resident students who qualify for in-state tuition through G.I. Bill benefits or active drilling status in a West Virginia National Guard or Reserve unit are still required to pay the non-resident academic and housing deposit rates.

I am Chapter 33 100%, but I have a balance from my dorm and meal plan. Why do I have that balance?

These costs are not directly covered by your G.I. Bill, which only applies to tuition and fees. You are responsible for paying the remaining balance by the applicable WVU deadline. However, you may use your VA monthly housing allowance (MHA) to reimburse yourself for those expenses.

How can I receive the resident tuition rate as a non-resident student?

  • Non-resident students utilizing Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, or Chapter 33 of the G.I. Bill will receive the resident tuition rate. 

  • Chapter 1606 students who are NOT actively drilling in a Guard or Reserve unit located in West Virginia will be charged the non-resident tuition rate. NOTE: Non-resident Reservists must submit an official Memorandum for Record from their unit confirming they are actively drilling with a West Virginia unit. Non-resident National Guard members may either submit a similar Memorandum for Record or be listed on the WVNG State Tuition Assistance memorandum.
  • All Active Duty personnel are eligible for the resident tuition rate.  

  • All Veterans—including former National Guard and Reserve members who are no longer serving—are eligible for the resident tuition, provided they received at least a general discharge.

  • Any dependent with a sponsor (parent) on active duty is eligible for resident tuition, with proof of active duty orders.

  • Any dependent whose parent is a Veteran and received at least a general discharge will be eligible for the resident tuition, provided the sponsor moves to or resides in West Virginia.
  • NOTE: Students without VA education benefits must work with the Admissions Office to request a change in residency status. Students using VA education benefits will be processed through our office. While we do not have the authority to officially change residency status, these students will retain a resident tuition code for billing purposes.