FAFSA Code: 002837 | TAP Code: 1010
The University at Buffalo is proud to be designated as a Military Friendly® School. There are a variety of federal, state and institutional benefits available to help veterans and qualified dependents of veterans pursue college.
While UB is not listed as a current VA Yellow Ribbon participant, UB proudly offers students tuition benefits commensurate with those of the Yellow Ribbon program.
The VA Yellow Ribbon Program generally provides additional funding for students who are charged out-of-state tuition. Provisions in the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014 require all public universities, such as UB, to offer in-state tuition to honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents. Students must submit the Residency Application for New York State Tuition Purposes—Military form to the Student Accounts office in order to receive this benefit.
The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires educational institutions to make certain disclosures to students using federal military and/or VA educational benefits. To view and print a copy of an estimated personalized cost of attendance, you can visit the SUNY Net Price Cost Calculator and select “Buff Univ” from the dropdown. Additional financial information can be found at the NCES College Navigator site.
The SUNY Financial Aid Plan (FAP) will provide a more in-depth analysis and accurate picture of student cost once the student has filed their FAFSA, completed a SUNY application and has been accepted by a campus.
Note that, as of August 2017, Veteran Certification is located in 1Capen on North Campus.
UB’s Veteran Services is a comfortable place where student veterans can get support on veterans’ benefits, academic policies and campus resources to support academic success. Veteran Service’s mission is to ease your transition into college and help you balance college life with your military, career, family and personal goals. Contact Veteran Services early to take advantage of the services and programs available to you throughout your UB career.
The certification of your enrollment must be done each semester you intend to receive your benefits. The UB Veteran Services website has a concise and detailed step-by-step explanation of the process.
Any other questions about the process can be directed to UB’s Financial Aid Office directly.
The Department of Veterans Affairs sponsors several education assistance programs for qualified veterans and active duty service members.
Use the VA Education Programs Comparison Chart to determine which benefit you may be eligible to receive.
Your decision to apply for a certain education benefit could impact your eligibility for other benefits. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
You can begin the application process in one of the following ways:
UB’s Veteran Services is available to assist you in determining your eligibility for specific education assistance programs as well as to guide you through the application process.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. You may be eligible for a Pell Grant or low-interest Direct Loans regardless of your eligibility for Veterans education benefits.
If you are a resident of New York State, complete the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application, along with the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement to determine if you are eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award through New York State.
The Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP) is a New York State program designed to recruit and retain quality members for the New York Army and Air National Guard and the Naval Militia. Effective Jan. 1, 1997, any active member of the New York National Guard or Naval Militia in good standing is eligible to apply for tuition assistance—up to the cost of the State University of New York’s (SUNY) maximum in-state undergraduate tuition—at any college, university, or community/technical college in New York recognized and approved by the New York State Board of Regents or the State University of New York.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) makes it possible for dependents of members of the Armed Forces to be eligible for in–state tuition rates.
Provisions in the Veterans Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability Act of 2014 require all public universities to offer in-state tuition to veterans and their dependents.
Visit the Office of Student Accounts New York State Residency website for information on application requirements and deadlines.
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.