Westminster University Logo

In This Site

Military-Affiliated Students Using Federal or VA Benefits

Westminster provides current and transparent information to students using Federal and/or VA education benefits to fund their academic endeavors in the form of a School Shopping Sheet (also known as a College Financing Plan). Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 provides the regulations and guidelines to ensure military students, Veterans, and their dependents receive an estimated cost of attending Westminster University. To ensure compliance with the law, Westminster has developed a College Financing Plan / School Shopping Sheet to better inform our military-affiliated applicants and students of this cost.

To receive an accurate estimate of the cost to attend Westminster University, please complete the cost of attendance estimation process:

 
 

1

Complete the Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator provides Westminster with the critical information necessary to develop a sound College Financial Plan / School Shopping Sheet that you can use when determining the cost of college.
 
 

2

Receive Credit for Military Training and Experience

If applicable, please request official copies of military transcripts (Community College of the Air Force or Joint Services Transcript) and/or other school transcripts as part of your application.
 
 

3

Access Your VA Education Benefits

To assess your benefits, Westminster University needs to know which benefit you plan to use (and the number of benefits months remaining). You can find your remaining months by contacting the VA at 888.442.4551. You will also need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
 
 

4

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Why complete the FAFSA?
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid to pay for school.
  • You automatically qualify for a low-interest federal loan when you submit a FAFSA.
  • Many work-study programs require the FAFSA.
  • Some merit-based scholarships require the FAFSA to help them determine scholarship amounts.
 
 

5

Apply to Westminster University

Submitting your application to Westminster University may be your first step toward your academic journey at Westminster. Applying is free and does not obligate you to enroll at Westminster, nor does it guarantee admittance to the university.

Next Steps

Now you've completed all the essential information needed for a College Financial Plan/School Shopping Sheet. Once the above steps are completed you can formally request and receive your estimated cost of attendance.

The Isakson and Roe, Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315

Per Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, schools must provide a covered individual (a student using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C., or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C.) with a personalized School Shopping Sheet or College Financial Plan. Learn more of the elements that constitute the law:

  • Estimated total cost of the course that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs.
  • Estimated cost of living expenses.
  • Amount of cost covered by VA benefits: based upon the benefit information provided by the military-affiliated applicant.
  • Other types of Federal financial aid, not administered by the VA that is offered by the institution, that the individual may be qualified to receive.
  • Estimated amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation.
  • Information about graduation rates.
  • Job-placement rates for graduates, if available.
  • Acceptance of transfer credits, including military credits.
    • Students who have served at least six consecutive months of active military service and were honorably discharged or who are currently on active duty may qualify to receive undergraduate credits at Westminster University for American Council on Education-approved course work taken while in military service. Up to 30 general elective hours may be awarded from an official Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
  • Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification, or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual.

 

Additional Information

Students can access different resources to compare financial aid options from Westminster and other educational institutions.

  • The CFP is a model aid award letter designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.
  • The CFP is available to newly enrolled students indicating on the admissions application an intent to use VA benefits and to continuing VA students within 15 days of a subsequent change in tuition rates.
  • The CFP presented is an estimate only and may not accurately reflect VA benefit awards. This is an estimate only based on either a student indicating an intent to use benefits on the admissions application or for continuing students that previously used benefits at Westminster.
  • Westminster combines the requirements set forth in the Isakson and Roe law with the CFP to provide the military-affiliated student with a School Shopping Sheet.
  • By completing Westminster’s Net Price Calculator, you will be able to estimate your costs to attend Westminster University, as well as explore the grants, scholarships, and other aid programs you may be eligible to receive.
  • The CFP is calculated using your Post-9/11 eligibility tier (50%-100%). The VA is the last payer when calculating net cost (subtracting the merit scholarships and grants from the initial tuition and fees). Please note additional factors like modality, rate of pursuit, and the zip code of the location you take the majority of your classes can also impact the VA education benefits amount.
  • The Yellow Ribbon program will be automatically applied for eligible Chapter 33 beneficiaries (eligibility tier of 100%) once the VA maximum cap for the school year has been exceeded. Westminster University will fund half the remaining amount as a grant and the VA will cover the other half of the remaining amount.
  • VA estimated benefits do not appear as a financial aid award.  Please reach out to the Center for Veteran and Military Services for additional information.
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides the Paying for College resource that prospective students can use to enter the names of up to 3 schools and receive detailed financial information and actual financial aid award information.
  • The College Scorecard is a consumer planning tool and resource to assist prospective students and their families as they evaluate options in selecting a school.
  • The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool.
  • Locate and apply for external scholarships through foundations and organizations. All undergraduate first-year and transfer students who apply to Westminster University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and awards.

Learn more about scholarships at Westminster

  • Financial aid opportunities are available to help make a private Westminster University education accessible. Westminster pledges to make your educational experience as affordable as possible. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, transfer, or international student, the Financial Aid Office works with you to determine the financial opportunities available to you.

Learn more about financial aid at Westminster

  • Figuring out your university expenses goes beyond tuition; it starts with determining the total cost of your attendance each year.

Learn more about tuition and fees

 

Trademark Attribution Notice: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Learn more information about education benefits offered by VA.