Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid for Military and Student Veterans
I already receive GI Bill® benefits, should I apply for other financial assistance?
Any service member and veteran attending IAU can apply for financial assistance through the federal government by completing the FAFSA Application for Federal Student Aid.
Do veterans qualify for the Federal Pell Grant program?
Yes, veteran students can receive financial aid from the federal Pell Grant program if they meet certain criteria. The grant provides up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 school year. The grant varies according to expected contribution, cost of education and academic burden. To qualify, the student must apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application can be completed by October 1 of each year for the following academic year.
Does the FAFSA consider the Veteran's disability?
Yes, you must report VA benefits such as disability payments on the FAFSA. While these benefits do not count as taxable income, they are part of household income. This information helps determine financial contributions for financial aid programs. However, it does not report education benefits on the FAFSA. These benefits include Post 9/11 GI Bill® and housing allowances paid under that program or VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program benefits.
Do active duty, reservists and National Guard members need permission to take classes?
Active Duty/Reservists/National Guard must have their attendance approved and coordinated with their post/base/unit education advisor or Education Service Officer (ESO) prior to attending Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. Seek the appropriate person in your command first to obtain permission.
Do I have to be a degree-seeking student to use my benefits?
Yes, you must be an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student at UIA to receive benefits.
Can I take as many classes as I want?
The classes you take must be applicable to receiving your degree. The VA will only pay you for classes that will lead to your degree objective. All service members must coordinate their classes with their Education Service Officer (ESO) or equivalent authority.
Do I have to make academic progress like all the other students?
Yes, you must report all changes in tuition, increase or decrease in academic load, as soon as they occur. If you receive funds that you are not entitled to receive, you will be placed in an «overpayment status» with the VA and asked to repay the money. It will be deducted from future benefits or you will be asked to repay it from your own financial resources. Service members must be making satisfactory academic progress like all other IAU students.
Do I have to be accepted for admissions before my benefits are certified by VA?
Yes, it must be accepted for admission.
Do I have to be registered for classes before my benefits are certified?
Yes, you must have completed the enrollment process prior to certification.
Does the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico have a commitment to veterans?
UIA has always welcomed student veterans. When given the opportunity to participate in the Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon GI Bill® program, UIA gladly signed an agreement with VA to participate. UIA makes every effort to ensure that we are serving the needs of our student veterans to the best extent possible.
What should I do when I receive confirmation of the VA benefit? add
You must notify your certifying officer of receipt of the benefit confirmation to begin the process of certifying your veteran's license.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about the educational benefits offered by VA is available on the official U.S. government website. At Benefits.va.gov/gibill