USM is proud to offer in-state tuition rates to all veterans and active duty service members—even if they are not residents of Maine—if they provide one of the following documents:
- VA Certificate of Eligibility
- DD-214 (Honorable Discharge)
- Military ID/CAC
Every student accessing VA educational benefits is encouraged to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), as your VA educational benefits are not factored in when reviewing your income. To apply, visit the FAFSA website.
Benefits Available to Veterans, Service Members, and their Families
You may qualify for one or more of the following benefits. To find out more, or how to use that benefit to finance your education at USM, click below.
A Note on Delayed VA Payment
The University of Southern Maine will not deny a student access to classrooms, libraries or other institutional facilities, make the student borrow money to cover the cost while waiting for payment from the VA or charge a student a late fee or penalty while we are awaiting payment from the VA for tuition and fees. If the balance due is not related to tuition and fees, USM may implement the same holds or penalties that apply to students not using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 benefits.
The University of Southern Maine requires that students wishing to use their Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 benefits submit a request for certification online. In addition to this request, students are also required to submit a Certificate of Eligibility, a Form 1905 or a Statement of Benefit from the VA no later than the first day of classes.
This policy is written to comply with Section 103, PL 115-407 and ends when the VA makes payment or 90 days after the date the school certifies or invoices for tuition and fees provided the student submitted the required request for certification and required documentation outlining benefit eligibility.