Serve. Lead. Achieve.

We are here to support prospective and current student veterans, service members and their families throughout their education journey, from admission to ÃÛÌÒ½´to graduation.

Financial support

Veteran benefits at SMU

ÃÛÌÒ½´accepts the following VA education benefits. Learn more here.

  • Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® — Active Duty (MGIB)
  • Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
  • Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
    • Yellow Ribbon Program
    • Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
  • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
  • Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
  • Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® - Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR)

Texas’ Hazelwood benefit cannot be used at ÃÛÌÒ½´as it is only offered through public institutions. 

How to get veteran benefits

  • Apply through the VA: Apply for VA benefits , unless you're applying for Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment, which requires . The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determine eligibility.
  • Submit documents to SMU: If the VA determines that you're eligible for benefits, submit the following documents to vabenefits@smu.edu or in-person at the Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 (open 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m):
  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a copy of your . Your COE will arrive in the mail after the VA has processed your application. You can request a copy from the VA Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
  2. Form to Claim VA Education Benefits
  3. Veterans Financial Benefit Form for Student Financial Services 
  4. Yellow Ribbon Program Application — if receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefit at the 100% eligibility level
  5. Military transcript (only veteran and active-duty service members): Either CCAF (Air Force) or Joint Services Transcript (all other branches)

Admission and enrollment

How do I apply to SMU?

Undergraduate students: Follow the steps here. There's no application fee for undergraduate U.S. military veteran applicants! 

Graduate students: Apply . For more information on programs, click here.

Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) students: Earn certificates designed to get you ahead in the workforce, ranging from financial planning to digital marketing. This is a great option for those who can't pursue a degree full-time. Contact vetresource@mail.smu.edu or 214-768-1086.

What if I make changes to my enrollment?

You must notify the VA Certifying Official of any enrollment changes during the term. If you drop a course, you will be responsible for repaying any resulting debt to the VA, SMU, or both. 

I was called to active-duty service and left SMU. How do I return?

Undergraduate students: If you were called to active-duty service and left ÃÛÌÒ½´in good academic standing, your file remains active for one year. If your service period lasted longer than two regular terms (fall, spring), you must request reactivation by submitting . When you are ready to return to SMU, we suggest you notify the appropriate University departments as soon as possible.

Graduate students: Contact your school of record directly.

Student support and services

ÃÛÌÒ½´is proud to have students who have served their country in the armed services. We are dedicated to your growth and well-being. From academic support to health and wellness services, the ÃÛÌÒ½´family has your back.

ÃÛÌÒ½´has hundreds of student groups, including some that are tailored specifically to veteran students, such as ÃÛÌÒ½´MilVets, Veterans in Business and Veterans Law Association.


More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .


The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f): Find out about 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f) and how ÃÛÌÒ½´complies with its requirements, including cost transparency, educational plans, accreditation, and ethical recruitment.

Contact Us

Call us:
214-768-4348

Email us:
vabenefits@smu.edu

Visit us:
Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 100

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 750181
Dallas, TX 75275-0181

Delivery Address:
Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 100
6185 Airline Rd
Dallas, TX 75205


More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .


Compliance with 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f): Find out about 38 U.S.C. § 3679(f) and how ÃÛÌÒ½´complies with its requirements, including cost transparency, educational plans, accreditation, and ethical recruitment.

The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.