Find veteran education benefits in Virginia. GI Bill, VMSDEP tuition waiver, Virginia university veteran programs, vocational training, and education resources for Virginia veterans.
52 verified education resources serving Virginia. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Richmond-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Richmond veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Norfolk area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Norfolk veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Virginia Beach veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Roanoke-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Alexandria-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Arlington-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Chesapeake-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Chesapeake veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Richmond-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Richmond veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Norfolk-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Norfolk veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Virginia Beach-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Career counseling, resume help, skills translation, and job-search tools for Virginia veterans and transitioning service members, including the GI Bill and education-and-career counseling benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for Virginia veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Roanoke-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Newport News area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Newport News-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Newport News area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Alexandria-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Arlington-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Chesapeake area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Chesapeake veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Virginia is an outstanding state for veteran education, offering the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), robust GI Bill support at top-tier universities, and a growing network of veteran-friendly colleges and vocational programs. The Commonwealth's universities consistently rank among the best for veteran students, and the concentration of defense and technology employers creates strong career outcomes for educated veterans.
This guide covers the GI Bill, VMSDEP, Virginia's university veteran services, vocational training options, and education resources available through DVS and the VA. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, graduate studies, or professional certifications, Virginia has programs to support your goals.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees at Virginia public institutions at the in-state rate, plus a monthly housing allowance based on BAH rates for the school's ZIP code. In Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, housing allowances are among the highest in the nation, reflecting local cost of living. The GI Bill also provides a $1,000 annual books and supplies stipend.
Several Virginia private universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill cap. Participating schools include the University of Virginia (for graduate programs), Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and private institutions like Liberty University and Regent University. Check each school's Yellow Ribbon agreement for specific coverage amounts.
VMSDEP is one of Virginia's most significant education benefits, providing tuition-free education at Virginia public colleges and universities for eligible dependents. Eligibility extends to spouses and children of veterans who were killed in action, are missing in action, are prisoners of war, or have a 90% or higher permanent and total service-connected disability.
The program covers tuition and required fees for up to four years of undergraduate study or the equivalent. Students must be admitted to a Virginia public institution and apply for VMSDEP through DVS. Contact DVS Education Services at (804) 786-0286 for eligibility determination.
UVA's Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and the Student Veterans Organization support veteran students. UVA participates in Yellow Ribbon for graduate programs and has been recognized for veteran support services.
Virginia Tech's Veterans Resource Center provides academic advising, peer mentoring, and a dedicated veteran study space. VT has a strong military heritage and consistently ranks among the top universities for veterans.
Mason's Military and Veterans Services office supports one of the largest veteran student populations in Virginia. Located in Northern Virginia near defense employers and federal agencies, Mason offers strong career placement for veteran graduates.
Virginia's 23 community colleges all have veteran certifying officials and provide GI Bill support. Many VCCS schools offer veteran-specific programs, peer mentoring, and dedicated veteran spaces. Community colleges are an excellent entry point for veterans returning to education.
Virginia offers numerous GI Bill-approved vocational programs in high-demand fields including cybersecurity, healthcare, skilled trades, CDL training, and IT certifications. The Virginia Employment Commission and DVS can help identify approved training programs that align with your career goals and military experience.
The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond offers educational programs about military service and veteran history. While not a degree-granting institution, the War Memorial hosts lectures, exhibits, and veteran community events that enrich the educational experience for veteran students and the broader community.
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