Find veteran education benefits in Virginia. GI Bill, VMSDEP tuition waiver, Virginia university veteran programs, vocational training, and education resources for Virginia veterans.
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.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Roanoke veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Roanoke-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Richmond, VA. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
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.
American Legion Department of VA accredited service officer support for Richmond-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Arlington veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Arlington-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Free civil legal help for Norfolk-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Richmond veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
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.
Free civil legal help for Newport News-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
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.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Norfolk-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Chesapeake area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Roanoke veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
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.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Virginia Beach-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
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.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Richmond-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Richmond veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Recently verified education resources serving Virginia, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Roanoke 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 Roanoke-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 Roanoke area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Roanoke 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.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Roanoke veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
