The steps involved in applying for education benefits from the Wisconsin GI Bill at UW-Madison.
The Wisconsin GI Bill provides tuition remission for up to 128 credits or 8 semesters, whichever is longer, to eligible veterans and their dependents. It can be used at any University of Wisconsin school or Wisconsin Technical College.
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What is the Post 9/11 GI Bill®?
Apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®
About the Wisconsin GI Bill
Non-resident coverage for in-state tuition
Who can use the Wisconsin Gl Bill?
Eligible
veterans
The spouse of an eligible veteran
Children of eligible veterans
Using the Wisconsin GI Bill + Post 9/11 GI Bill® together
If you are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at 100% and the Wisconsin GI Bill, you must exhaust your federal benefit first. This rule applies to veterans and dependents with transferred federal benefits.
If you are eligible for 50-90% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, or will exhaust your benefit before the end of a term, you can use the Wisconsin GI Bill to make up the difference in tuition.
You can use the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) or Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) simultaneously with the Wisconsin GI Bill.
Things to do first
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1. Determine what education benefits you may be eligible for
2. Explore the other federal benefits you might be eligible for
There are several other federal benefits and options for financial aid to also explore.
3. Understand the academic requirements (minimum GPA)
The Wisconsin GI Bill has a 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement for all benefit users. If your GPA falls below the minimum, the benefit will be suspended for future terms until you meet this requirement. The benefit cannot be applied retroactively.
What does the Wisconsin GI Bill cover?
The Wisconsin GI Bill will cover:
- In-state tuition for any UW-Madison undergraduate, graduate, or professional program
- Non-degree seeking (such as continuing studies) students taking classes for credit (CEUs are not eligible) or as part of an official certificate (pdf).
- Segregated fees
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Executive & Evening MBA Students
You are charged fees for technology and international travel each semester the Wisconsin GI Bill will not cover.
To get a better idea of this cost, please contact our office or the admissions staff for your respective program.
The Wisconsin GI Bill will NOT cover (not an exhaustive list):
Tuition costs
Tuition vs. the cost of attendance
Tuition rates are published for each semester. The cost of attendance is an estimate of tuition, fees, and other considerations like course materials, books, housing and more.
How eligibility works
The Wisconsin GI Bill can cover an eligible veteran, the spouse of an eligible veteran, or the child of a eligible veteran.
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Who is an eligible veteran?
A veteran who:
- Served honorably in the armed forces during a qualifying period outlined in the WDVA B0105 (hint: Global War on Terrorism service qualifies)
- Entered military service as a Wisconsin resident OR you have resided in the state for the past 5 consecutive years.
- Is deemed a “resident for tuition purposes” at UW-Madison.
Who is an eligible spouse or child?
A spouse or child of a veteran where:
- The veteran meets the service requirements outlined under Veteran Eligibility.
- The veteran entered the military as a Wisconsin resident OR the veteran & the dependent have resided in the state for 5 consecutive years prior to the start of the term.
- The veteran has a service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
- The child must be between the ages of 18-26.
- The student must be deemed a “resident for tuition purposes” at UW-Madison.
Applying
Apply at the same time you apply to UW-Madison, or as soon as possible after applying.
Applying for the Wisconsin GI BIll
You'll need to complete least two forms. An online application to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and a form to submit to UW-Madison.
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Apply to the Wisconsin Deparment of Veterans Affairs
Complete the online application. You’ll need to create an account with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans affairs
Alternatively, you can complete WDVA form 2030 (pdf) and attach supporting documents (listed on the top of the form).
- If you qualify under the 5-year residency clause, you will also have to complete an Affidavit of Residency (pdf).
- Submit your application to WDVA using one of these methods:
- Send by mail:
Wisconsin Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Veterans Assistance Section
P.O. Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843 - Through your County Veterans Services Office
- By email or in-person at University Veteran Services
Apply to UW-Madison
Once admitted to UW-Madison, fill out a WDVA form 2029 (pdf) and submit with supporting documents (see page 3 of the form) to our office.
The certification process
This is a step after the application and before you receive your education benefits. Federal certifications will happen first. The course requirements enforced by the federal VA are not relevant for state benefits.
The process includes:
- Selecting your benefits in Student Center.
- University Veterans Services verifying your eligibility
- Checking the progress of your application in the MyUW Student Center.
When to do this:
After you enroll in your courses each semester.
Receiving your education benefits
After eligibility if verified by University Veterans Services, the Wisconsin GI Bill is applied to your tuition account.
- If you’re using partial Post 9/11 GI Bill®, we apply the Wisconsin GI Bill after the school has received the federal VA’s tuition payment.
- If the Wisconsin GI Bill is your only tuition benefit, it will be applied at the beginning of the term.
Contact
University Veteran Services
school certifying officials
Call us at:
608-265-4628
Email us at:
veterans@wisc.edu
University Veterans Services
333 East Campus Mall
10th floor, Suite 10320
Madison, WI 53715
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm
Appointments
Drop-ins are always welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
Please visit our About Us page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.