Veteran and Military Benefits

Harvard University and the GSD proudly support our veteran and military families and will assist implementing the various benefit options. In the past, we have had active duty, veterans and dependents of veterans use those benefits to attend the GSD. Although Chapter 33 VA Benefits are the most-commonly used at the GSD, other VA benefits — such as Chapter 35, may also be used here. Interested parties should consult the GSD Financial Aid Office at [email protected] during their admissions application process.

Educational Benefits

Educational benefits are available for veterans, family members of veterans, and active military personnel. These programs have different benefits packages and eligibility requirements. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible service members (Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve) and veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since 9/10/2001. Benefits include paid tuition and fees as well as a housing and book stipend. Benefits are tiered based on number of days on active duty. Benefits can be transferred to a spouse or family member. To find out what you may be eligible for, visit the GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance websites.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Harvard University is pleased to participate in the Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program in which additional financial assistance supplements the base educational benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  Only veterans eligible for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits or their designated transferees may receive this funding.  Benefits are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and awarded based on eligibility.  See below for an overview of the Chapter 33/Yellow Ribbon Benefits at GSD 2023-2024 (for 100% benefits-eligible, full-time students).

  • The Chapter 33 base rate ($28,937.09 for academic year 2024-25) per academic year for tuition paid directly to the eligible GSD student’s bill.
  • The GSD will provide a Yellow Ribbon Award for eligible Yellow Ribbon program veterans and the VA will match this grant. The VA tuition benefit plus VA and GSD Yellow Ribbon funding will meet the full cost of tuition and fees for the academic year.
  • Eligible veterans may receive up to yearly tuition and fee coverage. Benefits amounts may vary depending on eligibility percentage and enrollment status (full or part-time). All final eligibility determinations are made by the VA.

Additional Information

For more information about the Harvard Community, please visit the Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization (HVAO) at https://www.harvardveterans.org/   As stated on their website, the HVAO was “founded in 2006 by one of Harvard’s Vietnam Veterans to connect, bridge, and honor to proud military service the men and women of Harvard have provided our country in the past, present, and future”.

 

“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill”