Concordia Law welcomes veterans.
As a veteran, you’re used to doing your best to serve your country. With a law degree from Concordia University School of Law, you can continue to serve and make a positive difference for yourself, your family and your community. Your future – and your new career – starts today.
Veterans helping veterans.
Approximately 15 percent of Concordia Law students are veterans. So it’s easy to get the answers you need from someone who shares a common bond. We are a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program and we’re state certified to award veterans benefits.
Our School Certifying Officials are ready to guide you through the process, assisting you in securing benefits unique to veterans. Please email them at vets@cu-portland.edu or call 503.493.6215.
Applying for VA Education Benefits
Some education benefits are for veterans and some are for the spouse and/or dependents of veterans. Please follow the instructions below that best match your situation. Be aware that it can take the VA up to 12 weeks to process education benefit applications. You do NOT need to wait to apply for entrance to Concordia University School of Law.
Disclaimer: Concordia University School of Law does not determine veteran eligibility of benefits – education benefits, basic allowance for housing (BAH), or other stipends. If you have questions on eligibility, please contact the Regional VA Education Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma at (888) 442-4551.
When the Student IS the veteran
There are several education benefits available to eligible select reserve, active duty and separated military personnel. If you haven’t already done so, apply for benefits via the VA website. Once your application has been processed by the VA you will receive an "Award Letter" or "Certificate of Eligibility" (CoE) via the USPS. The VA does NOT communicate your eligibility with Concordia University School of Law.
When you receive your CoE, please send a copy to Concordia Law's SCO. [Please note: If you are separated from active duty please send a copy of your DD214.] Please scan and email the SCO copies of ALL needed forms. Once we have the necessary documentation about your benefits, we will take the next step to secure funding from the VA for your education.
When the student is NOT the veteran
There are two primary benefit programs available to eligible veteran spouses and dependents – Chapter 35 Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA) or Chapter 33 Post-9/11 Transfer of Entitlement.
Chapter 35 DEA
Apply for benefits via the VA website. Once your application has been processed by the VA you will receive an "Award Letter" via the USPS. The VA does NOT communicate your eligibility with Concordia University School of Law.
When you receive your Award Letter, please scan and email a copy to the SCO along with the DD214 of the sponsoring veteran and confirmation of the relationship between the student and veteran (such as spouse or parent). Once we have the necessary documentation about your benefits, we will take the next step to secure funding from the VA for your education.
Chapter 33-Post-9/11 Transfer of Entitlement
The veteran must submit a Transfer Education Benefit (TEB) with the DoD. Once the TEB has been approved, the veteran will receive a hard copy confirmation via USPS.
Upon receipt of the approved TEB, the student can apply for benefits via the VA website. Once the student's application has been processed by the VA, the VA will send a "Certificate of Eligibility" (CoE) via the USPS.
When you receive your CoE, please scan and email a copy to the SCO. Once we have the necessary documentation about your benefits, we will take the next step to secure funding from the VA for your education.
Concordia University is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon participant and has agreed to provide Yellow Ribbon scholarships to qualifying veterans. Please note that the VA is the authority in determining basic eligibility. For more information on this program, please call 208-639-5440.
Student Responsibilities
It is the student's responsibility to communicate any enrollment changes (add, drop, withdrawal, change of major, etc.) to the School Certifying Official (SCO). Registration changes may affect student benefits and in some cases may cause a return and repayment of funds.
It is also the student's responsibility to make payment arrangements for tuition and fees to Concordia University Finance Office by the semester payment deadlines.
It is the student's responsibility to self-report monthly enrollment information to the VA (Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607).
And it is the student's responsibility to keep address and direct deposit information current with the VA. Address changes need to be communicated to the School Certifying Official as well.