New Mexico State University

First, learn about GI Bill® eligibility requirements online at https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility or by calling the VA Education Call Center at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

To apply for the GI Bill® and related benefits, go to https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply or call 888-442-4551.

To apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), go to https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility

In some cases, the dependent or surviving spouse and children of a Veteran can get educational assistance through a GI Bill® program. Learn more about the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

Also, if the service member has unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, they may be able to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to their spouse or a dependent child. Learn more about Transfer of Eligibility for Dependents and Spouses (Chapter 33)

Census Date or Drop Date is the Last Day to Drop a Course without a “W” (100% refund). Class(es) dropped after the Census Date or Drop Date receive a 0% refund and class(es) are assigned a “W” grade.

Spring 2025
16-Week Term (Full-Term): January 31
First 8-Week Term (Mini-Semester 1): January 27
Second 8-Week Term (Mini-semester 2): March 26

See Important Dates for Students located on the NMSU University Student Records website.

SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE
Ten-Week Term: 7 or more
Eight-Week Term: 6 or more
Five-Week Term: 4 or more

FALL/SPRING UNDERGRADUATE
16-Week Term (Full-Term): 12 or more
Eight-Week Term: 6 or more

SUMMER GRADUATE
Ten-Week Term: 6 or more
Eight-Week Term: 5 or more
Five-Week Term: 4 or more

FALL/SPRING GRADUATE
16-Week Term (Full-Term): 9 or more
Eight-Week Term: 5 or more

See Training Time located on the Military and Veterans Programs website.

The pay amount depends on the VA Chapter the student is entitled. Please review the monthly rates for each VA Chapter on the VA Pay Rates located on the MVP website. Students are encouraged to use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to learn about each of the VA education benefits and compare their pay rate information. 

VA determines full-time status for the time they are IN class during the start and end date of each semester.

Please review the examples provided:

Example 1: An undergraduate student is enrolled in 12 credits for Mini-Semester 1 during the Spring semester. The student will receive the full-time rate for the time they are IN class during Mini-Semester 1. Once Mini-Semester 1 classes end, the VA considers the semester over.

Example 2: An undergraduate student is enrolled in 3 credits for Mini-Semester 1 and 9 credits for the full term during the Spring semester. VA will calculate full-time status based on where the dates overlap. Based on this example, VA will pay the full-time rate where the Mini-Semester 1/Full-Term dates overlap. Once the Mini-Semester 1 class ends, the VA will start to pay the 3/4-time rate for the 9 credits enrolled during the full term.

Example 3: An undergraduate student is enrolled in C.S. 453, Engl 2210G, and GEOG 481 for week 1 through week 16 for a total of 10 credit hours. The student is also enrolled in ARTH 2210 and COMM 1130G for weeks 9 through week 16 for a total of 16 credit hours after the start of the 9th week.  VA will calculate the student’s eligibility based on the days classes are in session. 

Please use the following document for a detailed explanation: Training Time Table

To start a file with Military and Veterans Programs (MVP), the student must be registered for courses and have applied for VA Education Benefits (apply at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply). Once that is complete, please send MVP the following proper documents:

• Student Responsibilities Form
• MVP Resident Tuition Waiver 
• VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), VA Benefits Summary (va.gov), or VR&E VA Authorization
• Student Schedule and STAR Degree Audit (must be submitted every semester).

Once the proper documents are sent, MVP will inform the student if additional documents are needed. Please be aware that VA certification is not an automatic process, students must submit to MVP their paperwork every semester they wish to get certified. Students may email mvp@nmsu.edu or call (575) 646-4524 for any questions and concerns.

See Student Certification Checklists for proper documents and detailed information.

NMSU will award academic credit to the United States military personnel for courses and Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), based on the American Council of Education Guide (ACE) as well as through national standardized tests, such as CLEP, AP, PEP, and DANTES. Credit for military training is in accordance with NMSU Faculty Senate Legislation Proposition 24-07/08, which was passed in May 2008. Military Training and Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) must have a recommendation evaluation by ACE (in the ACE Guide) for credit to be awarded. Courses accepted for transfer credit become part of the student’s official NMSU transcript and academic record. See NMSU Catalog for more information.

Request military transcripts at:

Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy Transcripts:
https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signIn.do
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcripts:
http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Barnes/CCAF

Military & Veterans Programs will certify the student’s enrollment to the VA in the order proper documentation is received from the student every semester. VA certification is not an automatic process, students must submit to MVP their paperwork every semester to get certified (see Student Certification Checklists). It takes approximately 30 days from the date received for MVP to certify it to the VA. After MVP certifies the students’ enrollment, it normally takes the VA another 30 – 45 days to award the students’ VA benefits (it can vary by case, please get in touch with the VA).

To check payment status, students should call the GI Bill® Hotline at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).

Chapters 30 and 1606: Students must verify their enrollment with the VA at the end of each month to receive their monthly stipend. Without verification, Chapter 30 and 1606 students will not receive their monthly stipend. Students may call 877-823-2378 or submit an online W.A.V.E. verification.

Chapter 33: Students must verify their enrollment status each month to continue receiving their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments.  Students can verify their enrollment status in one of two ways:

- Text Messaging – Students who choose to Opt-In will receive a text message each month prompting them to verify their enrollment.  To Opt-In contact the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to ensure the VA has your mobile phone number.  After opting in, you can verify your enrollment by responding to a text message from the VA.
- Telephone – Students may call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-442-4551 to verify their enrollment.  NOTE: Wait times may be high due to the number of students verifying each month.

In-state tuition is available to military, veterans, and their dependents. Eligibility is determined by whether the student meets one of the requirements from the waivers listed below. Students must complete the MVP waiver form and email mvp@nmsu.edu or fax 575-646-1113 along with supporting documentation.

US VETERAN WAIVER: Based on New Mexico House Bill 427 (2015), I certify that I am a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) and that I am eligible for Veterans’ Education benefits under Federal law.

VETERAN/MILITARY DEPENDENT WAIVER (VA benefit eligible): Based on New Mexico House Bill 427 (2015), I certify that I am a dependent/spouse of a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard) and that I am eligible for Veterans’ Education benefits under Federal law.

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY WAIVER: Based on New Mexico House Bill 427 (2015), I certify that I am in the military service of the United States, on active duty, and that I am eligible for Veterans’ Education benefits and/or Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance benefits under Federal law.

ACTIVE DUTY DEPENDENT/SPOUSE MILITARY WAIVER: Based on New Mexico House Bill 427 (2015), I certify that I am a dependent/spouse of a military service member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard) who is presently stationed within the exterior boundaries of the State of New Mexico, including Ft. Bliss, or that I am eligible for Veterans’ Education benefits and/or Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance benefits under Federal law.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may not have to declare a major before their junior year. If a freshman or sophomore has not declared a major, MVP will report the student’s program as “Bachelor (undeclared)”. The student cannot be certified beyond his or her sophomore year unless a major is declared. VA will pay for Undeclared Majors but only “General Education” courses can be certified before the declaration of a major. VA will not pay for a course that is not part of the “General Education” courses.

See the NMSU Catalog for a listing of the General Education Courses.

Remedial and deficiency courses offered in an online or hybrid format cannot be approved for VA benefits and cannot be certified by the VA. These courses are required to be taken on-campus (face-to-face). 

Remedial and deficiency courses are courses designed to correct deficiencies in basic mathematics, English, and reading at the elementary or secondary level. These courses can be certified as part of an approved program, but only for students for whom a verifiable need has been established.

A prerequisite is a course or requirement that you must complete before taking an advanced course. For example, you must complete General Chemistry I (CHEM 111G) before taking General Chemistry II (CHEM 112G). A corequisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as another course. For example, you must take General Supplemental Instruction I (CHEM 101) at the same time as General Chemistry I (CHEM 111G).

VA will pay for prerequisite and corequisite courses that are required, and noted in the NMSU Catalog, to advance the student toward their academic degree program.

See the Course Listings in the NMSU Catalog to identify prerequisite and corequisite courses.

No, VA does not pay for recommended courses. VA will only pay for courses required to meet degree requirements. The student’s academic advisor must complete the MVP Course Approval Form and provide a valid reason. The reason provided must adhere to the VA Certification Policy.

Chapter 31 Students: If your academic advisor does not provide a valid reason, then please contact your VR&E Counselor for approval. VR&E Counselor must annotate approval in Chapter 31 VR&E VA Authorization for the course(s) to be certified for VA benefits.

No, VA does not pay for courses that help improve GPA. If a student chooses to take a course or repeat a course that was successfully completed, just to improve their GPA, that course cannot be certified by VA. VA will only pay for courses required to meet degree requirements. The student’s academic advisor must complete the MVP Course Approval Form and provide a valid reason. The reason provided must adhere to the VA Certification Policy.

Students seeking reimbursement for test costs must complete the Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees. Reimbursement is issued after the student submits proof of payment to the VA. In addition to including proof of payment, make sure to include documentation supporting your request for test reimbursement. Please call VA TOLL-FREE at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) for assistance.

Mail the completed application to:
WESTERN REGION
VA Regional Office
PO Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888

See U.S. Veteran Affairs Licensing and Certification Tests and National Testing Programs information.

Yes, a VA student can round out to a full-time schedule to receive benefits at the full-time rate in their last term of enrollment. This procedure can only be done once per degree program during the beneficiary’s final academic term and applies to all VA beneficiaries. VA’s policy is that a student may round out during their last term with any additional class(es) that are included within the student’s program of education even though not required for the specific beneficiary to graduate. Such classes must be specified by name in the approved program curriculum, and not have been already completed.       

A student may round out with classes that are not offered as part of their program of education with any class offered by the educational institution only under the following circumstances: 

- The student has taken (or is enrolled in) every class offered as part of their program.
- The remaining course options in the student’s program are not offered during the student’s final term.

EXAMPLE 1: A claimant needs to complete 120 credit hours to obtain a B.A. degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. After passing 117 credit hours, the claimant only needs to earn an additional 3 credits to graduate and enroll in International Law and Organizations.  To achieve full-time status, the claimant also enrolls in 3 additional 3-credit-hour courses American Political Campaigns and Elections; Constitutional Law; and Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Political Theories – which have not been taken previously and are included, by name, in the B.A. degree program.

Note: Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments are based on the Department of Defense’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an "E-5 with dependents" for the zip code of the campus or training location where the student has a majority of classes. See BAH Calculator (Per Diem). 

If a student enrolls in only online courses for a semester, the VA will only pay 50% of the national average Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH), even if the student is enrolled full-time. If at least ONE credit of the student’s classes is face-to-face or hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online), then the student will receive the full-time Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH). Students can take online courses, but to receive a regular/full Monthly Housing Allowance, at least 1 credit has to be on-campus or hybrid (a combination of face-to-face and online).

The Rate of Pursuit (RoP) applies specifically to Chapter 33. It differs from training time, which is used for all other chapters. Schools certify actual credit. VA calculates RoP by dividing the number of credits (or credit hour equivalents) being pursued by the number of credits considered to be full-time by the school. The resulting percentage is the student’s RoP.

Examples: If full-time is12 credits, then RoP:
- 6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6 ¸ 12 = 50%)
- 7 credits (or credit equivalents) is 58% (7 ¸ 12 = 58%)

The MHA is paid if the student’s RoP is more than 50%. The rate of pursuit determines whether a student receives or doesn’t receive the housing allowance. If the pursuit is more than 50% the student receives the housing allowance. If the RoP is 50% or less, then the student doesn’t receive the housing allowance.  (Active duty personnel receiving Chapter 33 benefits or spouses of active duty personnel receiving Transfer of Entitlement (ToE) benefits are not eligible for the housing allowance). 

Chapters 31 and 33: For the student to receive the minimum amount of their Monthly Allowance, the student would need to be enrolled in more than half-time status. If a student is enrolled below half-time, then the student will NOT receive any Monthly Allowance.

To determine the enrollment status (i.e. full-time, part-time), see Training Time on the MVP website. Monthly Housing/Subsistence Allowance Rates are found on the VA Pay Rates on the MVP website.

Chapters 30, 35, and 1606: Monthly stipend, see VA Pay Rates on the MVP website, are calculated based on the student’s Training Time.

Note: Census Date or Drop Date is the Last Day to Drop a Course without a “W” (100% refund). Class(es) dropped after the Census Date or Drop Date receive a 0% refund and class(es) are assigned a “W” grade.

Chapters 31 and 33: If the student dropped class(es) on or before the Census Date, then the student may receive a refund from NMSU. If VA paid for the student’s tuition, then VA will mail out a debt letter to the student for overpayment of benefits. It becomes the student’s responsibility to return any refund received from NMSU to the VA for dropped class(es). VA may also ask students to pay back a portion of the allowance benefits.

Chapters 30, 35, and 1606: If the student dropped class(es) and it affects the student’s certified training time (i.e., full-time, part-time, etc.), then it can result in an overpayment of allowance benefits. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student if this occurs.

Note: Census Date or Drop Date is the Last Day to Drop a Course without a “W” (100% refund). Class(es) dropped after the Census Date or Drop Date receive a 0% refund and class(es) are assigned a “W” grade.

Chapters 31 and 33: If the student dropped class(es) after the Census Date, then the VA will mail out a debt letter to the student for overpayment of benefits. It becomes the student’s responsibility to pay back the VA.

Chapters 30, 35, and 1606: If the student dropped class(es) and it affects the student’s certified training time (i.e., full-time, part-time, etc.), then it can result in an overpayment of allowance benefits. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student if this occurs.

No, students placed on Academic Probation do not have to pay back the VA or hold them from future certifications. MVP strongly recommends that students reach out to tutoring services available to them at the school and tutorial assistance benefits available through the VA.

Please do one of the following:

• Login to WAVE (WAVE is not available for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients). On the main menu page, click the link to the left that says “Direct Deposit Enrollment Form” or “Change of Address” depending on the request. Both procedures can be completed online.
• Call 1-888 GI BILL 1 (1-888-442-4551)
• Login to VA.gov
• Change of Address on your VA.gov profile or by calling 1-888-442-4551
• Change Direct Deposit on your VA.gov profile or by calling 1-800-827-1000

NMSU understands that our military students may be called to active duty, specialized training, or disaster relief efforts with little notice. U.S. active-duty military students wishing to withdraw from all their classes must present their orders and their request for full withdrawal, as indicated below. However, the below policy does not pertain to a student’s basic and/or annual training. A student who has an order for training is encouraged to formally request, through the proper military chain of command, a postponement of their orders until the summer or the end of the semester they are currently enrolled in. If a student’s request for postponement is denied, the student may then follow the below steps but must provide documentation that their postponement request was formally denied.

Students must take the following steps to withdraw from all their classes due to military reasons:

1. Military and Veterans Programs (MVP): TA/VA students ordered to Active Duty must provide a copy of orders to the MVP office, in Corbett Center Student Union, Room 244, or by email at mvp@nmsu.edu. To assist in reporting accurate information to their military service or the VA Regional Office, the student should also provide, in writing, the last day of class attendance.

2. NMSU University Student Records: All students presenting their orders to the University Student Records Office, (575) 646-3411 or records@nmsu.edu, will receive a military withdrawal from classes and full tuition and fees refund for that semester.

3. Bookstore: Students who still have their receipts for textbooks purchased the semester in which they are called to active duty will be given a full refund for these textbook purchases when they present their orders. Please contact the NMSU bookstore for assistance at 575-646-4431 or 2218mgr@follett.com.

The Military Experience Waiver can be given to students who “have served at least four weeks of U.S. Military Foreign/Sea Service in a foreign country”. This academic waiver grants the student 3 credits under the NMSU Viewing the Wider World Requirement.

To apply for the waiver, a DD Form 214 or Memo from the Commanding Officer proving the 4-week deployment must be provided to the academic advisor. The waiver request will then be assessed and approved by the appropriate college.

See the Military Experience Waiver page for more information. 

MVP does not verify a student’s enrollment status for purposes other than the processing of VA education benefits. Students must submit their CHAMPVA enrollment form to University Student Records.

NMSU University Student Records is located at:
Educational Services Building, Suite 200
575-646-3411
records@nmsu.edu