Veterans' Benefits

What degree programs apply to VA benefits?

• BA/MA 3-Year Honors Program
• MA International Policy
  • Security
  • Environment
  • Development
  • Public Administration

• MBA International Business
• MA Translation and Interpretation
• MA Language Teaching

Montgomery GI Bill

• Veterans of military services may be eligible for Veterans’ Benefits
• Application for benefits should be made at least 30 days in advance of the start of the academic term
• Complete the VA Request Benefits form and submit it with the 22-1995 (request for change of program or place of training) or the 22-1990 (the application for veteran’s benefits)
• Submit copies of transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work completed (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Submit a copy of your registration for the semester in which you are requesting benefits
• You may submit all requested documents by mail or fax to (831)647-6685
• The VA requires that benefits received for courses in which W grades were received must be returned to the VA
• Courses in which a Veteran earns grades of A, B, or C will be paid one time by the VA
• A course in which a D grade is received can be repeated only if a C grade or better is required by the College
• The VA will pay one time to repeat a course in which an F grade is received

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Monterey Institute is pleased to announce that we have enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon Program as part of our commitment to assist veterans in meeting their educational goals.  The Yellow Ribbon program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting colleges and universities) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veteran’s Administration to fund tuition/fee expenses.  Participating schools can waive a predetermined amount of tuition/fees, and VA will match the same amount as the institution.  For Monterey Institute students, this results in the full comprehensive fee being covered for eligible Veterans.

The Monterey Institute has agreed to:

• Provide contributions to eligible individuals who apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program on a first-come first-served basis, regardless of the rate at which the individual is pursuing training in any given academic year;
• Provide contributions during the current academic year and all subsequent academic years in which the student maintains satisfactory academic progress, conduct, and attendance;
• Make contributions toward the program on behalf of the individual in the form of a grant;
• Contribute a maximum of $13,174 for each participant during the academic year;
• Guarantee to fund up to 40 veterans for the 2009-10 academic year

A veteran may be eligible if:

• S/he served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• S/he was honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
• S/he are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office as early as possible once they are admitted, if they are eligible for the yellow ribbon benefits program, as we will make awards based on a first come first served basis.

The Monterey Institute and the Veterans Administration will guarantee complete tuition payment for up to 20 veterans each academic year to attend one of our world-class Master’s degree programs. Transform your years of military service into a professional civilian career in international policy, business, translation/interpretation, or language teaching.

Each academic term, you will be provided with funds:

Up front payment by VA: $2165.25
Monterey Institute Contribution: $6587
VA Matched Contribution: $6587

Total: $15,339.25

Total annual benefit received by veteran: $30,678.50

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?
You may be eligible if you have served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001 of at least 36 months, have been honorably discharged from active duty or for a service related disability with 30 consecutive days after September 10, 2001, or are a dependant eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria.

How many Yellow Ribbon veterans can participate?
The Monterey Institute has agreed to accept up to 40 veterans.  Awards will be offered on a first come first serve basis.  The Monterey Institute accepts rolling admissions with programs beginning in September and January.

What steps do I take to participate in the Monterey Institute’s Yellow Ribbon program?
Check our admissions requirements and apply for the Master’s program that interests you. Provide all necessary transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation. In addition, an application fee of $50 must be paid with a credit card (Visa/MasterCard) when the application is submitted.

After receipt of all your materials, the Admissions committee will carefully review your application. Successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance within 4-6 weeks. After being awarded successful admission, contact our Office of Financial Aid to establish your eligibility requirements for participation in the Yellow Ribbon program.

After being accepted, you will be asked to fill out our Veteran's Benefits Certification Form . You will need to complete the form and submit it along with the 22-1995 (request for change of program or place of training) or the 22-1990 (the application for veteran’s benefits).

Will I be eligible for other Monterey Institute scholarships?
All admitted applicants to the Monterey Institute are considered for merit-based scholarships. These awards generally range from $4,000 to $14,000. Since the maximum scholarship offering is less than the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, admitted veterans will be considered for the Yellow Ribbon program first. Merit scholarships will be forfeited if a student opts to take Yellow Ribbon benefits.

The Monterey Institute has reserved twenty places for veterans in our programs. Admitted veterans who do not receive the Yellow Ribbon funding will receive special consideration for our merit-based scholarships.

Are there any other fees?
The Yellow Ribbon program will not cover the Monterey Institute’s activity fees, which are $56 per semester. The veteran will be responsible for these fees.

Where can I find more information?
Find comprehensive information about the Yellow Ribbon program and eligibility requirements on the GI Bill website.