The University of San Diego School of Law
Advancing Veterans' and Active Duty Service Members’ Legal Careers
At the University of San Diego School of Law, we are dedicated to empowering veterans and active duty service members in their journey towards a legal career. This dedication is highlighted by our partnership agreement with the VA to be a 100% Yellow Ribbon school and the numerous other resources we provide to military-connected students.
How to Use Your Benefits
Request to Certify
All law students wishing to use VA education benefits must complete a Request to Certify form each semester, after registering for classes, even if they are currently or have previously received benefits. After registering for courses, it will take 24- 48 hours for the system to recognize and reflect the changes.
Advancing Veterans' Higher Education Journey
Veteran Education Benefits
At the USD School of Law, we proudly support our veteran community by offering a variety of VA education benefits. These programs are designed to assist veterans and their families in pursuing higher education. The approved VA education benefits include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® for Veterans & family members using transferred benefits
- Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) & Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
- (Note: Dependents who qualify under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 may use Work-Study only while enrolled at a school in one of the 50 states.)
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Our Commitment to Veterans
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The USD School of Law is proud to be in a partnership agreement with the VA to be a 100% Yellow Ribbon school. This means eligible recipients will be able to have their entire tuition and eligible fees paid for through the USD Yellow Ribbon scholarship program in conjunction with the VA matching Yellow Ribbon scholarship program.
VA regulations require that awards be made on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be considered for grant funding, applicants must meet the requirements below.
An applicant must be admitted as a regular student to the Juris Doctor, Master of Laws or Master in Legal Studies program at the USD School of Law and must be in a current status with regard to the required seat deposits. Visiting students are not eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits through USD.
Applicants must receive 100% of the benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Program and have remaining eligibility as established by the VA.
Applicants must submit their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the law school Records and Registrar office. A consideration list will then be established and students will be notified in date-of-receipt order about their eligibility for this grant.
A student who receives a Yellow Ribbon Grant will be given priority in subsequent years to receive it as long as the requirements listed below apply:
Students must annually re-confirm interest to the Records Office by the July 1 deadline. This can be accomplished by a letter or email indicating interest in continuing participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Students must remain continuously enrolled in the original program and must maintain satisfactory progress in that program.
Students must comply with all USD and VA guidelines and deadlines.
Law Education for Active Duty Service Members
Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) for Active Duty Service Members
The USD School of Law is pleased to continue participation in the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members interested in joining the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) may be eligible for the Army to cover the cost of law school using the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members continue to serve on active duty and the Army covers the cost of tuition.
To be eligible for FLEP, soldiers must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Regular Army Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant First Class, Staff Sergeant, or Sergeant in specific divisions.
- Be a U.S. citizen on the Active Duty List, in grades O-1 to O-3 or E-5 to E-7.
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Officers must have 2 to 6 years (may change to 5 years in 2023) of active duty as of the law school start date.
- Enlisted soldiers must have 4 to 8 years of active duty as of the start date.
- Possess at least a secret security clearance.
- Not have an approved resignation or separation date.
- Meet statutory requirements outlined in Army Regulation 27-1, Chapter 10.
Resources for Veterans
Veteran Resources
Discover some of the resources offered to assist our veteran community at the USD School of Law.
Financial Resources for Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members
Explore essential tools and resources at the USD School of Law to understand and manage financial options.
Connect With Us
Contact Information
Department of Veterans Affairs
Western Region
VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
(888) 442-4551
(1-888-GI Bill-1)