Lipscomb understands the dynamic challenges that veterans and their families face, and we strive to meet these needs through a variety of programs and resources.
Nationally recognized for our program, Lipscomb Veteran Services is equipped to meet your needs. Our qualifications are:
- VETS campus designation, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
- National Association of Veterans Program Administrators
- Council of College and Military Educators, members
- Campus Veteran Organization
We want to hear from you! The Veteran Services Office is here to help you succeed from your first point of contact until the day you walk out the door and beyond. If you have any questions or are interested in applying, make an appointment with our staff.
Schedule an Appointment Online Certification Request Form
Admissions
Lipscomb values the unique experience veterans and military families bring to our community. Learn more about the application and admissions process to become a bison.
Military & Veterans Admissions
Events
We strive to create community among our veteran students. Join us and connect with your peers, meet the VSO staff and get the support you need.
Student-Veteran Emergency Fund
Make a gift to the Student-Veteran fund to help us ensure that Lipscomb student veterans with sudden financial needs can stay the course and continue to complete their educational goals while making sure their families are cared for.
Make a Gift
Our Mission
Our goal is to continually improve our services and resources for the military-connected community through innovation, communication and collaboration. Regardless of your status, we will be an advocate for our prospects, students and the greater community by providing Christ-centered personal support, seeking new resources and engaging in research to better understand VA policies and military benefits, offer additional scholarships and increase program effectiveness.
Our Vision
We strive for excellence in serving our military-connected community from your first point of contact until the day you're out the door and beyond.
A proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Lipscomb has the privilege of serving 422 veterans and dependents in 2022. With over 31 years of military service in the office, our staff is prepared to support our students throughout their time at Lipscomb and guide them in the use of any military education benefits. A few of the services offered by Lipscomb University Veteran Services are a student veteran resource lounge, scholarship opportunities and career development among others.
Office of Veteran Services (VSO)
Bennett Campus Center, Room 140 (Lower level across from the bookstore)
Student Veteran Resource Lounge
The gray brick building behind Elam Hall, building #15 on the campus map
Tuesdays with VSO
Student Veteran Resource Lounge (to park, use the north garage, P5, on campus map. After entering, turn left to park on lower level)
Parking and Campus Map
- To gain detailed information about the various education benefits offered through the VA (including eligibility criteria), please visit va.gov.
- Apply for VA Educational Benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI® Bill, Dependents Education Assistance, etc.
- 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 on the official U.S. government website.
- To obtain a copy of your most current Certificate of Eligibility, please contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
- To view the current rates for each of the VA educational benefits, check out the current rates table.
Public Law 115-407: Any covered individual will be able to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
Lipscomb University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.
- Davidson County has a designated Veteran Services Officer who is able to act as a liaison between you and the VA regarding any VA benefits (medical, educational, housing, etc). See contact information listed below:
Damian Barron, Davidson County VSO
615.880.2838
damian.barron [at] nashville.gov (damian[dot]barron[at]nashville[dot]gov)
- Applying for the FAFSA may help determine your eligibility for federal grants and student loans.
- For students who are ineligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program, we have limited scholarships for which you can apply. Please contact the Veteran Services Office for more information.
- We have a knowledgeable and friendly financial aid office team to answer any specific questions you may have in regards to non-VA related financial aid.
Financial Aid
- Academic Success Center: The Lipscomb Academic Success Center has a wealth of academic resources all in one place! Perhaps you struggle taking tests or prefer to be sitting in the same seat each day. If so, you can meet with ACCESSAbility to see if you qualify for accommodations in the classroom. If you are in need of help in mathematics or writing, there are tutors available in the Math Lab and Writing Center at no cost to you.
- The VA offers select tutor reimbursement to students using the GI Bill®. To utilize this program, please see the Veteran Services Office to request the form which will need to be signed by the School Certifying Official, the professor of the class and the student.
- 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 on the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Academic Catalog
Lipscomb offers free counseling to all students.
The University Counseling Center (UCC) works to support the development of and enhance the well-being of students through quality clinical services, crisis intervention, preventative mental health initiatives and access to community resources.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Veteran National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 1.800.273.8255 and Press 1.
Counseling Center
The Student Veteran Resource Lounge is a dedicated space for our student veterans to study and relax. The lounge offers a study space with several tables, a high-tech interactive whiteboard, lounge area with couch and chairs, a kitchen with coffee bar and a handicap-accessible bathroom.
Student Veteran Resource Lounge
The Student Veteran Resource Lounge has been made possible by gifts from our friends at the Sentinels of Freedom. Their first gift in 2016 made it possible for the lounge to become a reality and in 2022, the interior was given a much needed makeover.
Sentinels of Freedom is a nonprofit organization that assists severely wounded or injured Post-9/11 veterans in their efforts to receive their higher education. They partnered with Lipscomb University to transform the Student Veteran Resource Lounge in to a physical and emotional “safe space” for veterans to connect, share and support each other in a calm, quiet environment.
Explore the Sentinels Bridge for Education Support
Career Development Center
Lipscomb’s Career Development Center has a database of jobs available both on and off campus. Contact Veteran Services Project Coordinator, dfrank [at] lipscomb.edu (Dianne Frank) for military-focused resume assistance, professional development opportunities, practice interviews, internship opportunities, and assistance with job searches.
Priority Enrollment
Traditional undergraduate student registration operates on class standing. Seniors register on Monday, Juniors on Tuesday, Sophomores on Wednesday, Freshmen on Thursday, and graduate students on Friday. Registration opens up in one-hour increments throughout each day; these one-hour increments are awarded based on how many credit hours have been completed. A non-veteran junior who has completed 90 hours will have an earlier time on Tuesday than a non-veteran junior who has completed 70 hours.
Student veterans are given priority by allowing them to register at the first time block of the day that corresponds with their class standing regardless of how many credit hours have been completed.
New students, veterans included, register for classes at orientation, which is typically the weekend prior to the start of the semester. However, new students can potentially register earlier than that by meeting with an advisor.
Steps to register:
- Check for holds on your student account.
- Register for courses.
- Submit your Certification Request Form.
- Verify your enrollment at the end of each month.
For undergraduate students, the estimated price of books and course materials is $1,650 per semester, or $138 per credit hour if enrolled in 12 credit hours.
For graduate students, the estimated price of books and course materials is $1,700 per semester, or $283 per credit hour if enrolled in 6 credit hours.
Note: this average is between extremes, as some degree programs have very few additional costs, and some technical degrees have very high additional costs. For more precise estimates, please contact your program department.
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To comply with the new Department of Defense (DOD) policy, Lipscomb University will return any unearned TA funds on a prorate basis through at least 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. If you officially withdraw from the course(s), the amount of unearned TA funds is calculated from the day you withdrew.
If you receive a grade of W (administrative withdrawal), you unofficially withdrew and the amount of unearned TA funds is calculated from the date of your last participation in the course(s). In cases where some or all of the Tuition Assistance must be returned to the DoD, the service member will be responsible for all balances on his or her Lipscomb University student account.
Any unearned Military TA funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member. The calculation of the return may result in the service member owing a balance to Lipscomb University. If the service member withdraws due to military service obligation, Lipscomb University will work with the service member to identify a solution that will not result in a student debt for the returned TA portion.
Withdraw Liability Chart
Note: The first day of the term is day one
For standard 12 week terms
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA % |
|---|
Prior to start of the term | 100% |
Week 1-2 | 100% |
Week 3-4 | 75% |
Week 5-8 | 50% |
Week 9 | 40% (60% of course is completed) |
Week 10-16 | 0% |
For 8 week terms
Effective Withdrawal Date | Return of TA % |
|---|
Prior to start of the term | 100% |
Week 1 | 100% |
Week 2 | 75% |
Week 3-4 | 50% |
Week 5 | 40% (60% of course is completed) |
Week 6-8 | 0% |
VA Education Benefits
Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Minimum 90 days Active Duty on or after 9/11 (includes Guard Reserves called up on Federal, Title 10, orders and some full-time Reservists)
- 36 months (minus any time used from Chapter 30)
- Separated before Jan. 1, 2013 15-year delimiting date, on or after Jan. 1, 2013 “Forever GI Bill®”
- Three components: Tuition & Fees (goes to school), Monthly Housing Allowance (goes to student), Book Allowance (goes to student)
- All paid according to Rate of Benefit percentage
- Yellow Ribbon is only for those who qualify for Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% rate of benefit and still have remaining entitlement (This includes Active Duty SM and spouse as of Aug. 1, 2022.)
As a Chapter 33 beneficiary, you will need to do the following:
- Apply to VA to use your benefits by electronically completing VA form 22-1990 (new student). Apply now.
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Send us a member 4 copy of your DD214(s)
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Read, initial and sign the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Addendum. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
CH 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Annual CAP for Private Schools - 2021
- 100% - $26,042.81
- 90% - $23,438.53
- 80% - $20,834.25
- 70% - $18,229.97
- 60% - $15,625.69
- 50% - $13,021.41
CH33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Monthly Housing Allowance Rates
- Online: $871 per month
- Nashville: $1,953 per month (varies depending on when started)
- All paid according to Rate of Benefit Percentage
- Paid per day, e.g. Dec 1-12 = 12 days, prorated
CH33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Book Allowance
- $1,000 per year
- Pays at $41.67 per hour up to the 24-hour limit
- Paid according to Rate of Benefit Percentage
Helpful information about your benefits
- Service member served a minimum 90 days Active Duty on or after 9/11 (includes Guard Reserves called up on Federal, Title 10, orders and some full-time Reservists)
- Option to Transfer to Dependents did not begin until AFTER Aug. 1, 2019, SM must still be in when TOE is requested, almost always incurs an extended service obligation (incentive, not an entitlement)
- Number of months of benefits available depends on how much the SM transferred to the dependent
- Spouse can use up to 15 years after service member separates
- Child can use after service member has served 10 years, must be between 18 and 26 years old
- Three components - Tuition & Fees (goes to school), Monthly Housing Allowance (goes to student), Book Allowance (goes to student)
- All paid according to Rate of Benefit Percentage
- Yellow Ribbon is only for those who qualify for Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% Rate of Benefit and still have remaining entitlement. (This includes Active Duty SM and spouse as of Aug. 1, 2022.)
As a Chapter 33 dependent, you will need to do the following:
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Read, initial and sign the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Addendum. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
Fry Scholarship (Falls under of Post 9/11 GI Bill®)
- Surviving spouse and children of service members who died in the line of duty on or after 9/11
- Full, 100% Rate of Benefit and Yellow Ribbon eligible
- 36 months of benefits
- Children must be between ages 18 -33, but can be younger with high school diploma
- Spouse cannot remarry
- Must choose between CH 35 and Fry
- Three components - Tuition & Fees (goes to school), Monthly Housing Allowance (goes to student), Book Allowance (goes to student)
As a Chapter 33 Fry student, you will need to do the following:
- Apply to VA to use your benefits by electronically completing VA form 22-5490 (new student) or 22-5495 (transfer student). Apply now
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Read, initial and sign the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Addendum. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
CH 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Annual CAP for Private Schools
CH33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Monthly Housing Allowance Rates
- Online: $871 per month
- Nashville: $1,953 per month (varies depending on when started)
- Paid per day, e.g. Dec 1-12 = 12 days, prorated
CH33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Book Allowance
- $1,000 per year
- Pays at $41.67 per hour up to the 24 hour limit
Helpful Information about your benefits:
- The Veteran must be rated at 100% Service-Connected, Totally and Permanently Disabled or Deceased (if deceased, possible Fry)
- If you started school before Aug. 1, 2018, you could have 45 months of benefits; on or after Aug. 1, 2018, 36 months of benefits
- Spouse has 10 years to use, 20 if spouse was Active Duty
- Child can use between 18th and 26th birthday
- Current Payment Rate: $1,265 per month, goes directly to the student
As a Chapter 35 beneficiary, you will need to do the following:
- Apply to VA to use your benefits by electronically completing VA form 22-5490 (new student) or 22-5495 (transfer student). Apply now
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Send us your COMPLETE file number, which will include either a letter or a two-digit number at the end of a group of numbers (probably the veteran’s SSN)
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment (VRE)
- Veteran discharged at other than Dishonorable with at least a 10% disability rating
- Apply within 12 years of date of discharge or rating
- Can receive P9/11 MHA if had remaining entitlement when began using CH31
- MUST buy books from campus bookstore
As a Chapter 31 beneficiary, you will need to do the following:
- Apply for benefits. Be aware that this process can take up to six months to complete.
- Verify that your VRE Counselor has sent your Authorization to Lipscomb University
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Send us a member 4 copy of your DD214(s)
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Read, initial and sign the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Addendum. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Contact the University Bookstore to order books. You will need to let the staff know you are using CH31 VRE and sign your receipt.
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Select Reserve
- 6 years service obligation in the select Reserves
- Have completed initial active duty training (IADT)
- Remain in good standing
- 36 months of benefits
- Benefits end when you leave the Reserves
- Current Payment Rate: $407 per month, goes directly to student
As a Chapter 1606 beneficiary, you will need to do the following:
- Apply to VA to use your benefits by electronically completing VA form 22-1990 (new student) or 22-1995 (transfer student). Apply now
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Contact your Education Service Office (ESO) regarding State and Federal Tuition Assistance programs
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes.
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- 3 years Active Duty, paid in $1,200
- 36 months of benefits
- 10-year delimiting date (expiration) after separation
- Current Payment Rate: $2,122 per month, goes directly to student
As a Chapter 30 beneficiary, you will need to do the following:
- Apply to VA to use your benefits by electronically completing VA form 22-1990 (new student) or 22- 995 (transfer student). Apply now
- Send us documentation of your eligibility
- Complete your Student Data Sheet
- Read, initial and sign the Statement of Understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
- Be sure to read the Veteran Services Student Handbook
- Register for classes
- Complete your Certification Request Form (CRF) EVERY time you register for classes and if you add/drop classes
- Be on the lookout for and respond to emails from our office
Student Veteran Resource Lounge
