Veteran’s Benefits
CAU is prepared to help you transition from service member to student
At California Aeronautical University, we’re thankful for the service you provided to our country. We are proud to accept military and veteran benefits to use towards your education, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program. Turn your military experience and skills into a fulfilling career in the aviation industry.
Veteran Benefits
Our admissions and financial services team can help guide you through the process to use your benefits in your aviation-focused education and training. Contact us today to schedule a personal interview to find out more about our aviation programs, admissions requirements, and how to use your military educational benefits.
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We’re thankful for our veterans and active service members, including our own students and staff.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®
As a veteran or active service member, you and/or your family may be eligible to use educational benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill for tuition and expenses at California Aeronautical University.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are disbursed in multiple payments, including tuition and fee payments, housing allowance and a books/supplies stipend.
Tuition And Fees
Qualified students may use their benefits towards the tuition and fees of their academic program. TThe Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to $30,908.34 in tuition and fees during the VA benefit year (August 1–July 31), which is the current annual maximum for private institutions. This entitlement may be transferrable to military spouses or dependents.
Yellow Ribbon Program
In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational funds, California Aeronautical University also proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to further cover the cost of your education.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, the University contributes up to $12,000 per VA benefit year toward eligible tuition and fee expenses after a student has reached the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. The VA matches the University's contribution dollar-for-dollar, providing up to $24,000 in additional annual funding for eligible students. Eligible students must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Yellow Ribbon Program Benefits
| Contributions | California/Arizona Campuses |
|---|---|
| University Contribution | Up to $12,000 |
| VA Contribution | Up to $12,000 |
| Total Contribution | Up to $24,000 |
Monthly Housing Allowance
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits include a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for eligible veterans and service members. The MHA is based on the location of the campus where the majority of your classes are being taken and is prorated based upon the number of days you are enrolled in school each month. The MHA is equal to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) of an E-5 with dependents.
The housing allowance rate varies depending on where you are taking the majority of classes with the University. Students taking at least one residential class at one of the Flight Training Centers may receive their MHA based on the zip code of that location. For more information on the MHA by location, use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Students taking classes 100% online will receive 50% of the national average of the BAH rates of an E-5 with dependents.
Books And Supplies
The Post-9/11 GI Bill may also cover up to $1,000 for books and supplies while studying at California Aeronautical University.
GI Bill® FAQ
Yellow Ribbon funding levels are established annually and may be subject to change. Students should review current funding amounts each VA benefit year.
No. Students do not need to be enrolled full-time to receive MHA payments. However, students must be enrolled at greater than 50% rate of pursuit and meet VA eligibility requirements.
It depends on your program and VA eligibility. Some programs may be fully covered, while students in higher-cost flight training programs may have remaining costs after GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits are applied.
Coverage varies based on your VA chapter, eligibility percentage, program, and annual VA funding limits. Our Financial Services team can help you estimate your expected coverage and any remaining costs.
Possibly. While VA benefits can significantly reduce educational costs, some students may still have remaining expenses depending on their program and eligibility level.
CAU Honors our Fallen Heroes
To honor and acknowledge the sacrifice of our nation's fallen military service members, California Aeronautical University's Beechcraft Baron B55 contains the names of all military personnel who have given their lives in defense of our country since 9/11/2001.
Helpful Resources
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs Homepage
Eligibility For The GI Bill® And Other Education Benefits
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs GI Bill® Website
How To Apply For The GI Bill® And Other Education Benefits
Now is the Perfect Time To Apply to CAU
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 at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. (opens in a new window)