FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornell University
Is there a separate application for military students?
No, all undergraduate students apply via the Common Application or the Universal College Application located on the Admissions website, https://admissions.cornell.edu/apply.
Does Cornell have a dedicated student veterans’ representative?
Yes, Mary Fisk is the Student Veteran Advisor and Program Manager and her office is located in 222A Computing and Communications Center. A brief bio for Mary can be found on the Contact Us page. Office hours are Mon-Fri, 8a-4:30pm; email is sva@cornell.edu; phone is 607-255-0308.
Does Cornell offer fee waivers for application and matriculation fees?
Yes, you can find application fee waiver information on the Admissions webpage under Application Fee, https://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/transfer-applicants/admission-requirements. For matriculation fee waivers, please contact us via the veteranadmissions@cornell.edu inbox.
Are there student veteran organizations at Cornell?
Yes, Cornell currently has 3 active student veterans’ organizations: the Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association (CUVA), the Johnson School Association of Veterans for graduate students and the Cornell Law School Veterans group.
Living & Accommodations
As a veteran, am I required to live in the dorms?
No, but you can choose to reside in campus housing. Housing in the Ithaca area is expensive; therefore, we recommend you compare the cost of available, affordable housing on and off-campus. For student veterans, the first-year residency requirements are waived, however you can choose to reside in on campus housing if you wish. Options can be found on the Cornell Housing page
How much is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for the Ithaca area?
Currently, the housing stipend for Ithaca is approximately $1755 per month, assuming you are taking classes at a full-time rate of pursuit. For those students at a less than full-time rate of pursuit, this amount will be pro-rated accordingly. The VA website provides a comparison tool to assist in determining stipend rates.
Work & Military Service Obligation
In addition to Cornell work/study, are there any VA work/study programs for veterans?
Yes, there are a small number of VA work/study positions available through the Student Veteran Adviser and Program Manager. Veterans, active duty personnel or reservists who are utilizing a GI Bill benefit and are taking classes at least a ¾ time rate of pursuit are eligible to work as Admissions Outreach Peer Counselors or Student Sponsors. Normally, these positions require you to have completed at least one semester at Cornell before you are eligible. For more information, contact Mary at sva@cornell.edu.
What happens if I am activated during the semester?
Cornell University has a personal leave policy which allows active duty personnel and reservists who are recalled to or activated by their units to administratively withdraw from their courses. Their place at Cornell is assured upon their return or deactivation. Check back soon for more updated policy information.
What happens if I need to drop a course during the semester?
It is highly recommended that you do not drop a course before speaking with the SCO to determine what, if any, financial repercussions there may be regarding your GI Bill benefits. Dropping a course and falling below a full-time rate of pursuit requires repayment of GI Bill benefits and this repayment can be quite substantial.
VA Benefits
Is Cornell a Yellow Ribbon School?
YES! There are an unlimited number of spots for undergraduate students, however there is limited availability of Yellow Ribbon for graduate and professional students; they must apply on a first come, first serve basis. More information can be found on the Financial Aid webpage.
Am I required to use my GI Bill while attending Cornell?
Some students choose to save their GI Bill benefits for graduate or professional school. Cornell allows military students to choose between a financial aid package and their GI Bill. There is no guarantee a student will receive federal or institutional aid, and if they do, the comprehensiveness of that financial aid package.
How do I apply for VA benefits?
All veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, dependents or spouses wishing to utilize a GI Bill benefit must apply via the VA website, www.va.gov. There is a multitude of information on this website to assist in selecting the appropriate for which to apply, verifying you are eligible for VA GI Bill benefits, required documents to apply and the various methods to apply.
What do I need to do to use my VA education benefits for the first time?
Once you receive your Certificate/Letter of Eligibility from the VA, you are an accepted student to Cornell and you are enrolled in classes, complete a VA Benefits Request Form: https://registrar.cornell.edu/service-resources/veteran-education-benefits. Your Certificate/Letter of Eligibility will be uploaded via that form. Cornell’s SCO will process your form and submit your enrollment and/or tuition certification to the VA.
If I have used my VA educational benefits previously, do I have to reapply for benefits?
No, but you will need to fill out and submit a VA Form 22-1995 to the VA, alerting them to the fact that you have changed schools.
What do I need to do every semester to utilize my GI Bill benefits?
To get your benefits started, you will complete a VA Benefits Request form here: https://registrar.cornell.edu/service-resources/veteran-education-benefits. You must provide an updated copy of your Certificate/Letter of Eligibility at the beginning of an academic year, then update or confirm your selections every semester/year for which you wish to utilize your GI Bill® benefits. Email reminders will be sent to your Cornell email each semester. Cornell’s SCO will process your selections and report them appropriately to the VA.
Does my GI Bill cover the cost of Cornell Student Health Insurance?
Only the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers the cost of the Student Health Plan; no other GI Bill® benefit covers this cost. The Student Health Fee is not covered, nor is the cost for dependent’s insurance coverage.
How do I know if I am eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational assistance?
Only the VA can determine your eligibility for education benefits. To find out more about eligibility requirements, visit: GI Bill Education Benefits.
If you do not see what you are looking for, please email the Student Veteran Advisor at sva@cornell.edu.