As an admissions counselor at Fuqua, I often speak with veterans and active-duty service members who are exploring how to use their education benefits to pursue an MBA. From the outside, it can seem like a complicated process, and I’m lucky to rely on my Duke colleague, Julie Ahouse, an expert in veterans education benefits on the university’s registrar team. 

To help clarify the process and answer some of the most common questions we receive, I invited Julie to join me for this Q&A. Whether you are active duty, a veteran, or a military family member, this is designed to help you understand your options and navigate the steps to fund your education at Fuqua.

Kavita: What types of VA education benefits can be used for a program like Fuqua’s Weekend Executive MBA?

Julie: Eligible students can use a variety of education programs offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including:

  • Post-911 GI-Bill® (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
  • Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (Chapter 1606)
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

Each chapter is a different program with its own eligibility requirements and benefits for veterans, service members, and their families. Active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members may also be eligible for Department of Defense (DoD) Military Tuition Assistance (TA) programs.

I encourage students to explore the following resources to learn about the benefits that apply to them:

Kavita: How does the application process for VA benefits work at Duke?

Julie: There is no formal application process required to use VA education benefits at Duke. However, the VA does require Duke to collect specific documents from students to create their Duke VA file.

To begin the process:

  • VA benefits users should submit their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and program acceptance letter to veteranseducation@duke.edu.
  • DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) users should submit their TA approval or permission form to the same email.

Once submitted, the VA benefits team will follow up with detailed instructions or request any additional information needed. All required documents must be on file before Duke can certify enrollment with the VA or invoice the DoD for tuition and fees.

For a detailed overview of the certification process for each VA chapter, visit the Certification Process section at registrar.duke.edu/military-affiliated-education-benefits.

Kavita: What steps should incoming students take to ensure proper documentation and funding? Are there any common mistakes to avoid?

Julie: The most common issue that delays completing someone’s Duke VA file and subsequent enrollment certification is missing prior college transcripts. Duke is required to collect transcripts from all previous college experience for a student using VA benefits, even if the transcript is not required as part of the admission process. (Note: The transcript requirement does not apply to students who intend to use DoD TA exclusively.)

We encourage students to regularly monitor their email and the To Do Checklist in Duke Hub. Email is our primary mode of communication with students, and the To Do Checklist will help keep students track of required documents that are still outstanding.

Kavita: Are there any unique considerations for military personnel in a hybrid MBA format, especially regarding in-person residency requirements?

Julie: Hybrid courses combine online and distance learning with one or more required in-person meetings on campus, and for VA purposes, are certified as in-residence training. It’s important for students to know that residency fees cannot be covered by VA benefits and must be paid through other funding sources, such as student loans or out-of-pocket.

Kavita: What is Yellow Ribbon, and how do students know if they are eligible for it?

Julie: The Yellow Ribbon Program is a contractual partnership between Duke University and the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides additional financial support to eligible military-affiliated students. 

Students must be 100% eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to qualify for a Yellow Ribbon award, and separate applications or agreements are not required to participate. All eligible students who submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be considered for participation.

Although Fuqua currently has an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards, other schools at Duke have a limited number of awards available. The final Yellow Ribbon award notification will be sent to students via email when the Duke VA file is completed.

Every student’s path is a little different. If you’d like personalized guidance or have specific questions about our programs, our admissions team is happy to help. You can reach us by email at working-professionals@fuqua.duke.edu. If you have additional questions about using VA benefits at Duke, contact the VA benefits team at veteranseducation@duke.edu.