Financing Your Education

At Paul Smith's College, we are committed to helping veteran students and their eligible family members fund their education. We participate in many state and federal programs and also provide our own institutional awards.

Regardless of eligibility for veteran/military benefits, all students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Paul Smith's school code is 002795.  Before completing your FAFSA you must apply for a pin at www.pin.ed.gov.

Federal Veteran and Military Benefits                                                

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)-Service members who began active duty after June 30, 1985, had  their military pay reduced by $100.00 per month for one year, were honorably discharged, and have a high school diploma or GED may be eligible.  Other eligibility categories exist within this chapter; click  on the link above for details.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program (Chapter 31)-Individuals with a service-connected disability may be eligible.  You must have, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable and complete a comprehensive evaluation with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

Post Vietnam-era Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)-Service must have commenced between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985.  Additionally, service members must have contributed to a VEAP account prior to April 1, 1987 and discharge must be other than dishonorable.

Post 911 GI Bill (Chapter 33)-Those with an aggregate of 90 days of service on or after September 11, 2001 are eligible, as are service members discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.  In all cases, the discharge must be honorable.  Benefit amounts vary based on length of service.  Tuition and fees at Paul Smith's College are fully covered for those with 100% eligibility under this bill.  

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship -Provides the same level of benefits under Chapter 33 to children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)-To qualify, you must be the spouse or child of an Armed Services member who is deceased or 100% disabled as a result of a  military-related injury. 

Select Reserve GI Bill (Chapter 1606)-Provides assistance to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard Reserves.  Army and Air National Guard members are also eligible.  You must be in good standing with your drilling unit and have signed a six-year contract after June 30, 1985.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)-Provides educational assistance to members  of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency  as declared by the President or Congress.

New York State Benefits

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA)-Available for full and part time study to eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution.  Awards are available for up to eight semesters of full-time study in a four-year program.  Veterans must be New York State residents and have received an honorable discharge.  Please click on the link above for additional information.

Military Service Recognition Scholarship - Provides financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the US Armed Forces or state organized militia.  To qualify, the member must have served, while a resident of New York State, on or after August 2, 1990 and is either deceased or is severely and permanently disabled.

Funding is also available for the member if he/she became severely and permanently disabled as a result of service.  Please click on the link above for more details.