Veterans Affairs

Welcome Home! Eastern Kentucky University has a proud heritage of serving veterans since World War II and continues to maintain one of the top ROTC programs in the nation. Here are 10 ways we are dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals:

1. No Admission Fee for Undergraduate Veterans.

We waive the $30 application fee up front to say “Welcome home and we appreciate your service.”  Just check the military service connection box on the application and say “Bill Me Later” and we will get the fee removed from your account. To get admitted to EKU, click here to download and follow these 12 Steps.

2. In-state Tuition for all Out-of-State Veterans - Nationwide!

Regardless of where you are from, Post 9-11 GI Bill eligible veterans will receive in-state tuition rates.  We understand that you served all of us, not just your home state.  If EKU is right for you, we want you here.  This means that if you had 36 months of active federal service you will not pay anything out-of-pocket towards your degree – undergraduate, graduate, or online.  If you are still serving ask us how you to best combine your Tuition Assistance and GI Bill benefits.  And because you will be receiving the best tuition rate available, you will not have to worry about Yellow Ribbon eligibility. 

3. Maximum Credit Hours for Military Experience

We will work with you to get the most credits possible for your military service experience.  We automatically award PHE 180-Lifetime Wellness credit and six hours of military science credit just for completing Basic Training (all services).  We will also comb your AARTS, SMART, CCAF, or CGI transcripts for other credits that are applicable to your chosen major.  Anything that doesn’t fit your major or a General Education requirement will automatically be applied as free electives towards graduation.  If you are unsure of your major and have lots of military credits, consult the Associate Director for Veterans Affairs about the General Studies degree option. 

Click here to download a copy of the American Council on Education's Transfer Guide to Military Credits.

4. Priority Registration

Staying on track towards graduation is extremely important and that means getting into the classes you need when you need them.  Veterans at EKU are given priority to register for classes starting on Day 2 of each registration period.  This is a valuable benefit that you will want to take advantage of every semester. 

5. Books Vouchers and Books for Boots Exchange Library

If you experience a delay in receiving your Post 9-11 GI book stipend from the VA, we’ve got you covered.  Contact the Associate Director for Veterans Affairs who can issue you a book voucher that will allow you to purchase your textbooks and then pay for them when your stipend arrives.  Students may also visit the Books for Boots Exchange Library in the VET Lounge (SSB 444) and check out General Education books donated by fellow students.  Just like a library, at the end of the term, return the textbook to the Library for reuse.  Donations are always welcome.

6. Veterans Bridge to College Success Cohorts

Are you unsure about your college readiness?  Haven’t taken the ACT?  Check out our Veterans Bridge to College Success program.  Through VBCS we can waive the ACT requirement through placement testing which will determine what level of refresher coursework you will need in English, Math and Reading to help you get back up to speed.  Tuition costs associated with these courses is covered by your VA benefits as prerequisite training.  VBCS courses are taught in veteran-only sections creating a cohort of incoming freshman student veterans where peer support creates a comfortable classroom environment.

7. Veterans Orientation Course

Making the transition back to civilian life is a challenge, adding the transition to college can be challenging too.  EKU offers two Veterans Orientation Courses GSO 100V and GSO 102V tailored exclusively to meet the needs of first-time student veterans.   The courses fulfill the mandatory orientation requirement for degree completion and include helpful information about on and off campus services presented by subject matter experts from the VA, the Counseling Center, Academic Advising, the Honors program, and more. GSO 102V is required for veterans participating in the VBCS program.  

8. Veteran-Helpful Withdrawal and Re-admission Policy

Hesitant to enroll because you think you might get unexpected deployment orders? Don’t be.  EKU’s military withdrawal policy gives you options for withdrawal without penalty if you get activated   unexpectedly.  Better yet, if you know you are getting deployed, consider staying enrolled by taking online classes if you think you will have the time and necessary internet connection.  You might also ask about the possibility of doing a Co-op course while you are deployed.  Also, don’t sweat getting readmitted when you return.  If you have not taken any classes elsewhere while you were gone, EKU gives you up to 24 months before you have to reapply for admission.  When you get back just ask your advisor for your Registration Access Code (RAC).

9. Vet-2-Vet Sponsorship and EKU Vets

As a veteran your success in college will greatly improve if you find someone to guide you through the transition from combat to college.  EKU VETS, your student organization, will contact you prior to arriving to answer questions you may have about getting on board at EKU.  If you would like they can assign you a sponsor who will give you a campus tour when you arrive and help you maneuver the matriculation process.  They can also discuss housing options such as special dorms for veterans and the availability of off campus housing or space in the Temporary Residence for late arrivers.  EKU VETS, your student organization, will help you participate in the Vet-2-Vet Sponsorship Program.

10. Extracurricular Activities

Feeling connected on campus can sometimes be difficult.  EKU VETS has a variety of extracurricular activities for student veterans to help you connect with the campus community.  Consider joining the club’s Tactical Patriots intramural team, or participating in Team River Runner Wounded Warrior whitewater kayaking or getting involved in the Horses for Heroes Therapeutic Riding program.  EKU VETS also collects oral histories for the Combat to Kentucky program at the UK Nunn Center and publishes an annual Journal of Military Experience.  There are lots of regularly schedule opportunities. Consider how you can get involved.