VA GI Bill® Education Benefits
GIA programs listed below are approved for VA Education Benefits. Explore your options and start your education at GIA.
ON CAMPUS PROGRAMS (Carlsbad & New York)
• Graduate Gemologist
• Graduate Diamonds
• Graduate Colored Stones
• Graduate Jeweler
• Jewelry Design & Technology
• Jewelry Design
• Comprehensive CAD/CAM for Jewelry
ONLINE DIPLOMA (Carlsbad)
• Graduate Gemologist Online Diploma
• Graduate Diamonds Online Diploma
• Graduate Colored Stones Online Diploma
Get started and use your benefits at GIA.
1. Verify your Eligibility
2. Apply for GI Bill® Benefits
3. Contact the GIA Office of Student Financial Assistance at vabenefits@gia.edu after you have obtained:
• A copy of your Statement of Eligibility or Authorization
• A Prior Education Form
• Transcripts, including Joint Services transcripts
POST-9/11 GI BILL® (CHAPTER 33)
ON CAMPUS PROGRAM
VA will cover up to $29,920.95 toward the net cost of on-campus tuition and fees. The actual amount depends on the veteran’s remaining VA education benefits, and full coverage is not guaranteed. The annual maximum is available once per military fiscal year (August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026).
If VA funding does not fully cover tuition and fees, the student is responsible for paying the remaining balance. Tuition and fee payments may be deferred for up to 90 days from the date GIA certifies enrollment, following receipt of a Certificate of Eligibility or a valid VA Form 28-1905. Eligible veterans may also qualify for a monthly housing allowance.
Changes in enrollment status may result in an overpayment of tuition and fees. Under Section 1019 of Public Law 116-315, the VA will collect these overpayments from GIA rather than the student. However, GIA may require students to repay any outstanding tuition and fee balances and will contact them regarding the debt. It is important to work with GIA to resolve any outstanding charges. Students remain responsible for repaying any debts related to the monthly housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend directly to the VA. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
ONLINE DIPLOMA
VA will cover up to $14,533.00 towards the selected online diploma tuition and mandatory fees offered at the Carlsbad campus. The actual amount depends on the VA’s determination, and full coverage is not guaranteed. The annual maximum is available once per military fiscal year (August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026).
Students must follow GIA’s fee schedule, and VA will reimburse tuition and fees quarterly based on lesson completion.
The following VA forms are required to submit to the School Certifying Official for reimbursement:
• VA Form 22-1999: Enrollment Certification
• VA Form 22-1999C: Certificate of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement
• VA Form 22-6553b-1: Certification of Lessons Completed
Students using Chapter 33 benefits for online diploma are not eligible for a monthly housing allowance or book stipend.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL® (CHAPTER 30)
Students with VA Chapter 30 education benefits may qualify for a monthly stipend directly from the VA for the duration of their class, as long as they are enrolled in an eligible program. These benefits are separate from any other financial assistance that may be available.
VA Chapter 30 benefits are disbursed after the class begins and cannot be used to pay tuition upfront. As a result, tuition must be paid in full by the first day of class.
Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire ten years after the discharge date. To confirm eligibility, contact the VA office that maintains the records. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATION ASSISTANCE – DEA (CHAPTER 35)
ON CAMPUS PROGRAM
Students with DEA education benefits may be eligible for monthly payments directly from the VA for the duration of their enrollment in an eligible program.
ONLINE DIPLOMA
Spouses using Chapter 35 benefits may be eligible for the selected GIA online diploma program. VA will pay 55% of the established cost for the number of lessons completed.
For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/.
VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (CHAPTER 31)
VR&E program of the Veterans Administration deserves investigation by any veteran who is in or planning to be in school and has a disability. This program is a viable alternative to the GI Bill for disabled vets.
Students will be asked to provide specific documentation, including an Education Plan, Tungsten Vendor ID, and the school facility code. For the most up-to-date Education Plan, please contact vabenefits@gia.edu.
- Tungsten vendor ID number: AAA980085682
- Facility Code Numbers
°New York Campus: 25398032
For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/.
OTHER VA PROGRAMS
Students may qualify for other VA programs to help with GIA tuition, such as Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP), Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Transfer of Post-9/11 Benefits to Dependents (TEB), and others. Check with the VA for eligibility.
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.
