Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.

Schools must provide financial information to students using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38,U.S.C.,or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C. with a College Financing Plan (personalized shopping sheet) that contains:

Estimated total cost of the course that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs

• Cost of Attendance

Estimated cost of living expenses

Estimated Cost Assistance

• College Navigator

Amount of costs above that are covered by VA Education Benefits (amount dependent on the eligibility of the student, determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

• GI Bill Comparison Tool

Other types of Federal financial aid, not administered by VA that is offered by the institution, that the individual may be qualified to receive

• Financial Aid

Estimated amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation

• Types of Loans
• College Navigator

Information regarding graduation rates

• Institutional Research Graduation Rates

Information regarding job-placement rates for graduates, if available

• Center for Professional Pathways
• Handshake

Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits including military credits

• Transfer Articulation
• Transfer Pathways

Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual

• Clinical Practice & Licensure

College Financing Plan

The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that participating institutions use to notify students about their financial aid package.  Students can access their College Financing Plan by logging into the WOU Portal and clicking on MyFinAid.

Additional campus resources and contacts for military-connected students

• Veterans Certifying Official, A. David Anderson, Veterans’ Certifying Official & Compliance Coordinator
• Veterans Resource Center, Logan Doerfler
• Financial Aid, Jeffrey Clinton
• Melissa Hinzman, Student Success & Advising Office