MBA - Tuition and Financial Aid - Military Educational Benefits

The benefits listed below are the benefits currently being received by our students.

Department of Defense Contracts

All branches of the Department of Defense offer tuition assistance for active duty service members and civilian employees while attending school. For Department of Defense contracts, please contact Student Financial Services and the Darden Financial Aid Office.

Post 9/11 GI Bill®

Eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Tuition & Fees
  For students who are eligible, the VA will cover in-state tuition and VA approved fees based on your percentage of eligibility. The VA will not cover the costs for case fees, room and board, transportation, books, computer and supplies.
• Monthly Housing Allowance
  Eligible recipients may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents for the Charlottesville zip code (22903). This stipend is paid directly to the recipient. Estimate your MHA with the GI Bill comparison tool. Active duty members and their dependents receiving benefits do not qualify for the MHA.
• Stipend for Books and Supplies
  Eligible recipients receive an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per academic year (amount is based on credit hours and percentage of eligibility). This stipend is paid directly to the recipient.

Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefits (Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment)

Chapter 31 provides assistance to Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. Eligible Veterans may use these benefits towards post-secondary training at Business School. Benefits include:

• Tuition & Fees
  Payments are made directly to the University toward in-state tuition & fees. The VA will not cover the costs for room and board and transportation.
• Monthly Housing Allowance
  Eligible recipients may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents for the Charlottesville zip code (22903). This stipend is paid directly to the recipient. Estimate your MHA with the GI Bill comparison tool.
• Payment for Computer, Books and Supplies
  Costs for a computer, books and supplies may be covered under Chapter 31. Students must consult with their VA Counselor to determine their eligibility for a computer and books.

Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Increased Educational Benefit

Survivors and Dependents of Veterans who died or became permanently disabled through their military service may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits. The maximum monthly benefit is currently $1,488.00 per month (as of 1 October 2023). This benefit is paid directly to the recipient.

Montgomery GI Bill-SR (Chapter 1606) Educational Benefits

Chapter 1606 benefits are available to members of the Selected Reserve or National Guard.

• Monthly Benefit
  Trainees under the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve 1606 are eligible for a maximum of $466.00 (as of 1 October 2023) in an Education Assistance Allowance. This benefit is paid directly to the recipient.

National Guard Tuition Assistance

Members of the National Guard are eligible for tuition assistance. However, each of the Armed Forces determines how to administer their own Tuition Assistance (TA). Current Guard members can get information by visiting their website for more information.

Army Reserve Tuition Assistance

The U.S. Army Reserve offers 100% tuition assistance up to $250 per credit hour, not to exceed $4,500 annually per service member. Contact your local Army Reserve Education Office for assistance. Reservists may go to http://www.goarmyed.com to apply.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Darden participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program in which Darden, in conjunction with the VA, provides funding to assist with the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.

Due to the Choice Act, all military veterans and active duty service members will receive in-state tuition for the Residential MBA Program. Since veterans and active duty service members are eligible for in-state tuition, students are not eligible to receive Yellow Ribbon funding.

Filing for Military Educational Benefits at UVA is required of anyone who wishes to receive benefits while attending Darden each semester. Please visit the University Registrar website for information about the required paperwork and timeline for certification.

Do not submit documentation until after you have been offered admission and you have paid your admission deposits.

Students entering in Fall 2024 must submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) dated 1 March 2024 or later.

Tuition and Fee Payment

• The rates listed below are subject to change by the Veterans Administration at any time.
• Recipients may receive less than what is listed if a debt is owed to the Department of Veterans Affairs for any reason.
• The VA does not cover the Darden Case Fees, Darden Meal Plan (if applicable), or the Aetna Student Health Insurance charge (if applicable).

Note: If you enroll in the Darden Meal Plan or the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan, the out-of-pocket cost will be higher than the amount listed below.

Full-Time MBA Class of 2025: 2023-2024 - Billing Semester Total

Full-Time MBA Class of 2025: 2023-2024 - Academic Year Total (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024)

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and Annual Books and Supplies Stipend

• Veterans/Dependents receiving benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill ® may be eligible for a monthly allowance for housing (MHA). Active duty service members receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill ® benefits are not eligible for this benefit.
• The MHA is paid directly to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs following each month of training.
• 2023-2024 values for MHA (Active Duty Not Eligible) & Annual Books & Supplies Stipend (Charlottesville, VA 22903)
• The rates listed below are subject to change by the Veterans Administration at any time. 

The amount of the MHA is based on the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents for Charlottesville, VA. The Department of Defense adjusts the military BAH rate every calendar year (or 1 January) based on changes to housing costs across the country. Rates can either go up or down. However, Public Law 111 - 377 (the Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010) amended the effective date for the adjustment of the MHA under the Post 9/11 GI Bill ® from the beginning of the calendar year (1 January) to the beginning of the academic year (1 August).

If the BAH increases on 1 January, veterans will not see an increase until their September payment for training pursued in August. If the MHA decreases, the MHA amount will not decrease unless a veteran/dependent changes schools or has more than a six-month break in training.