Military & Veteran Admissions

Westcliff University proudly commits to the success of America’s sailors, soldiers, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who have served our nation.

We understand the dedication and sacrifice required to serve in the United States military. Westcliff University is committed to supporting our nation’s heroes by providing accessible, high-quality education and personalized support. Our staff is here to help you navigate the complexities of military life and academic pursuits.

Whether you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family member, Westcliff University offers a variety of flexible programs tailored to your unique needs. Our career-focused degrees and supportive services can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Westcliff University offers:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees
21 areas of study including business, education, technology, and law
Distinguished faculty with real-world experience
Personalized learning to develop skills for career goals
Mentorship from faculty & program advisors
Credit transfer options for previously completed education, joint services transcripts (JST), and military training
Live Online Classes: Engage with your professor and classmates in interactive real-time sessions
On-Campus: Immerse yourself in the traditional classroom experience
Hybrid: Combine the best of both worlds with a blend of live online and in-person learning

Hear from Our Veterans

Meet Cristian Cabrera, Associate Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, as he explains how the Recruitment and Outreach team tailors resources and supports veterans in finding their perfect fit.

David Negreros, Westcliff Veterans Coordinator, shares how motivation is a key ingredient for veterans to thrive in both their studies and their goals.

Active-Duty and Veteran Education Benefits
Westcliff University offers programs that are CSAVE approved or approved for GI Bill® benefits based on the GI Bill® and the Department of Military Tuition Assistance program. Your eligibility for VA education benefits is determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Service members and their families may use the GI Bill® education benefits to pay the cost of tuition and many other education services. To determine which chapter of the GI Bill® Education Benefit best fits your needs and goals you should contact a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) at the nearest VA facility or call 800-442-4551 and follow the prompts.

*"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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Once your eligibility is determined by the VA you should receive a Certificate of Eligibility or (COE). When you have determined a timeframe to pursue your degree the COE and your DD-214 are the two critical documents that will assist the college admissions department in determining your degree path and how much your VA Education Benefit will fray the cost.

Eligible students may be able to use some of the following programs to help pay for school:
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Yellow Ribbon Program
- Montgomery GI Bill® Active-Duty
- Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- VA Education Benefits for Survivors and Dependents
- Entrepreneurship Training
- License and Certification Testing Reimbursement
Visit https://www.va.gov/education/ or contact a Veteran Service Officer for more information.

Learn about and compare your GI Bill® benefits at Westcliff University: GI Bill® Comparison Tool
Useful Sites for Military Tuition Assistance
- TA Decide Comparison Tool
- U.S. Army and Reserves: Army Ignited
- U.S. Air Force: Air Force Education Portal
- U.S. Navy – Marine Corps and Coast Guard: Navy Education Portal
- California Army and Air National Guard: Army Ignited
Our Military Outreach Advisor travels to US Military Installations to participate in educational and career service events that are approved by the DoD and sponsored by your area Educational Service Officer (ESO) or Educational Service Specialist. Contact us for more information at military@westcliff.edu

Useful Sites for VA Benefits

Apply for Education Benefits
A checklist to help you apply for VA Education Benefits

Am I eligible for VA education benefits?
About GI Bill® benefits

What are the different types of education benefits?
The GI Bill® is the umbrella term for many VA Educational Benefits programs. Review the chart below to determine which GI Bill benefit you should apply for. This is only a basic summary—these are NOT the only eligibility criteria.

BENEFIT TYPE	BASIC ELIGIBILITY	WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Post 9/11 GI Bill®	Qualifying active service on or after 9/11/2001	Payment for 40%-100% of tuition; stipend for housing and books
Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty	Qualifying active service, high school diploma or GED	Monthly stipend for tuition and fees (refer to rates table online)*
Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve	Six-year commitment to Selected Reserve (usable only while serving)	Monthly stipend for tuition and fees (refer to rates table online)*
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance	Spouse or dependent of a qualifying Veteran	Monthly stipend for tuition and fees (refer to rates table online)*

*To find the rates for monthly stipends, visit https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates

What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover costs that are not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, such as higher tuition at private colleges or those paying out-of-state tuition.
https://www.va.gov/education/aboutgi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbonprogram

How does my disability rating affect my benefits?
Additional benefits, including personalized job training and academic counseling, may be available for Veterans with disability ratings of at least 10%. These programs are separate from the GI Bill and must be applied for separately.

The information presented here is intended for informational purposes only and might not be the most current. To ensure you have the latest updates, please visit the official VA.gov website https://www.va.gov/

*"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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill