SBU is a military-friendly school!
Southwest Baptist University is grateful for the brave men and women who served and
are serving in the U.S. military. SBU supports veterans and military students in their
pursuit of a college education.
SBU has been recognized as a military-friendly school, a designation that recognizes colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace military service members, veterans, and dependents.
SBU participates in tuition assistance opportunities for veterans and active duty military members, and their dependents. A designated staff member is available to answer questions and help students utilize their educational benefits.
Southwest Baptist University offers priority registration to students using veterans' educational benefits and veterans and military members who submit appropriate documentation.
Veteran Certification Request Form
Admissions Process for First-Time Students
Admissions Process for Transfer Students
Financial Assistance for Veterans, Active Service Members, and Military Dependents
Under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, there are many different Education Programs available. Each program has a different set of criteria that must be met. Apply for Veterans benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA will help determine your eligibility to receive benefits. For active-duty military, service members are required to contact their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or command counselor prior to taking classes.
The following documentation is required for benefits processing, and can be submitted by email benjamin.schuit@zo23.com:
- VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- To request a COE, please call the Education Call Center at (888) 442-4551.
- DD-214, if not active duty
- Unofficial transcripts for any other schools attended
- If benefits have been used previously, a copy of form 22-1995 (change of program); see transfer student information below.
Students are responsible for notifying the Veterans Services office each semester, by emailing benjamin.schuit@zo23.com, if they will not be using their benefits for the upcoming semester.
The Department of Defense requires graduate students to receive a grade of B or higher, and undergraduates receive a grade of C or higher for the Tuition Assistance to be reimbursable. If the student does not meet the grade requirements, the student will be responsible for paying the amount equal to the tuition assistance.
Tuition Assistance Refund Policy
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits
Make sure you apply for your VA Education Benefits through the government. We recommend you apply at least 16 weeks prior to your anticipated start date at SBU.
A copy of the Tuition Assistance Authorization form for the course(s) being taken, signed by an authorized military official, is required. If the claimant has not requested MGIB benefits before, he/she should submit VA-22-1990-ARE to establish eligibility. This form can be found on the VA website. Apply for tuition assistance at least 30 days before the start of the semester.
Certifying Officer
After completing your application for VA Education Benefits, you will need to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which will be provided to you by the VA. You will need to meet with the SBU Certifying Official to be certified for using VA educational benefits at SBU.
The Registrar serves as the certifying office for eligible veterans and/or dependents of veterans at SBU. The certifying office advises and administers the Veterans' Educational Benefits programs. Questions regarding eligibility benefits should be made directly to the certifying office.
Available Benefits Programs
Military students at SBU may be eligible for the following:
- Tuition assistance
- GI Bill® benefits
- Yellow Ribbon program additional funding
- Chapter 31 — Disabled Veterans/Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 — Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 — Survivors/Dependents Education Assistance (DEA)
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® — Reserve/Guard
- Dual-certification
SBU Financial Aid Office
For more information about financial assistance and timelines for financial aid at Southwest Baptist University, please visit the SBU Financial Aid website.
Credit for Military Training
Active military service members and veterans may receive college credit for their military training. You must submit your military transcript for evaluation of transfer credits. Contact the SBU VA Certifying Official at (417) 328-1609 for more information.
ROTC
Southwest Baptist University is an affiliate school partnering with Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., to offer ROTC participation for our students. ROTC students can pursue an Army officer commission and may apply for scholarship opportunities.
Other SBU Resources
Counseling Services
SBU students have access to free counseling services with licensed mental health clinicians on campus.
Tutoring and Academic Counseling
The University Success Center offers academic advisement, peer mentoring, and tutoring services. Additionally, many departments and majors offer tutoring and study sessions on campus for specific courses.
Job Search Support
SBU Career Services provides individualized career counseling, interview preparation, resume writing assistance, and career assessment opportunities.
Disability Services
Southwest Baptist University is a welcoming, safe environment where all students are able to thrive, regardless of any physical or learning disabilities. SBU Disability Services provides equal access to educational opportunities to qualified students with physical or learning disabilities.
Consumer Information
Please review SBU Consumer Information for additional links and information about Southwest Baptist University.
External Links and Resources
Helpful Numbers
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Education Line: (888) 442-4551
- Veterans Center, Springfield: (417) 881-4197
- Missouri Veterans Commission: (573) 751-3779
Helpful Links
Veterans Recruitment Policy
Per DOD MOU paragraph 3.j.(3), Southwest Baptist University refrains from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (three or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing service member enrollments. In addition, per DOD MOU paragraph 4.d.(1), Southwest Baptist University will only enroll an eligible service member after the Tuition Assistance is approved by the individual's service (see application steps above).