Federal Veterans

Federal educational benefits are available to veterans' dependents if the veteran (a spouse or parent) died in service, was totally disabled, or is still listed as missing in action. The federal government sets this benefit. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.

California State Veterans

Dependents of California veterans who are current totally service-connected disabled or deceased, wives of totally disabled veterans, and widows of deceased veterans may be eligible to receive benefits from the California Department of Veterans Affairs. The benefits include a waiver of registration and tuition fees at UC, CSU and community colleges. Dependents of service connected disabled or deceased non-California veterans also may receive a fee waiver. Those receiving federal aid as a veteran's dependent may not be eligible to receive subsistence allowances; however, waiver of fees may be allowed.

Disabled Students

Disabled students who meet the academic qualifications for a college should apply for admission and, if they have financial need, for student aid. By law, a student who is otherwise qualified cannot be excluded from college solely because of a disability. If you have a disability severe enough to interfere with getting a job, but not so severe that you cannot work at all, you may be eligible for vocational training assistance from the California Department of Rehabilitation. A Department of Rehabilitation counselor can determine your eligibility for aid. Benefits may include help with tuition/fees, books, tools, special equipment, medical supplies and transportation.

All public schools and colleges, and many independent schools, have disabled student services. If you are eligible and attending school is a part of your vocational objective, benefits may include counseling, tutoring, readers, interpreters, note takers, special parking zones, and loan of special equipment. Also, remember that your student expense budget, as calculated by the college, should take into account all educational expenses necessary to accommodate your disability.

For more information, contact the school or college's disabled students' office, or the national organizations serving your particular disability, and check online for the nearest office of the Department of Rehabilitation.

Aid for American Indians

American Indian students are entitled to receive educational grants from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). A student must be able to prove that he or she is a member of a federally recognized state tribe. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for state-sponsored Cal Grants.

Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC universities provide a course of instruction which will permit all qualified students, male and female, to become Military Officers. Throughout the course, cadets learn the fundamentals of self discipline, integrity, and responsibility. An appreciation is gained for the roles of the citizen and the military in matters dealing with the national defense. The abilities to evaluate situations, make decisions, and manage resources, time, money and material are developed. This training is appropriate for students enrolled in any major. The skills of resource management, leadership and logical, organized thinking which are stressed coupled with the practical application opportunities available while on active duty help prepare one for a successful career in any field.

ROTC is elective. It is a four-year program divided into a basic course and advanced course. In the basic course six semester hours are earned in the freshman and sophomore years. During the advanced course, eight semester hours are earned four semesters. Completion of the basic course is prerequisite to enrollment in the advanced course. Advanced course students are required to attend six weeks of summer training conducted at a training center, normally between the third and fourth years of Military Science. Completion of the advanced course and degree requirements qualifies the students for a commission as a 2nd lieutenant or ensign.

All uniforms, books and other instructional material required in ROTC are provided to the student at no personal expense. The cadet uniform is the same as the United States Military uniforms except as modified by distinctive ROTC insignia. Uniforms are worn during field training exercises and appropriate military activities.

One, two, three, and four-year scholarships are offered by ROTC. These scholarships pay for all tuition, fees, books and other required expenses except room and board. While on scholarship the student receives - $100 per month during the school year.

Click here if you are interested in learning more about how to obtain an ROTC scholarship. Students are also encouraged to ask local military representatives about steps and applications for ROTC scholarships. This should be done as early as possible.