Military and Veteran Services

Below you will find important information and guidelines for military applicants.

Early Consideration Request

Military applicants seeking a decision outside of their program of interest stated review cycle may request an early review of their application by the Admission Committee. The request for early review does not guarantee that the Admissions Committee will be able to grant an early decision. Individuals requesting an early review should:

1. Review the School of Nursing website to determine deadlines, timelines, and required application materials.
2. Submit an application and all required application materials.
3. Complete the required Early Decision Request Form.

Applicants will be notified within 10 business days if the request for early review can be accommodated. If the request cannot be accommodated, the applicant will be reviewed during the normal review cycle.

In-State Classification

Military applicants can be considered for in-state classification. For more information, please refer to the Office of Registrar's Residency website.

Competency-Based Education

UMSON does not accept competency-based education and prior learning to fulfill nursing degree requirements. Military applicants may use Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to determine the required score for each of the respective subject/content areas.

Application Process for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)

Military personnel who wish to apply to UMSON and the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP) have the option to request an early decision to meet the NECP deadline. However, if requesting a decision outside of the normal period, military personnel must still meet all requirements and complete all necessary steps.

Important details to note:

• The Fall deadline for applications is Dec. 1.
• All applications will be reviewed starting on Dec. 1, and decisions will be released by Dec. 15.
• If requesting an early decision, a completed Form 48 must be attached to the Early Decision request form. The courses listed on Form 48 should be in the same order as the Prerequisite Course List.
• It is important to complete the full UMSON application by the NECP deadline or earlier. If admitted provisionally, you will not receive a letter stating that you have met all requirements until UMSON receives proof via an official transcript.
• For those who receive an early decision, compliance with the 14-day confirmation deadline is mandatory. Failure to submit all necessary documents or not listing all schools attended will result in the denial of the request for an early decision. The reviewing committee will not consider incomplete files or late requests. Please note that a deferral is not granted in the case of not being accepted to the NECP.

The Office of Student and Academic Services supports military-affiliated students using Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits.

Follow the steps below to ensure timely processing of your benefits.

Quick Start Checklist

Required Documents (New VA Students Only)

For Current UMSON Students (Each Semester)

Helpful Reminders:

• VA Declaration of Intent must be submitted every semester.
• Certification occurs after registration.
• Veteran students receive priority registration for fall and spring.
• Post-9/11 GI Bill® students are certified in two steps (stipends first, tuition after schedule adjustment).
• Students using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits will not be assessed late fees on VA-covered charges once certification is submitted.
• Confirm your program is VA-approved via WEAMS.

Need Help?

If you have questions about VA benefits, certification timelines, or required documentation, please contact the Office of Student and Academic Services. We are here to support you throughout your UMSON journey. 

It is recommended that all veterans review the GI Bill® web site. For comprehensive VA Education Benefits counseling, send an email inquiry, or call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1. If you have questions pertaining to payment, availability of benefits, or approvals, please call the regional VA Office at 1-888-442-4551.

• Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty - MGIB-AD)
• Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E)
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill (Active Duty or Veteran)
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill (Spouse or Dependent)
• Chapter 35 - Survivors and Dependents Assistance (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance - DEA)
• Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve - MGIB-SR)
• Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Survivors and Dependents Assistance (Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship)
• Yellow Ribbon Program (Provision of Post 9/11 GI Bill)
• Tuition Assistance Top Up (Only Available for Recipients of MGIB-AD and Post 9/11 GI Bill)
• Tutorial Assistance (Reimbursement for Tutoring)

Where can I find more information about the education benefits available to veterans?

You can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-Bill-1) and speak with a veterans benefits counselor.

What VA Benefit Program should I choose and what is the payment rate? 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a comparison of VA education benefit programs and payment rates. It is recommended that before choosing a program you consult with your veterans benefits counselor through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  

How do I apply for VA education benefits?

After consulting with your veterans benefits counselor, apply for benefits online.

If I will be using Chapter 31 benefits (Vocational Rehabilitation program), what guidelines must I follow? 

Chapter 31 veterans are evaluated through the Baltimore Regional Veterans Office. Upon completion of the evaluation and determination of eligibility is established, a purchase order, VA Form 28-1905 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Re-entrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status Form), will be provided to the school and the student. The school can only certify the student for the specific program and dates listed on the VA Form 28-1905. Please call the Baltimore Regional Veterans Affairs Office at 1-800-827-1000 for inquiries.

How will I know if my enrollment certification has been approved by UMSON?

You will receive an email from nrsvabenefits@umaryland.edu confirming the date of your certification.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) hasn’t received my VA payment yet. What should I do about my student bill? 

UMB Student Accounting will notify you of your pending VA payment. Shane Dubiel, UMB accountant, is available to assist with questions about your bill and VA payment.  You can contact Shane at 410-706-1337.

How long does it take for the VA to submit payment to UMB once I’m certified? 

The VA takes 6-9 weeks to process your certification once the School of Nursing files it electronically.

Who do I notify if I add or drop classes?

You must notify nrsvabenefits@umaryland.edu any time your enrollment status changes. 

How can non-residents qualify for in-state status? 

Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines are eligible for in-state tuition. If you are an active, full-time member of the Armed Forces, are stationed in the state of Maryland, and have the appropriate documentation, you are eligible for in-state tuition charges. The UMB Office of the Registrar determines in-state status.

Who will provide me with my book stipend?

The VA will pay you directly for the book stipend and, if applicable, the housing allowance. 

How will I receive my "kicker" if I am eligible?

The VA will automatically pay the "kicker" funds once they have processed your semester enrollment certification. Please contact the VA directly if you have any questions concerning this funding. 

Will the VA reimburse me for taking the NCLEX exam? 

Yes, the VA offers reimbursement for licensing and certification.

How many months of VA education benefits do I have remaining?

To find out, you must contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI-Bill-1) or visit www.gibill.va.gov.   

Where do I submit my Tuition Assistance forms?

The Tuition Assistance forms must be submitted to UMB Accountant Shane Dubiel. You can contact Shane at 410-706-1337.

Please visit the VA FAQ page for more information specific to your benefits.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a variety of informational pamphlets, fact sheets, scholarship details, etc. available to students. 
• The Maryland Higher Education Commission has several scholarship programs available to veterans and their family members.

School Certifying Official: LaToya McCoy