This page provides guidance for Longwood University students using Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) benefits and/or federal Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

VMSDEP Overview

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides educational benefits for eligible students.

Before applying, review the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website for:

• Program eligibility
• Application instructions
• Frequently asked questions

Resources

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

VMSDEP Benefit Levels

Tier 1

Students approved for Tier 1 receive:

• Tuition waiver
• Mandatory fee waiver

Tier 2

Students approved for Tier 2 receive:

• Tuition waiver
• Mandatory fee waiver
• Potential partial stipend to help cover:
  • Housing
  • Meal plan
  • Books

Important: Tier 2 stipends are not guaranteed. Award amounts depend on:

• Enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, or half-time)
• Available state funding
• Number of eligible students statewide

Using Your VMSDEP Benefits at Longwood

Step 1: Submit Your Semester Enrollment

When the Virginia Department of Veterans Services opens the VMSDEP portal for a new semester:

1. Log into the VMSDEP portal.
2. Enter your semester enrollment.
3. Your information will then appear on Longwood University's VMSDEP roster.

Note: VMSDEP benefits are charged by semester—not by credit hours. Using benefits for even one credit hour uses one semester of eligibility.

Step 2: Longwood Applies Your Tuition Waiver

Once your enrollment appears on Longwood's roster, Student Accounts will apply your Military Dependent tuition waiver.

The waiver generally covers:

• Tuition
• Comprehensive Fee
• Student Activity Fee
• Out-of-State Capital Outlay Fee (when applicable)

Longwood also currently waives eligible course fees, including:

• Lab fees
• Internship fees
• Other approved course fees

Your student account will continue to display the original tuition charges alongside offsetting waiver credits.

Step 3: Financial Aid Review

After your tuition waiver is applied, the Office of Financial Aid reviews your aid package.

Depending on your situation, VMSDEP may:

• replace certain financial aid awards, or
• be added to your existing financial aid package.

Example

A Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) grant can only pay tuition and mandatory fees.

If your tuition is fully waived through VMSDEP, the VGAP award may no longer be needed and could be removed.

Other grants or scholarships may remain unchanged if you still have unmet financial need.

When Will My Tuition Waiver Appear?

Students whose names appear on Longwood's initial VMSDEP roster can generally expect tuition waivers to post:

These credits typically appear before tuition payment deadlines.

It is normal to receive one or more billing statements before the waiver has been applied.

If You're Added After the Semester Begins

If you submit your semester enrollment after classes begin:

1. Enter your enrollment in the VMSDEP portal.
2. Contact Student Accounts by phone or email.

Once your eligibility appears on Longwood's roster, tuition waivers are generally processed within two business days.

Financial aid updates may require additional processing time.

Tier 2 Stipends

Tier 2 stipend funding is processed after the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) confirms final awards.

Students should expect Tier 2 stipends to be issued as reimbursements later in the semester.

Important Deadlines

Longwood processes approved VMSDEP tuition waivers only for semesters within the current fiscal year.

The fiscal year runs:

July 1 – June 30

For example:

2025–2026 Fiscal Year

• Fall 2025
• Spring 2026
• Summer 2026

2026–2027 Fiscal Year

• Fall 2026
• Spring 2027
• Summer 2027

Chapter 35 (DEA)

Some students qualify for both:

• VMSDEP (Virginia)
• Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (Federal VA)

Others may qualify for only one program.

Students using Chapter 35 benefits should send a copy of their VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to:

veterans@longwood.edu 

How Chapter 35 Payments Work

Unlike VMSDEP, Chapter 35 payments:

• are paid directly to students
• do not appear on your Longwood student account
• do not reduce your university bill automatically

Students remain responsible for paying their Longwood balance.

Monthly Payment Plan

Many students receiving Chapter 35 benefits choose to enroll in Longwood's Monthly Payment Plan.

Students using both Chapter 35 and VMSDEP should wait until VMSDEP tuition waivers have posted before enrolling.

Waiting helps ensure installment amounts are calculated correctly.

Additional Resources

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

Learn about eligibility, applications, and benefits through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for information about Chapter 35 benefits.

Longwood Monthly Payment Plan

Learn about installment payment options through the Office of Student Accounts.