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Veterans FAQs

As you complete your FAFSA each year, you will encounter different dependency questions. One of these questions asks about your veteran status, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to answer accurately. Below is additional information about disclosing your veteran status for federal aid purposes. Students with veteran status will be considered an independent student and will be reviewed for aid eligibility with that criteria.


How Should I Answer the "Are you a Veteran?" Question on the FAFSA?

Answer " Yes" if one or more of the following are true and you were released under a condition other than dishonorable.

  • I have engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • I am a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who was called to active duty on Title 10 orders for purposes other than state or training
  • I was a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies
  • I am not a veteran now, but will be before June 30, 2023 for 2022-2023 academic year or June 30, 2024 for the 2023-2024 academic year

Answer " No" if one or more of the following are true and/or you were released under dishonorable conditions.

  • I have never engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • I am currently on ROTC student or a cadet or midshipman at a service academy
  • I am a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who was called to duty on Title 32 state orders or for training purposes (including basic training)
  • I am currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and will continue to serve through June 30, 2023 for the 2022-2023 academic year or June 30, 2024 for the 2023-2024 academic year

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How Should I Answer the "Are you Active Duty?" Question on the FAFSA?

Answer " Yes" if you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee active on federal orders (Title 10) for reasons other than state or training purposes.

Answer " No" if you are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for state or training purposes. State Active Duty (Title 32) will not qualify for independent status.

For more information about benefits and funding opportunities for Veterans, visit our Veterans webpage to find the Veterans office for your WVU campus.

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