Information by Military Affiliation 

We encourage you to be educated about the enrollment process, navigating the university, and its available resources. We have broken down the relevant information you need to know based on your military affiliation. You may click on the below affiliation to learn more about the next steps and other resources when applying to ISU. 

We are so glad you are joining the ISU community! Our office is located at 5600 of the Memorial Union and are your centralized space on campus where students can study, have a meeting space, hangout in our student lounge, and have dedicated staff to provide and support you in all your student veteran needs. We are also have a School Certifying Official (SCO) in our office two days a week to help you with your educational benefits and other financial needs.

Checklist for Veterans Attending ISU

1) Applying to ISU: Request Service Transcripts

All veteran and military personnel applicants must complete an application for admissions and meet the requirements outlined for either transfer or freshmen students. If you have served or are currently serving, you are required to submit your military transcripts when you apply for admission. For those serving in the Air Force, you will need to request a Community College of the Air Force transcript; for all other branches, you will need to request a Joint Services Transcript. Please note that getting transcripts will take some time, please request transcripts as soon as possible!

2) Applying to ISU: Other Admission Requirements

If you have not completed at least 24 graded academic credits, you are required to submit the following items. 

  1. High school transcript
  2. ACT or SAT scores
  3. Military transcript (JST or CCAF)
  4. Transcripts from all colleges attended (if applicable)

3) Applying to ISU: Important Reminders

  • If you have not completed any college courses prior to enrollment, you will be considered a freshman, so you must apply as an incoming freshman. Please refer to the freshmen admission requirements when applying. 
  • Career technical, development/remedial, and military credits do not count as academic credit. To see what credits can be transferred, please visit see admissions military credit.
  • The qualifications as a graduate student differ by department and program. You will need to be in contact with your department or program advisor. You can still use GI Bill benefits and the process for graduate students are the same as for undergraduate students. 

4) GI Bill Benefits

Steps to using GI Bill benefits at ISU. Please visit the Office of the Registrars website to contact certifying officials and see the different types of benefits veteran and military-affiliated students can take advantage of. 

5) In-State Tuition Benefit + Scholarships & Aid

  • In-state tuition eligibility: We want to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about in-state tuition, please contact Ron Sykora at the Office of the Registrar to see whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Ron will also be doing hours in the Military-Affiliated Student Center two days per week in case you would like to talk to him in person. Changes to this federal policy can happen frequently, contacting Ron or other certifying officials is the best way to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information!
  • FAFSA: You can still apply for FAFSA, even if you are eligible and using the GI Bill. Please visit our scholarships page for more information and how to apply for FAFSA. Please make sure to apply by the priority deadline to receive all funds you are eligible for. You can still apply after the deadline has passed, but you may not receive the full amount of funds you would have been offered.
  • External scholarships: There are also opportunities to apply for scholarships offered through non-profit organizations for military-affiliated and veteran students. Please download this PDF for a list of the updated scholarships for the academic year 22-23. 

6) Other ISU Resources

  • Did you know that all ISU students (both undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for health insurance? All ISU students who are taking 5 or more credit hours are eligible to enroll for health insurance. For information on enrollment periods and how to enroll, please visit ISU SSHIP

Find all available scholarships in one easy place! ISU OneApp houses all scholarships that are available to ISU students.

Active Duty Student Admissions Checklist

1) Application to ISU: Request Service Transcripts

All veteran and military personnel applicants must complete an application for admissions and meet the requirements outlined for either transfer or freshmen students. If you have served or are currently serving, you are required to submit your military transcripts when you apply for admission. For those serving in the Air Force, you will need to request a Community College of the Air Force transcript ; for all other branches, you will need to request a Joint Services Transcript.  Please note that getting transcripts will take some time, please request transcripts as soon as possible!

  • Other requirements if you have not completed at least 24 graded credits, you will be required to submit the following items:
    • High school transcript
    • ACT or SAT scores
    • Military transcript (JST or CCAF)
    • Transcripts from all colleges attended (if applicable)

2) Application to ISU: GI Bill Benefits

The Office of the Registrar houses VA Certifying officials who will help you through the process of receiving your benefits. You can visit their page to find information about benefits you are eligible for and their contact information.

3) Application to ISU: Important Reminders

  • If you have not completed any college courses prior to enrollment, you will be considered a freshman. You can refer to the freshmen admission requirements to learn more. 
  • Career technical, development/remedial, and military credits do not count as academic credit. BUT, military credit IS accepted, and to see what credits can be transferred, you can visit the admissions military credit page for more information.
  • The qualifications as a graduate student differ by department and program. You will need to be in contact with your department or program advisor. You can still use GI Bill benefits and the process for graduate students are the same as for undergraduate students. 

4) In-State Tuition + External Scholarships

  • In-state tuition eligibility: We want to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about in-state tuition, please contact Ron Sykora at the Office of the Registrar to see whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Ron will also be doing hours in the Military-Affiliated Student Center two days per week in case you would like to talk to him in person. Changes to this federal policy can happen frequently, contacting Ron or other certifying officials is the best way to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information!
  • FAFSA: You can still apply for FAFSA, even if you are eligible and using the GI Bill. Please visit our scholarships page for more information and how to apply for FAFSA. Please make sure to apply by the priority deadline to receive all funds you are eligible for. You can still apply after the deadline has passed, but you may not receive the full amount of funds you would have been offered.
  • External scholarships: There are also opportunities to apply for scholarships offered through non-profit organizations for military-affiliated and veteran students. Please see the Scholarships tab on the Military-Affiliated Student Center website. 

5) Other campus resources

  • Did you know that all ISU students (both undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for health insurance? All ISU students who are taking 5 or more credit hours are eligible to enroll for health insurance. For information on enrollment periods and how to enroll, please visit ISU SSHIP.
  • Find all available scholarships in one easy place! ISU OneApp houses all scholarships that are available to ISU students. Also check out scholarships for military family members under the Scholarships tab in the upper right-hand corner of this webpage. 

Checklist for Students Serving in the National Guard or Reserves

1) Applying to ISU: Request Service Transcripts

All veteran and military personnel applicants must complete an application for admissions and meet the requirements outlined for either transfer or freshmen students. If you have served or are currently serving, you are required to submit your military transcripts when you apply for admission. For those serving in the Air Force, you will need to request a Community College of the Air Force transcript ; for all other branches, you will need to request a Joint Services Transcript.  Please note that getting transcripts will take some time, please request transcripts as soon as possible!

2) Applying to ISU: Other Admission Requirements

If you have not completed at least 24 graded credits, you must submit the following items: 

  1. High school transcript
  2. ACT or SAT scores
  3. Military transcript (JST or CCAF)
  4. Transcripts from all colleges attended (if applicable)

3) Applying to ISU: Important Reminders

  • If you have not completed any college courses prior to enrollment, you will be considered a freshman. You can refer to the freshmen admission requirements to learn more. 
  • Career technical, development/remedial, and military credits do not count as academic credit. BUT, military credit IS accepted, and to see what credits can be transferred, you can visit the admissions military credit page for more information.
  • The qualifications as a graduate student differ by department and program. You will need to be in contact with your department or program advisor. You can still use GI Bill benefits and the process for graduate students are the same as for undergraduate students. 

4) GI Bill Benefits

Steps to using GI Bill benefits at ISU. Please visit the Office of the Registrar's website to contact certifying officials and see the different types of benefits veteran and military-affiliated students can take advantage of. 

5) In-State Tuition Benefit + Scholarships & Aid

  • In-state tuition eligibility: We want to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about in-state tuition, please contact Ron Sykora at the Office of the Registrar to see whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Ron will also be doing hours in the Military-Affiliated Student Center two days per week in case you would like to talk to him in person. Changes to this federal policy can happen frequently, contacting Ron or other certifying officials is the best way to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information!
  • FAFSA: You can still apply for FAFSA, even if you are eligible and using the GI Bill. Please visit our scholarships page for more information and how to apply for FAFSA. Please make sure to apply by the priority deadline to receive all funds you are eligible for. You can still apply after the deadline has passed, but you may not receive the full amount of funds you would have been offered.
  • External scholarships: There are also opportunities to apply for scholarships offered through non-profit organizations for military-affiliated and veteran students. Please download this PDF for a list of the updated scholarships for the academic year 22-23. 

6) Steps for Students Called to Active Duty

  • Students who are called to active duty BEFORE a semester begins must submit a copy of their orders to the Registrar's Office, 214 Enrollment Services Building, or they can fax a copy to 515-294-1088. Arrangements for loan deferments and other issues cannot be completed until a copy of your orders are on file! 
  • Students who are called to active duty after the semester begins should review the ISU policies and options listed below:
    • Receive grades or incomplete for all courses if approved by your instructors
    • Receive administrative drops with a refund for some courses and grades/incompletes in other courses if approved by your instructors
    • Withdraw from all current term courses with a full refund of tuition and fees
  • Things to discuss with your advisor:
    • If you would like to receive grades/incompletes, and if time permits, please contact each of your instructors to work out appropriate details. If an incomplete grade is approved, you and your instructors should complete an Incomplete Mark (I) Report form which states "Called to Active Duty" as the reason for the incomplete. The one-year deadline for the automotive conversion of unresolved incomplete will not be applied in these cases. 
    • If you would like to receive grades/incompletes but do not have adequate time to contact each of your instructors, please notify the Dean of Students Office, 1st floor, Student Services Building, 515-294-1020. The office will act on your behalf to see that instructors are advised of your call to active duty and your desire to receive grades/incompletes. Your grading options, as agreed upon by your instructors, will be documented for you, and you will be asked to advise that office as to whether you wish to accept the grading option or one of the other options available to you. 
  • Your advisor will initiate any withdrawal/administrative drops and should clearly state "Called to Active Duty" as the reason. A copy of your orders must be attached to the form, OR your military branch, unit, and location must be noted on the form. If your orders are unavailable until after you leave for active duty, you should submit a copy to the Registrar's Office, 214 Enrollment Services Center, Ames, IA, or fax them to 515-294-1840. 
  • Students who are called to short-term active duty mobilization (other than annual training) during the course of the semester have the same options as listed above. Instructors are expected to make reasonable accommodations to allow students to make up tests and assignments following their return from active duty. 
  • Other offices to contact:
    • Office of the Registrar: 214 Enrollment Service Center (515-294-1840) to communicate wishes with respect to your enrollment, and if you are receiving Veteran's benefits, please see a VA Certifying Official to inform them of your plans. 
    • Information Technology Services: 192 Parks Library (515-294-4000) to keep your ISU net ID and email active while you are on active duty.
    • Department of Residence: 2419 Friley Hall (515-294-2900) if you are living in University housing.
    • Student Financial Aid Office: 0210 Beardshear Hall (515-294-2223) if you are receiving aid. They will contact your lenders to provide a copy of your orders.
    • Dean of Students Office: 1st floor of Students Services Building (515-294-1020) if you experience any problems or need assistance in matters relating to Iowa State University. 

7) Other campus resources

  • Did you know that all ISU students (both undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for health insurance? All ISU students who are taking 5 or more credit hours are eligible to enroll for health insurance. For information on enrollment periods and how to enroll, please visit ISU SSHIP.
  • Find all available scholarships in one easy place! ISU OneApp houses all scholarships that are available to ISU students. Also check out scholarships for military family members under the Scholarships tab in the upper right-hand corner of this webpage. 

The Military-Affiliated Student Center defines a military dependent as a "spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21" of an active or former member of the US Armed Forces (see PDF for full definitions and eligibility for dependent status). We are here to connect dependents and their sponsors to resources on campus for them. 

1) Applying to ISU: Requirements

  • Undergraduate Students: All military dependents who have not completed at least 24 transferable semester credits must meet the freshmen admission requirements for Iowa State University. 
  • Transfer Students: If you have completed at least 24 credit hours of transferable coursework from another accredited college and have earned a minimum transfer GPA of 2.25, you can apply for admission as a transfer student. Please see the transfer admissions requirements for more information. 
  • Graduate Students: Because graduate program prerequisites and admissions can differ by program, we advise you to contact your desired department or program for questions. 

2) Applying to ISU: GI Bill Information and Contact

Dependents can be eligible for GI Bill Benefits from their sponsor, so please see the Office of the Registrar for contact information and the type of benefits you can be eligible for. The Military-Affiliated Student Center will have a VA Certifying Official in our office two days a week if you are on campus and have questions about benefits for dependents. 

3) Financial Aid + Scholarships

  • In-state tuition eligibility: We want to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about in-state tuition, please contact Ron Sykora at the Office of the Registrar to see whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Ron will also be doing hours in the Military-Affiliated Student Center two days per week in case you would like to talk to him in person. Changes to this federal policy can happen frequently, contacting Ron or other certifying officials is the best way to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information!
  • FAFSA: You can still apply for FAFSA, even if you are eligible and using the GI Bill. Please visit our scholarships page for more information and how to apply for FAFSA. Please make sure to apply by the priority deadline to receive all funds you are eligible for. You can still apply after the deadline has passed, but you may not receive the full amount of funds you would have been offered.
  • External scholarships: There are also opportunities to apply for scholarships offered through non-profit organizations for military-affiliated and veteran students. Please download this PDF for a list of the updated scholarships for the academic year 22-23. 
  • Instate Tuition Benefit: Due to changes in this policy our page provides ONLY general information about this benefit. If you think you might be eligible for this benefit, please visit the Registrar's Office. 

4) Other campus resources

  • Did you know that all ISU students (both undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for health insurance? All ISU students who are taking 5 or more credit hours are eligible to enroll for health insurance. For information on enrollment periods and how to enroll, please visit ISU SSHIP.
  • Find all available scholarships in one easy place! ISU OneApp houses all scholarships that are available to ISU students. Also check out scholarships for military family members under the Scholarships tab in the upper right-hand corner of this webpage.