Military, Veteran, CHAPLAIN and first responder Benefits
Life Pacific University is honored to serve military members, veterans, chaplains, first responders, and their families.
Whether you are using VA education benefits, preparing for chaplaincy, continuing your education after military service, or pursuing a new season of leadership, LPU is here to help you take the next step through Christ-centered education.
Life Pacific University proudly supports military members, veterans, chaplains, first responders, and their families through Christ-centered education, eligible VA education benefits, and specialized support for those called to serve.
VA Education Benefits at lpu
Life Pacific University accepts eligible VA education benefits, including GI Bill benefits, for qualifying students.
Many students and families do not realize that GI Bill® benefits may be used at LPU. These benefits can help eligible veterans, service members, and qualified family members pay for school or training. Depending on your benefit type and eligibility, VA education benefits may help cover tuition and fees, housing, books, supplies, or other education-related costs.
LPU’s team can help guide you through the school-side process once you have applied, been admitted, and received the required VA documentation.
What Is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill is a VA education benefit that helps eligible veterans, service members, and qualified family members pay for college, graduate school, training, or other approved education programs.
It is not a traditional tuition discount from LPU. Instead, it is a benefit administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Your final benefit amount depends on your eligibility, benefit type, service history, enrollment status, program, and remaining benefits.
Some students may qualify for 100% of the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, while others may qualify for a lower percentage. The VA determines each student’s eligibility and benefit amount.
How Do I Get Started?
Step 1: Apply to LPU
Start by applying to Life Pacific University through the regular admissions process. Our Admissions team can help you choose the right program and understand the application requirements.
Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits
Apply for VA education benefits directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You can begin this process while you are applying to LPU.Before starting your VA benefits application, it helps to have the following information ready:
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- Social Security number for you and, if applicable, your sponsor
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education and military history
- Basic information about the school or program you want to attend
Step 3: Receive Your VA Decision Letter or Certificate of Eligibility
After you apply, the VA will review your application. If approved, you may receive an education decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility, often called a COE.
Step 4: Submit Your VA Documentation to LPU
Once you have been admitted and have received your VA documentation, submit your Certificate of Eligibility or education decision letter to LPU so your eligible benefits can be processed.
For more information, contact:
Priscilla Meza, Associate Registrar
pmeza@lifepacific.edu
Support For Chaplains
LPU is committed to supporting students pursuing chaplaincy, ministry, and service-based leadership. Through LPU Seminary, students can prepare for ministry in the church, military, healthcare, community, and other settings where spiritual care is needed.
Through our partnership with Foursquare Chaplains International, endorsed or approved Foursquare chaplains pursuing theological and ministry preparation through LPU Seminary are eligible for a 50% tuition scholarship toward the Master of Divinity program at LPU.
Students interested in this opportunity should contact LPU Seminary or Financial Aid for current eligibility details, scholarship availability, and application steps.
Support For First Responders
Life Pacific University is honored to serve first responders who lead, protect, and care for others in high-pressure, high-impact environments.
First responder status alone does not automatically qualify a student for VA education benefits. However, first responders who are also veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, or eligible spouses/dependents may be able to use GI Bill or other VA education benefits at LPU.
First responders may also be able to explore other forms of support, including federal financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, agency reimbursement programs, and public safety education benefits for eligible spouses or dependents. LPU’s Admissions and Financial Aid teams can help students review available options and determine the best next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Life Pacific University accept GI Bill benefits?
Yes. Life Pacific University accepts eligible VA education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill, for qualifying students. LPU also accepts Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits and Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits.
Students should confirm eligibility directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and connect with LPU’s Financial Aid or Registrar’s Office for next steps.
Which VA education benefits does LPU accept?
Life Pacific University accepts eligible VA education benefits for qualifying students, including:
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
- Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Eligibility, benefit amounts, and remaining benefits are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. LPU can help process eligible benefits once a student has been admitted, registered, and provides the required VA documentation.
Does LPU accept the CalVet College Fee Waiver?
No. Life Pacific University does not currently accept the CalVet College Fee Waiver.
The CalVet College Fee Waiver is a California state benefit that applies to eligible dependents attending California public colleges and universities, including California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses. Because LPU is a private university, this waiver does not apply.
However, eligible students may still be able to use federal VA education benefits at LPU, including GI Bill® benefits. Students should contact LPU Financial Aid to review available benefit options, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.
Who does LPU serve through this initiative?
LPU is committed to serving military members, veterans, chaplains, first responders, and their families. Whether you are preparing for ministry, continuing your education, transitioning into a new career, or stepping into a new season of leadership, we want to help you explore your options.
What is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill is a VA education benefit that helps eligible veterans, service members, and qualified family members pay for school or training. Depending on your eligibility and benefit type, it may help cover tuition and fees, housing, books, supplies, or other education-related costs.
What does it mean that LPU accepts VA education benefits?
It means eligible students may be able to use approved VA education benefits toward an LPU degree program. LPU can help process qualifying benefits once a student is admitted, registered, and provides the required VA documentation.
Is the GI Bill a discount?
Not exactly. The GI Bill is not a standard percentage discount from LPU. It is a VA education benefit that may pay a percentage of eligible education costs based on your specific benefit, service history, enrollment status, and remaining eligibility.
For example, some students may qualify for 100% of the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, while others may qualify for a lower percentage. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines your final benefit amount.
How do I know what percentage of benefits I qualify for?
Your benefit percentage is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the percentage is generally based on qualifying active-duty service time and other eligibility factors. The VA will confirm your eligibility after you apply.
What can VA education benefits help pay for?
Depending on your benefit type and eligibility, VA education benefits may help pay for tuition and fees, housing, books, supplies, or other education-related expenses. The amount varies by student, program, enrollment status, and remaining benefits.
How long do I have to use my GI Bill benefits?
It depends on your benefit type and when you separated from service. Some Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits do not expire, while other VA education benefits may have time limits. Students should check directly with the VA to confirm how much time they have remaining.
When should I apply for VA education benefits?
You should apply for VA education benefits as early as possible before the term you plan to attend. The VA review process can take time, and LPU may need your Certificate of Eligibility or education decision letter before your benefits can be processed.
Do I apply to LPU first or apply for VA benefits first?
You can begin both processes around the same time. Students should apply to LPU through the regular admissions process and apply for VA education benefits directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Once you receive your VA documentation, connect with LPU’s Financial Aid team for next steps.
What documents or information do I need before applying for VA education benefits?
The VA recommends having the following information ready before starting your benefits application:
- Social Security number for you and, if applicable, your sponsor
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education and military history
- Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend
After your VA benefits application is reviewed, you may receive an education decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility. LPU can use that documentation to help process eligible VA education benefits.
Does LPU offer support for chaplains?
Yes. LPU is committed to supporting students pursuing chaplaincy, ministry, and service-based leadership. LPU Seminary offers an M.Div. scholarship opportunity for endorsed chaplains.
Who qualifies for the M.Div. scholarship for endorsed chaplains?
The M.Div. scholarship is intended for endorsed chaplains pursuing theological and ministry preparation through LPU Seminary. Students should contact LPU Seminary or Financial Aid for current eligibility details, scholarship availability, and application steps.
Can first responders use VA benefits?
First responders are not automatically eligible for VA benefits unless they also qualify through military service or transferred benefits. However, LPU is honored to serve first responders and can help them explore academic programs, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Need Help Applying for VA Benefits?
Most students apply for VA education benefits online, but additional support is available if you need help completing your application.
Apply by mail
You can call the VA at 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that an application be mailed to you. Once completed, the application can be mailed to the VA regional claims processing office connected to your school.
Apply in person
You can visit a VA regional office and receive help from a VA employee. Use the VA’s regional office locator to find an office near you.
Get help from an accredited representative
You can also work with a trained professional, known as an accredited representative, who can help you apply for VA education benefits and file your claim.LPU can help guide you through the school-side process, but VA benefit eligibility and approval are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
MEET LPU alumnus Chris “CJ” Caudle, AIR FORCE CHAPLAIN
A 2022 graduate of Life Pacific University with a B.A. in Business Administration, Chris credits LPU with helping shape his faith, deepen his love for Scripture, and expand his understanding of ministry beyond the walls of the local church.
After completing his Master of Divinity at George Fox University, Chris was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in the LPU Chapel and endorsed through Foursquare Chaplains International. His path reflects the heart of LPU’s mission: developing Spirit-empowered leaders who serve in the Church, the workplace, and the world.
Today, Chris brings the hope of Christ to service members and their families as an Air Force chaplain. His story is a powerful reminder that ministry can take many forms, and that LPU graduates are prepared to lead and serve wherever God calls them.