MILITARY & VETERANS

The Colleges of Law is a law school welcome to all, including veterans and military personnel who wish to pursue a legal education. Our J.D. degree is available in-person at our Santa Barbra and Ventura, California, campuses, and in an online hybrid format. We also offer the online Master of Business, Law, and Technology degree, which is available to veterans and military members.

The Colleges of Law admits students who have the qualities necessary to become engaged, civically-minded guardians of the rule of law. Successful attributes found in our law school students include intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, respect for the legal system, and a passion for giving back to their communities through professional practice.

MILITARY AND VETERAN TUITION RATES

We recognize the extraordinary contributions and sacrifice of those who have served in our United States Armed Forces. To address the needs of our servicemen and women, we meet the criteria set by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

For decades, veterans seeking to earn a J.D. at The Colleges of Law were eligible to use their full VA educational benefits, including the GI Bill®. Unfortunately, due to the passage of H.R. 7105 in 2021, veterans wishing to use the GI Bill® for a J.D. program are now limited to law schools with licensure pathways in all 50 states, namely those approved by the American Bar Association. This applies to new Juris Doctor students at The Colleges of Law. Current hybrid Juris Doctor or in-person J.D. students are still eligible to use their benefits at The Colleges of Law, along with students enrolled in the Master of Business, Law, and Technology program.

Our faculty and staff are prepared to assist veterans and active military personnel throughout their entire law school or legal studies experience.

The following tuition rates for veterans and military personnel are effective for the 2026-2027 academic year:

J.D. and Hybrid J.D. Program Tuition:
- Onsite J.D. and fully online J.D. courses – $917 per credit Fall (August) (reflects 10% reduction for Military/Veterans/dependents)
- Hybrid J.D. courses with weekend residency requirement – $940 per credit Fall (August) (reflects 10% reduction for Military/Veterans/dependents)
Master of Business, Law, and Technology Program Tuition:
- $735 per credit Fall (August) (reflects 10% reduction for Military/Veterans/dependents)

Click here for the full tuition and fees schedule.
Average annual book costs for the JD program is $500–$1,200.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Will the Military Pay for Law School?

Applicants must apply to The Colleges of Law and qualify for the Military and Veteran Tuition Rate for the military to pay for law school or for a legal master’s degree. Applicants must meet the criteria and submit the following materials:

ACTIVE-DUTY PERSONNEL:

Completed Military and Veteran Tuition Rate Application
Branch of service information
Copy of most recent earnings statement/pay stub
Statement from commanding officer on official letterhead
Prospective students are directed to receive approval from the student’s ESO, military counselor or Service

Veterans:

Completed Military and Veteran Tuition Rate Application
Copy of the DD214

Additional Eligibility Information

Applicants must meet all admissions requirements prior to being admitted into a Colleges of Law program.
A student utilizing the GI Bill® must work closely with School Certifying Officials to make sure that all necessary documents are on file prior to the certification of enrollment with the Veterans Administration.
The Military and Veteran Tuition Rate is applied to future terms only and is not retroactive for current or prior terms.
The Colleges of Law will certify enrollment each term unless otherwise notified.
The Military and Veteran Tuition Rate may not be combined with other special tuition rates.
Tuition rates are subject to change annually.
Students may be required to resubmit documentation annually.
Those who qualify for the veterans and active military tuition rate are also eligible for scholarships at The Colleges of Law.
Applications for admission to the educational programs offered by The Colleges of Law are evaluated without regard to or discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national ancestry or origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.

Accessing VA Information for The Colleges of Law Students

Contact our VA representative: 805-979-9862; [email protected]

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS

Please review the scholarships page for ALL scholarship opportunities including those for veterans and active duty members.

How to Apply to The Colleges of Law as a Veteran/Military Member

Schedule a campus or phone meeting with the Office of Admissions to go over the application process
- Ventura Campus: 805-765-9302
- Santa Barbara Campus: 805-979-9865
- Hybrid Campus: 805-765-9732
Complete the application
For those eligible for GI benefits, complete the GI Bill® application
- Print eligibility form with confirmation number
- Return/mail/email form as an attachment to the Office of Admissions
Send all previously attended school official transcripts directly from Parchment.com to [email protected].
Click here for accreditation information, including programmatic accreditation

Click here for all Consumer Disclosures.

FAQs

Do military members and veterans have to pay an application fee?

No, all eligible service members, including eligible spouses, will have their application fee waived for the J.D., Hybrid J.D., and online Master of Business, Law, and Technology degree.

Am I eligible to use my military tuition assistance (TA) for online programs at The Colleges of Law?

Eligible service members can use their full entitlements to pay for the online legal degree tuition expenses.

Can I use my GI Bill® toward the master’s legal degree while on active duty?

While on active duty, you may be eligible to use your GI Bill® via the Tuition Assistance Top-Up program to pay for the online legal master’s degree beyond what the Tuition Assistance program typically covers annually. Learn more about the Top-Up program benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

If I am deployed, can I withdraw from the legal degree program?

Yes, you may withdraw from The Colleges of Law’s Juris Doctor or master’s programs if you are deployed. Simply provide us with a copy of your travel orders or, if you are deployed at a moment’s notice, have a point of contact within your unit verify your deployment status.

How often do I have to attend class if I complete the Hybrid J.D. program online? Do I have to be in an online class at a particular time?

The online Juris Doctor degree program is fueled by community and connection, defining the Colleges of Law experience. While most of your coursework will be completed asynchronously on your own time, you will be required in person residencies.

Our Master of Business, Law, and Technology program is 100% online and will not require students, including military members or veterans, to attend in-person instruction.

Do I qualify for federal financial aid while receiving tuition assistance or veterans’ benefits?

Yes, you still qualify for federal financial aid while receiving military benefits. You may apply for additional financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about the FAFSA and other forms of financial aid on our Tuition & Financial Aid tab.

Do you accept Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transfer credits?

Yes, The Colleges of Law accepts both the JST and CCAF transcripts for military members and veterans when applying to our law school.

How do I use my Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits?

Eligible veterans and service members who wish to use VR&E benefits for our law school and legal programs must complete the Certification Request for Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits each semester. A certifying official reviews and verifies course schedules, required materials (books, etc.), and tuition costs before awarding or denying benefits. Learn more about VR&E benefits on the VA website.

My parent is a veteran or service member; how can I receive VA education benefits?

Children or spouses of a veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability may be eligible for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). Active duty and selected reserve service members may be able to transfer any unused GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children.

How does the VA pay monthly housing allowance?

You can learn more about Veterans Affairs educational benefits, including up-to-date benefit rates, eligibility requirements, and the monthly housing allowance, on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs page.

How do I apply for VA Education Benefits?

You can apply for VA benefits online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You may also apply by mail with a physical application, in person at a local VA regional office, or with the help of a trained professional, such as an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.

ADDITIONAL GI BILL® BENEFITS

Please review the additional GI Bill® benefits for further information on earning your degree. This information may assist you in attending The Colleges of Law for your J.D. law degree or your master’s degree.