Veterans

If you’re a veteran applying to UCLA, we thank you for your service and wish you success as you continue your education.

You’ll be happy to know that UCLA is the #3 best college for veterans according to U.S. News & World Report (2024). We’re proud to count many thousands of veterans among our students. To help make that possible, we participate in federal initiatives that help veterans and active-duty service members pay for college. 

Read on to learn about the benefits available to you and get information about applying to UCLA.

The GI Bill

Updates to the GI Bill have greatly expanded the benefits available to those who have served in the military since September 11, 2001. The American Council on Education has created a website to help veterans choose a college and obtain their education benefits under the post-9/11 GI Bill.

Working Toward a Degree from UCLA

UCLA students enroll on a full-time basis and attend daytime classes. Part-time enrollment and evening classes are not an option for undergraduate degree programs. You can enroll part-time at other institutions and apply to UCLA as a transfer student. UCLA Extension offers academic and professional development courses part-time, at night, on weekends and at satellite locations for students who are not seeking a degree.

Due to the high volume of applications from students seeking their first bachelor’s degree, UCLA doesn’t admit students seeking a second bachelor’s degree.

Applying as a Freshman or Transfer Student

We admit two types of students: freshmen and transfers. Which are you? 

You can apply as a freshman if you’ve never attempted any coursework at a college or university after graduating from high school. If you ever enrolled at a college or university, you must apply as a transfer student.

Deferring Enrollment to a Later Term Due to Military Duty

Students who are admitted to UCLA are not usually permitted to defer their enrollment to a later term. However, if you’ve been accepted but have been called to active military duty, you will be allowed to defer your admission. Please notify us immediately upon receipt of your orders so that we can make appropriate arrangements. For information about the refund of registration fees, call the Registrar’s office at (310) 825-1091 (enter option 6 from the main menu).

When you return, contact our office within four weeks of completion of your tour of active duty so that we can facilitate your entry into UCLA.

Resources for Veteran Students

UCLA is committed to helping veterans make the transition into college an easy one. Our programs and services for veterans and active-duty members include assistance with benefits, financial aid, housing, counseling and more.

If you have questions or seek additional information, please feel free to contact these offices:

Veteran Services with the Registrar
Email: vabenefit@registrar.ucla.edu
Phone: (310) 825-5391

 

Veteran Resource Center
Email: veteran@saonet.ucla.edu
Phone: (310) 206-6915

 

Admission Information for Veterans
Email: veteraninfo@admission.ucla.edu

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