Isakson and Roe Section 1018 Requirements

Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.

The purpose of this page is to meet the requirements outlined in Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is using the links below, along with internal university processes, to ensure compliance. Information pertaining to Section 1018 requirements is available below. As outlined, universities will provide financial information to students using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38,U.S.C.,or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C. with a College Financing Plan (personalized shopping sheet) that contains:

Estimated Tuition and Fees

Estimated total cost of the course (Tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs.)

Cost of Attendance

Estimated living expenses, the cost of books, and other personal costs can be found within the university's cost of attendance. The cost of attendance varies based on residency, enrollment, and academic program.

Students who will be utilizing financial aid can review their Cost of Attendance in order to review both billable and non-billable expenses.

Room and Board

Living Situation Room & Board Transportation
On Campus $14,228 $920
Off Campus $14,228 $920
At Home $2,572 $3,576

Other Expenses

Expense Type Cost
Personal Expenses $1,600
Books & Supplies $1,200
General & Tech Fees $2748

Amount of Costs That Are Covered by VA Education Benefits

Benefit Stipend Tuition & Fees Annual Book Stipend
Chapter 33 $2,175 100% of tuition and fees at the 100% level $1,000 per year max
Chapter 30 $2,150 0% None
Chapter 1606 $407.00 0% None
Chapter 31 varies depending on students entitlement 100% of tuition & fees 100% of book charges
Chapter 35 $1,298.00 0% None

*Note: These amounts are based on Full Time and do not show 3/4 time, 1/2 time, etc.

*see estimated tuition and fees and cost of attendance resources above as tuition and cost of attendance vary by educational level or program.

Other Financial Sources

Other types of Federal financial aid, not administered by VA that is offered by the institution, that the individual may be qualified to receive.

Veterans- Financial Aid Page

Federal and State Grants

Federal Loans

Federal Work Study Program

Scholarships

Estimated Student Loan Debt

Estimated amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation

Graduation Rates

Retention Rates at WCU

  • Retention rate for all students after one year: 84.8% (for fall 2020 cohort)
  • Retention rate for all students after two years: 78.0% (for fall 2019 cohort)
  • Retention rate for Active Duty Military students after one year: 100% (for fall 2020 cohort)
  • Retention rate for Active Duty Military students after two years: 85.7% (For fall 2019 cohort)
  • Retention rate for ALL Veteran and Military students after one year: 92.3% (for fall 2020 cohort)
  • Retention rate for ALL Veteran and Military students after two years: 100% (for fall 2019 cohort)
  • Retention rate for ALL Military Dependent students after one year: 88.2% (for fall 2020 cohort)
  • Retention rate for ALL Military Dependent students after two years: 64.7% (for fall 2019 cohort)

Graduation rates at WCU

  • Graduation rate for all students: 72.8% (for fall 2015 cohort)
  • Graduation rate for Active Duty Military students: 75% (for fall 2015 cohort)
  • Graduation rate for ALL Veteran and Military students: 61.1% (for fall 2015 cohort)
  • Graduation rate for ALL Military Dependent students: 65.3% (for fall 2015 cohort)

Median number of years students take to complete their studies at WCU

  • Median number of years to completion for all students 3.72 years
  • Median number of years for military and/or veteran students 3.95 years

Job Placement Rates

Acceptance of Transfer Credits, Including Military Credits

Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification, or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual.

The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet

  • All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually online. FAFSA becomes available each year on October 1st with the exception of the 2024-25 FAFSA which will not be available until December 2023. The Priority Processing date is March 1st. The FAFSA will still be accepted after March 1st, but you may not be considered for all need-based programs. While completing your FAFSA, make sure that West Chester University (003328) is listed on the application as your current school/university.

  • All Student’s may access their financial aid information on the MyWCU Portal page ( https://my.wcupa.edu ) under the Financial Aid tile. Financial Aid Award letters are sent via email and text to all admitted first year, new Transfer and Graduate FAFSA filers starting in February each year. Returning students who have filed a FAFSA will receive an award letter in March.

Additional Resources

  • The GI BILL COMPARISON TOOL allows veterans to compare academic programs and benefits at institutions.
  • The College Scorecard
    A consumer planning tool and resource to assist prospective students and their families as they evaluate options in selecting a school.
  • The College Navigator
    A consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool.
  • The 'Paying for College' Web Page
    This site can be used by prospective students to enter the names of up to three schools and receive detailed financial information on each one. You can also enter your financial aid offer information for schools you are considering for comparison purposes.
  • CollegeBoard provides a Compare Aid Award Calculator that allows students to compare aid awards from several schools. To use the tool, the student will need to gather any award letters they have received for colleges they are considering.

Point of Contact for Covered Individuals and Family Members Seeking Assistance

Veterans, dependents and their families may contact staff in the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center as an initial Point of Contact.
Students may be referred to other university offices as needed for specific issues:

  • Lillian Morrison
    Director
    Greg & Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center
    624 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383
    610.436.2862
    veteranscenter@wcupa.edu
  • Lillian Morrison & Vincent DeMarro
    School Certifying Officials
    Greg & Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center
    624 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383
    610.436.2862
    veteranscenter@wcupa.edu
  • June Thompson
    Administrative Assistant
    Greg & Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center
    624 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383
    610.436.2862
    veteranscenter@wcupa.edu

Helpful Information