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Compliance Requirements, Resources, and Support

Isakson & Roe 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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and will 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.

Schools must provide a covered individual (a student 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 personalized shopping sheet that contains:

Estimated total cost of the course that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs.

Estimated cost of living expenses.

  • All estimated cost of living expenses are included in the Cost of Attendance pages listed above.

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

The College Financing Plan (CFP)

The College Financing Plan is designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.  For those with access to the MyDSU student portal, the CFP can be accessed via the Financial Aid Checklist in WebAdvisor Self-Service.   Admissions staff may also generate and send a CFP to students who cannot access it via the student portal.

The CFP is available to newly enrolled students indicating on the admissions application an intent to use VA benefits and to continuing VA students within 15 days of a subsequent change in tuition rates.

The CFP presented is an estimate only and may not accurately reflect VA benefit awards. It is based on either a student indicating an intent to use benefits on the admissions application or for continuing students that previously used benefits at DeSales. Initial estimates are based on full-time attendance.

VA estimated benefits do not appear as a financial aid award.  Please reach out to the Office of Veterans and Military Services for additional information.

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

Information regarding graduation rates.

Information regarding job-placement rates for graduates, if available.

Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits including military credits.

Other information to facilitate comparison by the individual about aid packages offered by different educational institutions.

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 and to enter actual financial aid award information. The tool can be accessed at: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college

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 Scorecard is located at: http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard

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 College Navigator is located at:  http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

The Net Price Calculator

By completing our Net Price Calculator, you will be able to estimate your costs to attend Mason, as well as explore the grants, scholarships, and other aid programs you may be eligible to receive. The Net Price Calculator is located at: https://gmu.studentaidcalculator.com/survey.aspx

GI Bill® Comparison Tool

A helpful tool to explore the right fit for your educational goal and benefits use. The tool is located at: https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

Resources and Support

  • Course Credit for Military Training

    We'll gladly review your military work and try to apply credits to your DeSales degree requirements whenever possible.*

    The first step to earning credit is to obtain your official transcript:

    DeSales offers CLEP testing, too. CLEP is a simple and efficient way for you to get college credit for self-acquired knowledge. Learn more about CLEP testing at DeSales

    *Since 1954, the American Council on Education has evaluated military training programs for college credit with recommendations published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces. The guide evaluates courses and training with regards to contact hours and content. DeSales reviews all such work on an individual basis using the ACE recommendations as a guide. Transfer of credit is made in accordance to official DeSales University transfer policy as outlined in the current DeSales University Undergraduate Catalog.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about your veterans benefits. 

    Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at VA.gov

  • Additional Resources

    • A's for Vets
      An alliance of Lehigh Valley higher ed schools who collaborate to better train, educate, and support veterans.
    • American Council on Education
      Evaluates military training programs for college credit.
    • Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council
      Serves Lehigh Valley veterans, serving military (Active or Reserve Component), and their families by harnessing and integrating existing resources — or creating them when necessary.

Contact Us

Office of Veterans and Military Services
215 Dooling Hall
610.282.1100 x2075