Eligibility

Eligibility for Veterans Upward Bound is determined by two factors: the Department of Education's guidelines and our program's discretion.

​If you do not qualify for VUB based on the qualifications listed below, we encourage you to reach out to us to learn about your other options, referrals we can make on your behalf, and non-participant ways the program can assist you. 

We are committed to serving the maximum number of veterans possible. 

Basic Qualifications

DD Form 214
By definition of the Department of Education, only veterans with a DD 214 of the following are eligible to participate in VUB:
     a) other than a dishonorable discharge or
     b) discharged because of a service connected disability 
The following qualifications are "soft" qualifications.
​You do not need to meet all of them in order to participate in the program.

First-Generation Student
A first-generation student fulfills all of the following requirements:
  • Does not have a 4-year degree from an accredited, American college or university
  • Parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) had not completed a 4-year degree from an American college or university (note: step-parents with degrees do not count against first-generation status)

Low-Income
Low-income status is determined by size of family unit according to the Department of Education. Currently, the income threshold for a family unit of one (1) is $19,140/year. 

You can determine your threshold by following this link to the DOE website. 

Discharge Status
Eligibility for VUB depends on a discharge other than dishonorable. This includes discharges for service-related disabilities and general discharges.

​If you have questions about your discharge status or are interested in upgrading it, speak to us. 

Length of Service

At-Academic Risk
Veterans must have served:
  • > 180 days of Active Duty service
  • > 30 days of Active Duty as part of the Reserve Forces
  • On or after 9/11/2001 as part of a Reserve Forces contingency operation
"Academic risk" is a broad category that encompasses all difficulties a veteran may face when attempting to complete a post-secondary educational program. 

It includes, but is not limited to:
  • >5 years since last educational pursuit
  • Disability and/or mental health complications
  • Learning disorders
  • Previous withdrawal from / failure of a postsecondary program

Qualifying For VUB is the First Step Toward Advancing Your Education.

Step 2? Applying to our program!
​Applications are entirely online and accepted year-round. 

Our commitment to veterans:

Veterans Upward Bound, Massachusetts, is committed to serving veterans from all branches of the United States military service, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Veterans from all conflicts, deployments, and operations are welcome. 

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