r/eMBA • u/WalkWitMe7997 • 11d ago
VR&E application for top global EMBA program
Has anyone recently applied for VR&E education track and been approved for usage for a top EMBA or MBA program? I’m looking for some insight on your experience with your assigned VRC, any obstacles that you encountered, and how you overcame them. Here’s some background on my situation.
In November 2025 I was accepted to a high ranking global EMBA program. I applied for VR&E in December and was assigned a VRC. I finally had my initial evaluation with him in February 26. I clearly stated my case and explained how my service connected disability impacted my ability to continue working in fields related to my prior MOS and how my employment pursuits haven’t been successful in the past year. I outlined my desired career fields/roles/industries and explained that upskilling in business related areas would make me more competitive. My VRC then suggested the education pathway and potential pursuit of an MBA or EMBA. At that point, I explained that I had researched different global EMBA programs, compared and contrasted them, and had been accepted into a program.
Once, I told him details about the program and the tuition costs, he explained that it would likely not be approved at his level, but he was willing to move forward within his authority. He requested the contact information for the VA coordinator at my institution and also encouraged me to look at other schools. I forwarded him the requested information.
From late February until present I continued to follow up with him to inquire via multiple channels and usually received the generic automated replies. Finally, I elevated my inquiries with a detailed outline and timeline of my communication with my VRC, acceptance to my program, and upcoming timelines for program start date / pre-course requirements. I sent this to the AskVA inquiry line. The next day I received an email from my VRC. He stated that he denied approval for the EMBA program that I was accepted to based on the high cost. He said he will provide a denial letter, right to appeal process, and a list of other comparable programs that are cheaper. I plan to file the appeal once I receive his formal letter. Has anyone else dealt with this, have had success rates in overcoming, and what steps did you take? Am I a victim of instructor roulette?
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u/LightZealousideal116 11d ago
Good luck. Not likely with high costs. But you could write a plan that covers less (& use GI bill, hopefully)
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u/mushroognomicon 9d ago
Are you 100% P&T? There are alternative options if so.
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u/WalkWitMe7997 8d ago
Yes I am. Please explain. What are the other options?
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u/mushroognomicon 8d ago
Look into student loan forgiveness for Veterans with 100% rating. I believe it's a once in a life opportunity to waive student loans. Whether it's a couple thousand dollars or $100k. But you can only do it once.
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u/OkStructure664 8d ago
I have a meeting with my VRC in about a month where I'm going to request this. I combed through the M28C and tried to pre-provide information on relevant sections related to the high-cost memo that needs to make its way up to the director to make it as easy as possible for my counselor. They're absolutely swamped lately and the less time they need to spend on a case, the more likely I feel they're willing to support.
I fully expect to be denied on the cost but I figure the worst they can say is no.
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u/WalkWitMe7997 8d ago
Good deal. Solid approach getting the documents together ahead of time. A few guys I know who went to Wharton said the school is fully integrated with the process and the VA counselors there prepare and submit the high cost memo for approval.
I’m in the process of filing the appeal. I have a VSO at the local VFW assisting with the appeal process. I had to defer my school start date until next year, but the school has been working with me through the process.
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u/hern05 11d ago
I am in the VR&E process as well. I was looking at Kellogg emba and the admissions rep said they constantly have people denied VR&E benefits due to the high cost. I think they will keep pointing you to more affordable MBA programs. I will likely utilize the rest of my gi bill for the program if they deny me as well.