You will recieve a "Certificate of Eligibility" in the mail which
you will need to give to the VA at COC. We do not receive a copy from
the VA and thus have no way to know when you are eligible. As such, it
is your responsibility to notify us.
Please note: Response time from the US Department of Veterans
Affairs may take up to 2-3 months and until you receive this letter, you
must pay for all classes OUT OF POCKET.
Take our Math & English Assessments and discover the courses at which you would be most successful. It’s NOT a test, you won’t be graded, and it’s NOT timed! No appointment is needed and there is no fee. If you already have a U.S. college degree, notify Admissions and Records and you will be exempted from assessment. You may still need assessment if the classes you want to take have
Math or English prerequisites.
Submit all Transcripts
Send all military and college transcripts for all schools you have attended. We use these transcripts to determine prerequisite eligibility prior to your registration date. Ensure that the transcripts are official copies in sealed envelopes. We also need these to report to the VA. We cannot certify you until we have all transcripts.
Our online orientation is designed to give you essential information on faculty, courses, study skills, and resources to ensure a successful transition to COC.
Even if you have no intention or desire to get student loans, by
applying to financial aid, you may qualify for grants (free money that
does not have to be paid back) or waivers which may cover the cost of
your tuition and some fees.
Meet with a Counselor
You will need have a Student Educational Plan to turn into VA. Please make a
counseling appointment and let the Counseling office know
you need to create a Student Education Plan. Please have all your transcripts here prior to your counseling appointment.
Register for your classes and turn in an
AR 20 to the VA Office
All veterans will receive two registration dates which are sent to
you through the email you gave on your application. The first date will
be the one you receive as a standard student. The second will be a
priority registration date (first day of registration each semester).
You will only be able to register for classes on these two dates!
The AR 20 form is due to the VA office each term you want to be certified for. All classes you want to be certified for must be on that form. We cannot certify you for any classes on that form that are not on your Educational Plan. This can be turned in without an appointment.
You will need to update the
GI Bill Website (WAVES) at the end of each month to ensure consistent payment. If you change your schedule, you will need to let Lt. Thomas know as well. For example, if you drop 3 units from your course load, you will need to let Lt. Thomas know to adjust the classes you are certified for. Failure to do this will result in an overpayment in which you will owe money back.
Seven business days AFTER you update WAVES, the payment will be
processed and paid out according to the rates in the specific program
for which you were certified.