Veterans Educational Benefits
Easy to follow steps to utilizing VA benefits at Kirtland:
Veterans Affairs Education Benefit Overview
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Department of Veteran Affairs – GI Bill®
eBenefits – Gateway to Benefit Information
Summary of Educational Benefits by Chapter
How to Apply for Veterans Educational Benefits
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) – through your military branch
Information regarding the TA program is located at:
https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.html
Each Service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, the application process, and restrictions.
Please refer to your respective military branch to apply for tuition assistance:
Military Tuition Assistance additional details
- Service members are required to contact their Education Service Officer, military counselor, or Service before enrolling in classes to seek approval for funding. Also, permission to attend the course needs to be granted from the Unit Commander.
- TA requests should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the class start date.
- For assistance with submitting a degree plan, a phone appointment can be made with your academic advisor by calling 989-275-5000, Ext. 280.
- For assistance with computing tuition costs per class, please email: [email protected] or call Student Financial Services at 989-275-5000, Ext. 257.
- Once the service member receives approval and meets the branch’s specific requirements, they are allowed to enroll in the approved classes. Please submit the authorization to the Student Financial Services Office at Kirtland.
- The TA program only covers tuition. Fees and textbooks/supplies are not covered.
- Approvals are granted on a course-by-course basis. Service members will be solely responsible for all tuition costs without prior approval by the deadline or for any non-eligible courses.
- If the service member wishes to change classes or their degree program, a new TA approval is required.
- Prior to withdrawing from a course, contact Student Financial Services in order to determine how it could impact your TA award and potential repayment obligations. The College must comply with the Return of Unearned TA Funds Policy.
- If students receive other tuition specific benefits, such as GI Bill® or financial aid awards, the TA amount or other resources could be reduced.
Military Spouse Career Advancement
Unofficially referred to as Spouse Tuition Assistance, the Department of Defense recently expanded Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program can provide up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses. Visit www.military.com/education for more information and links to apply.
Additional Funding for Veterans/Dependents
VA Application Process
The VA encourages all applicants to apply online a https://www.va.gov/education/. This is the quickest way to have your eligibility determined. The application process can take 8 to 12 weeks so students should apply a full semester before they intend to enroll in college. For questions on how to apply for benefits or what benefits each program offers, call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
Certification of Enrollment
After registering for classes, a Veterans Benefits Certification Request form should be completed and given to your academic advisor. The advisor confirms all courses pertaining to the student’s declared program of study and forwards the form to the Student Financial Services Office. Enrollment and tuition are generally reported to the VA no later than the third week of the semester.
Paying for Classes
Chapters 30, 35 & 1606 pay a monthly stipend directly to the student. Students utilizing these programs are solely responsible for payment by the due date. A FAFSA application should be completed to determine eligibility for grants & loans. A monthly payment plan is also available but payments to the College need to begin prior to receiving the VA stipends.
Other programs such as Chapter 33, MING-STAP, CVTG will pay tuition directly to the College. If eligible for grants & loans, they can be used in addition to a VA benefit to help cover other educational expenses.
Educational Benefits Applications/Forms
Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)
Application for GI Bill® Benefits
Contact Us
Student Financial Services Office
Kirtland Community College
4800 W 4 Mile Road
Grayling, MI 49738
989-275-5000 ext. 257
Fax: 989-275-6789
[email protected]
Service Members Opportunity College (SOC)
Kirtland Community College is designated as a Service Members Opportunity College (SOC). The designation means the college understands service members’ special needs and is receptive to working with them. The college also participates in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP) as future students enlist in the U.S. Army.