Veterans Affairs (VA)

Announcement: The Vet Club meets the third Friday of each month. Visit the Student Events calendar for more details.

Veterans Affairs (VA) provides counseling and outreach services to assist veterans in becoming acclimated to college life while obtaining veterans education benefits and/or other available resources. This office, the link between the college and the Department of Veterans Affairs, assists eligible veterans, dependents, reservists/guardsmen and disabled veterans (military service-connected disabilities) with applying for educational funding and offers guidance on VA regulations.

In order to receive VA Educational Assistance, eligible persons must be enrolled in a VA approved program leading to a specific degree or certificate. VA does not certify payment for non-degree seeking students unless in a transient status. Transient students must provide an authorization letter from the VA official at their primary institution. In addition, all previously earned credits, as appropriate, must be applied to the enrolled program. Only course(s) included in the requirements for the degree program being pursued will be certified for educational benefits. Developmental courses may be certified if indicated as necessary by the results of the COMPASS/ASSET. These courses may not be taken online or as a telecourse.

Service members, veterans and dependents of veterans who are eligible for VA benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance may submit an application to defer payment of tuition and fees until the final day of the requested semester.

News

• Effective Summer 2011, Post 911 GI Bill Funds will be posted to the student’s account at the end of each term. If any refunds are due they will be processed and issued at that time.
• The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund was created to aid families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 tragedy. For more information visit the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund website.
• Individuals who serve at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001 are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For more information visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website.
• Southwest is offering qualified veterans tuition benefits under the U.S. Department of Veterans Yellow Ribbon Program. To learn more about this program visit the Yellow Ribbon Program website or contact a Veterans Affairs coordinator.
• The Helping Heroes Grant has been established to assist Tennessee veterans in completing their college education. The grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about this grant visit the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation website.
• Information related to the new GI Bill that was signed into law on June 30, 2008 can be located on the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website. Stay informed about the educational benefit payment rates.

Learn more about our graduation rates, placement rates, program costs and other important information.