At Southwestern Community College, we understand that completing a college degree is important to you. We are committed to providing high quality and affordable education to you, your spouse and your college-aged children. Veterans and other eligible individuals may enroll in any approved education program they choose, if they meet the school’s requirements for admission.
Recipients of veterans’ benefits must submit official transcripts of all post secondary coursework attempted before they can receive V.A. benefits. They are also urged to submit official transcripts of any educational work completed through the armed services. Veterans will not be eligible to receive V.A. benefits until all post secondary transcripts are submitted.
Allowing Veterans to Attend or Participate in Courses Pending VA Payment
Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-407, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018,’ amends Title 38 US Code 3679 by adding a new subsection (e) that requires disapproval of courses of education, beginning August 1, 2019, at any educational institution that does not have a policy in place that will allow an individual to attend or participate in a course of education, pending VA payment, providing the individual submits a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33.
Pending Payment Compliance
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Southwestern Community College adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Southwestern Community College will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students are required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.
In-State Tuition Policy
Pursuant to the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, effective August 1, 2021: Southwestern Community College will NOT charge a tuition rate higher than the rate charged for residents of North Carolina to any covered individual receiving educational assistance under Chapters 30, 31, or 33, as long as the covered individual is currently living in North Carolina (regardless of the covered individual’s State of legal residence). In addition, the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 now includes CH35 beneficiaries as covered individuals for the purpose of receiving in-state tuition rates.
For more details, visit the VA FAQ page or contact the Financial Aid Office located in Student Services, Balsam Center.
Please visit the VA website to apply for your benefits today!
