Veterans Resource Center

Eligibility criteria are complex. The following statements are general snippets about eligibility criteria. Students must file an application with the VA, www.vets.gov so they can determine if they are eligible and the conditions of their eligibility.

• Post-9/11 GI-Bill^® – (Chapter 33)
  • Served on active duty for at least 90 aggregate days on or after 09/11/2001 or discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Must waive all other educational benefits. Benefits may be transferable to spouse and children. (Complete VA Form 22-1990 (Veteran) or VA Form 22-1990E for dependents).
• Montgomery GI Bill^® – Active Duty – (Chapter 30) – (Contributed $1200.00 while on Active Duty)
  • (Up to 36 months of education benefits) Generally benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. (Complete VA Form 22-1990)
• Montgomery GI Bill^® – Selected Reserve – (Chapter 1606)
  • The MGIB-SR program may be available if you are a member of the Selected Reserve/National Guard. (Complete VA Form 22-1990).
• Dependents Educational Assistance Program – DEA (Chapter 35)
  • Dependents’ Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. (Complete VA form 22-5490)
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program –Voc. Rehab (Chapter 31)
  • Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs through educational opportunities. Contact the VA State Regional Office for an appointment.
• North Carolina Children’s Scholarship
  • Scholarships may be available for children of certain deceased, disabled or POW/MIA Veterans. Provided by the State of N.C. – not a federal program
• TA Educational Assistance Program (Tuition Assistance)
  • Tuition Assistance may be provided to eligible Active Duty and Reserve members through their respective military units, Federal or State.
  • Need more information? Go to benefits.va.gov/gibill/ or call: 1-888-442-4551

Apply for Tuition Assistance (TA)

Students must first create an account on their TA service portal and gain approval from their service branch.  Click on the appropriate branch of service below for more information and links to apply for TA:

• Air Force Tuition Assistance
• Army Tuition Assistance
• Navy Tuition Assistance
• Marines Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• National Guard Tuition Assistance

You will want to begin the process at least 60 days in advance of the term start date to ensure a smooth application process.

Remember, every TA application MUST be Command Approved prior to being forwarded to the Voluntary Education Center for final approval. And Command Approval is not automatic. Please contact your command approver for the status prior to the start of classes. The TA application must be approved prior to the start date.

Following Command Approval, you will receive an email notification that your application has been sent to the Voluntary Education Center for final review and authorization. Once the TA application is funded, the service member will receive an email notification.

Admission to GTCC

Once you establish your tuition assistance portal account, the next step is to complete the GTCC Admission process. This process has been developed in a series of steps called the “Path to Success” (follow link to complete the steps) for both new and reapplying students.

Submit Approved Payment Voucher to GTCC

The service member must print their voucher from their TA approval email and submit the voucher to GTCC’s Cashier's Office to process payment.

Final Things to Remember

• TA cannot be used for a previously taken course either at GTCC or in transfer credit
• If the service member already earned an Associate’s Degree, TA cannot be used for a course at the Associate’s Degree level unless it is job-related
• Family members may not use TA, but may be eligible for other benefits.
  • Transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill to Spouse and Dependents. Go to: https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/
  • MyCAA Scholarship for Spouses. Go to: https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa
  • Family Members of a deceased active duty service member or retired veteran may be eligible for Dependent benefits. See U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for more information at: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
• If you have questions, contact the appropriate local Education Services Officer (ESO) at the email below:
  • Fort Bragg: jose.a.Castillo.civ@mail.mil
  • Camp Lejeune: Lejeune-NewRiverEducation@usmc-mccs.org
  • Cherry Point: Lejeune-NewRiverEducation@usmc-mccs.org
  • Seymour Johnson: Margaret.slade@us.af.mil
  • National Guard: ng.nc.ncarng.mbx.education-service-office@mail.mil

In Accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DODI), all schools desiring to participate in the Military Assistance (TA) Program must agree to:

1. Up to the start date, return all (100 percent) TA funds to the appropriate Military Service when the Service member does not:
   • Begin attendance at the institution; or
   • Start a course, regardless of whether the student starts other courses.
2. Return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, GTCC will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.