Financial Aid...Veterans...FAQ's

In any given quarter, about half of Columbus State students receive financial aid or scholarships. Here's where you become one of them.
If you don't find the answers you're looking for here, don't hesitate to contact the Veterans Office.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR MY VA BENEFITS?
You should apply for your benefits after open registration for the school begins. Check with the Registrar office for dates.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I RECEIVE FOR MY GI BILL?
Your VA benefits will vary based on the type of benefit, your contract, and the number of credit hours you have enrolled for. Visit the department of Veterans Affairs website for current rates: http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/News.htm

WILL MY VA BENEFITS BE ENOUGH TO COVER MY TUITION AT COLUMBUS STATE?
The amount of your VA benefits will be based on the type of VA you are eligible for, the number or credit hours you schedule, and the current VA Rates. Your VA benefits will be paid to you in monthly installments over the quarter. The College expects your tuition to be paid-in-full at the start of the quarter. Normally one month’s check or even an advance payment may not be enough to pay your tuition for the quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to pay tuition, in full, by the deadline date. The amount of VA benefits you receive for the quarter (3 months) may be more than enough to cover your tuition; the college will not wait for you to receive all your checks to pay your tuition. If you need assistance paying your tuition you should apply for financial aid.

CAN I RECEIVE REGULAR FINANCIAL AID WHILE RECEIVING VA BENEFITS?
You may be eligible for additional grants, loans, scholarships, and employment programs. (See a Financial Advisor for Details)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DO NOT RECEIVE MY VA CHECK?
Call the Department of Veterans Affairs Toll free number 1(888) 442-4551 to see if the check has been mailed or deposited. If the funds have not been released be sure to ask why not? If it is a school related concern, contact the VA Coordinator.

HOW OFTEN CAN I APPLY FOR AN ADVANCE PAYMENT?
Remember, you can only apply for an advance payment if you are a new student, or have been out of school for one or more quarter and planning to take at least six (6) credit hours. If you are currently enrolled you cannot apply for an advance payment for the next quarter.

IF I WITHDRAW FROM SCHOOL, WHILE COLLECTING VA AND THEN RETURN TWO (2) QUARTERS LATER, WILL I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE MY VA BENEFITS AUTOMATICALLY?
No. Be sure to notify the VA Coordinator that you have withdrawn. When you decide to return to school you must contact the VA Coordinator to be re-certified.

WHAT CHANGES SHOULD I REPORT TO THE VA COORDINATOR?
To avoid delays or overpayment of VA benefits, each VA recipient is responsible to report any changes in status to the College VA Office:

Change of Address
Change of Program
Change in credit hours
Withdrawal from school
FORMS 1999 AND 1999B ARE ONLY SUBMITTED TO THE VA BY THE VA COORDINATOR AT COLUMBUS STATE.