Veterans Benefits at TC3 VA Standards & Entitlement to Benefits

Important: The VA requires veterans receiving benefits to attend all scheduled class meetings. Failure to do so may result in the loss of benefits and pay back of veterans benefits already received for the semester in question. 

VA Standards of Progress

Veterans’ Services will not pay educational benefits if one of the following should occur:

• The veteran registers for classes that are not specified as necessary for the declared program of study. Depending on circumstances, deficiency or remedial courses may be certified for benefits.
• The veteran fails to submit all previous college transcripts for evaluation.
• The veteran registers for two or more courses and receives “F” (Fail), “NC” (No Credit) or “IP” (In Progress) grades for all courses for one semester.
• The veteran fails to convert an “I” (Incomplete) grade to a letter grade within one year from receipt of the “I” grade.
• The veteran fails to attend class for the semester for which VA benefits are received.
• The veteran fails to achieve the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for two consecutive semesters or sessions.

All VA students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy as disclosed in the College Catalog. The veteran, like all students of the college, will be placed on academic probation until they meet the standards of academic progress set by the school. Students affected by these requirements must receive a financial aid waiver in addition to any academic probation interview or academic reinstatement procedure (see Financial Aid Waivers section).The VA Certifying Official will need a copy of the probation agreement and is required to report a termination of benefits if you remain on academic probation for more than two semesters with an overall GPA below 2.0. Student’s certification will also be terminated if student is on progress probation more than two semesters regardless GPA

Entitlement to Benefits

This school certifies your enrollment status, programs and academic progress. All questions concerning payment are to be referred to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or by sending an electronic inquiry by going to benefits.va.gov/gibill/contact_us.asp.

Payment

The first check should arrive six to eight weeks after the first day of classes or later if the veteran should apply for certification after classes begin. Make sure that you register for your courses on time to ensure prompt certification of your enrollment. Remember to register in courses according to your educational plan.

Information about qualifying pay rates and payment dates is available only through direct contact between the student and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Go to the rate tables or call 1-888-442-4551.

Your payment rates are based on your enrollment status.

Rates will be pro-rated if a student is enrolled in a non-standard term(s) classes or classes that have a beginning and end date different from the semester's beginning and end dates (For example: nursing classes and late start classes). 

Certifying Official

The Certifying Official is responsible for the accurate and prompt certification of enrollments and changes in enrollment of eligible students to the VA. The certifying official is an employee of the College, not the VA. The certifying official cannot determine eligibility for VA Educational Benefits.

The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020

The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires educational institutions to make certain disclosures to students using federal military and/or VA educational benefits. To view and print a copy of an estimated personalized cost of attendance visit the SUNY Net Price Cost Calculator and select Tompkins Cortland Community College from the dropdown. Additional financial information can be found at the NCES College Navigator.

The SUNY Financial Aid Plan (FAP) will provide a more in-depth analysis and accurate picture of student cost once the student has filed their FAFSA, completed a SUNY application, and has been accepted by a campus.