Veterans Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How long does it typically take the VA to process education benefits after applying?

• It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for the VA to process your application and to receive your benefits if eligible.

 

2. What are the VA's attendance and academic progress requirements?

• Students are required by the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain regular class attendance and satisfactory progress.

 

3. What do I need to do each term to receive my VA education benefits?

• Students receiving education benefits from the VA must complete VRC forms each term to request to be certified for VA education benefits. Courses certified for benefits must meet the requirements for their declared major.

 

4. What transcripts and prior education records do I need to submit?

• Official Transcripts from ALL other schools, colleges and technical schools are required by Federal Law to be submitted to College of the Desert. This includes all training and education received before entering the service as well any training received during service and after discharge, even if VA benefits were not paid for attending the course or program. This also includes test scores from CLEP, DANTES, AP (Advance Placement Scores from high school), DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test), etc.

 

5. Do I need a declared major, and how can my course selection affect my benefits?

• Yes, students must have a declared a major and are responsible for enrolling in classes required for their major. Failure to take proper courses can lead to a reduction or termination of benefits for that semester. Remember to always check with our office about the courses you are planning to enroll in.

 

6. Can I receive VA benefits when repeating a course?

• Students may receive benefits when repeating a course in which a grade of "F" or "NC" was received if that course is required or a prerequisite to a required course. In some cases, a grade of "D" may be repeated and receive benefits if a "C" or better is required. Be sure to check with our office on any courses you are planning to repeat!

 

7. How do short-term or less-than-semester-length courses affect my VA benefits?

• Less than semester length courses are certified by the Veterans Resource Center for the exact dates of the course only and not for the entire semester - this can affect your payments. Check with our office before enrolling for short-term courses!

 

8. What should I do if I withdraw from a class or make changes to my enrollment?

• Our office must report status changes as well as withdrawals immediately to the Department of Veterans Affairs. In order to avoid possible overpayments of benefits and subsequent billing from the VA, it is imperative that students collecting benefits report all changes, withdrawals, etc. immediately to our office so that we can notify the VA. Students are encouraged to speak with the VRC prior to making changes. 

 

9. Can I receive credit for my military service?

• College of the Desert may award college credit for certain military training, experiences and coursework. This credit is based on recommendations from the "American Council of Education". For more information, please visit Credit For Prior Learning and connect with our Veterans Counselor. 

 

10. Do I get Priority Registration?

• Veterans and current members of the US Armed Forces may qualify for Priority Registration. If a new student to COD, the requirements for the SSSP - Student Success and Support Program Process must be met or exempted. Please connect with the VRC if you have further questions. 

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site.