Steps to Success - Using your GI Bill®

Submit a free application online or in person at any Tri-C Enrollment Center. Receive your S-number in 3-5 business days and log into my Tri-C space.

Step 2: Apply for your VA Educational Benefits

Visit Vets.gov to apply for education benefit using VA Form 22-1990 form. Refer to Education Benefits Comparison Chart to determine your eligibility.

Step 3: Financial Aid + Scholarships

Make sure to finish your FASFA and complete the necessary administrative forms for financial aid. Apply for Scholarships at www.tri-c.edu/scholarships.

Step 4: Request your Military Transcripts

Submit official military transcripts along with official high school and college transcripts. Air Force veterans should visit Community College of the Air Force website . (Joint Service Transcript (JST) is linked and is correct, cont. to the website by clicking details and go to website. It is a certificate/military site blocker, no reason to worry).
Service members still on Active Duty or serving in the Reserves need to speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling with Cuyahoga Community College regarding the transfer of credits and course alignment with their selected degree.

Step 5: Placement Test + VEAP

Take placement tests in math and English (if necessary). This will identify which courses you will be placed in. Review VEAP tab for information on free refresher courses if your test results are not what you expected. New students will need to attend an orientation session after this is test is taken.

Step 6: Meet With a Counselor

Meet with an academic counselor to make sure the classes you are take will apply towards your degree and are in line with your course sequence to avoid certification issues.

Step 7: Register for Classes

Register for classes each semester through my Tri-C space or with your counselor. Tri-C offers priority registration for veterans.

Step 8: Submit GI Bill® Certification Form

This form must be submitted to a campus certifying official each semester in which you wish to utilize benefits. It is ideal to submit this form as soon as possible to ensure proper documentation is in place for payment(s).

How do the benefits break down?

Benefits will be awarded based on start date of term session and total credits.The VA’s definition of Full Time does not always align with Tri-C or Financial Aid.

“Full time” minimum course load, for VA education benefits, is as follows:

12 credit hours for 16 week terms
10 credit hours for 14 week terms
6 credit hours for 8 week terms
7 credit hours for 10 week terms
4 credit hours for 5 week terms

For Example:

Student Veteran R. Smith started one 16 week class on Jan 14. On January 28, R. Smith picked up several 14 week classes, bumping the schedule up to full time status only at the start of the 14 week session.

If Student Veteran R. Smith is using Post 9/11, he will only receive the housing allowance dated to the beginning of the 14 week term, as the housing allowance is not paid to students below half time status.

If Student Veteran R. Smith is using other VA education benefits (Montgomery, REAP, VEAP), he will receive a combination of part time and full time rates (full time rate dating to the date his schedule was officially full time).

Unsure of a career path? Check out Career Coach

Career Coach

Create an Account,discover your interests, potential career stats, and career scopes in your local area that are adjacent degree paths with Tri-C programs. Make sure to check out the MOS option to see what your military skills transfer to in our programs.