Military & Veterans Educational Benefits

At John Tyler Community College, “military friendly” is more than just a phrase. We are here to help you with applications, processes, and information about your VA educational benefits.

Getting Started
Veterans
Family Members (Dependents)
Active Duty

Getting Started

Explore the possibility of earning credit for prior learning.
Understand your VA education benefits. Compare the different types of benefits and figure out what is best for you. Use the VA Comparison Tool/Payment Rates or the Post 9/11 GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
Apply online for your veterans educational benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site. Apply as early as possible to receive your Certificate of Eligibility. You must bring a copy to the Military & Veterans Education Office
Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. John Tyler's school code is 004004.
Determine the need for placement tests, and take, if needed.
Meet with an advisor, and choose a major.

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Veterans

The State Department of Education approves most programs at JTCC for the payment of veteran’s educational benefits.

Learn more about using your veterans benefits at Tyler.

After you have submitted your application, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility (via USPS) outlining the details of your benefit. Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to the Military & Veterans Education Office.

To be eligible for benefits, your classes must apply to a program of study.You must be enrolled in 12 credits hours to receive full benefits, however, benefits are prorated based on “rate of pursuit” when enrolled in less than 12 credits hours.

Checklists

New Student Checklist
Returning Student Checklist

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Family Members (Dependents)

Learn more about using your spouse and family member (dependent) benefits at Tyler.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program (VMSDEP) - formerly referred to as: War Orphans Educational Benefits

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. Section SB-529 of the Code of Virginia provide for free tuition and fees to attend state-supported institutions of higher education for children of persons deceased, disabled, prisoners of war, or missing in action as a result of any armed conflict after December 6, 1941, involving the Armed Forces of the United States.

View the VMSDEP fact sheet.

Checklists

New Student Checklist
Returning Student Checklist

Active Duty

Active duty personnel may qualify for assistance through tuition assistance (TA) programs as well as Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Find service specific TA information: