Veteran & Military Services
Veteran & Military Services
Sampson Community College is committed to supporting veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and eligible dependents in achieving their educational goals. SCC offers curriculum programs approved by the NC State Approving Agency for the Veterans Education Benefits under the following programs:
Students who may qualify for education benefits through the GI Bill® or other U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs are encouraged to apply for benefits va.gov/education.
School Certifying Official
The Director of Special Populations & Testing serves as the School Certifying Official (SCO) for Sampson Community College. While not employed by the VA, the SCO is responsible for:
- Certifying student enrollment to the VA
- Assisting students with benefit-related processes
- Maintaining required veteran student records
- Coordinating benefit-related matters with the Finance Office
Veteran student records are maintained in a secure location and may include eligibility documents, registration records, correspondence, enrollment verifications, and related materials. Records are retained for five years following the ending date of the last certified enrollment period and after completion of all required audits, in accordance with VA regulations.
Certificate of Eligibility and Initial Enrollment
Students using VA education benefits should submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the SCO in Student Services no later than one week prior to the first day of the semester. Under Title 38 U.S. Code Section 3679(e), eligible students using Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) benefits may attend classes while payment is pending once SCC receives appropriate documentation, such as:
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Statement of Benefits from the VA website
- VA Form 28-1905 (for Chapter 31 authorization)
This temporary eligibility period ends on the earlier of the date payment is made by the VA to SCC, or 90 days after SCC certifies tuition and fees following receipt of required documentation. During this pending period, SCC will not impose penalties such as:
- Late fees
- Denial of access to classes, libraries, or campus facilities
- Requirement to secure additional loans due to delayed VA payment
Enrollment Certification
After all admissions requirements are completed and the student is enrolled in an approved curriculum program, the SCO will submit enrollment information to the VA. Only courses that satisfies requirements outlined by the curriculum guide or graduation evaluation can be certified for VA benefits.
The following are generally not eligible for certification:
- Audited courses
- Excessive free electives
- Repeating courses that were successfully completed (see SCO for exceptions)
- Remedial and deficiency courses offered online or hybrid
Students receiving VA benefits are responsible for notifying the SCO immediately of any schedule changes, including dropped or added classes. Failure to report changes may result in overpayment and repayment obligations to the VA.
Prior Credit
The VA requires evaluation of all prior coursework. Students must submit official transcripts from: all previously attended colleges or universities, military Joint Services transcripts and service school transcripts. SCC will grant credit as appropriate to the student’s current program.
Academic Progress Standards
Students receiving VA education benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in accordance with the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
- Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA may be placed on academic warning.
- Benefit certification may continue for one warning semester to allow academic improvement.
- Students who fail to meet standards after the warning period may be suspended, and the suspension will be reported to the VA.
In-State Tuition for Covered Individuals
Under Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, eligible covered individuals who meet state residency requirements may qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Military Tuition Assistance for Service Members
Active service members who want to use Tuition Assistance (TA), should obtain approval from your Education Service Officer (ESO) or military service counselor. Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, or Air Force.
Submit written documentation or an email confirmation of the approval to the SCC Finance Office at kshatley@sampsoncc.edu before the enrollment deadline of the respective term. In the event of a denied approval from the ESO or counselor, you may follow the appeals process outlined by your military service branch.
Contact Information
Students seeking assistance with VA education benefits or the military TA program should contact Student Services to speak with the SCO.