Educational Benefits for Military-Connected Students

Each semester, the staff at Mesa College's Veterans Office helps students apply for federal educational benefits to fund their education. We're here to help you find the program(s) that you may be eligible for.

Below, you will find dropdowns with customized steps that you need to follow in order to use a certain VA Educational Benefit, as well as instructions if you were to add, drop, withdraw from a course, or if you were to take a course at another institution.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an educational benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Eligible students may receive benefits to help cover the costs of approved educational programs, housing, and supplies for up to 36 months. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the only VA Education Benefit that does not affect your eligibility for a Subsidized Direct Loan.

Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill on the Veterans Affairs website.

See what your GI Bill covers and learn how to avoid debt with the DVA. Access GI Bill Quick Tips.

GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Next Steps for Incoming Students

Incoming CH 33 Students must complete the following:
- Submit ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, and submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation Form.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop an Education Plan.
  - If you have prior transcripts, bring unofficial copies with you to your meeting to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan.
  - Please inform the Academic Counselor that you are using CH 33 benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - Deferment Contract - Replaces having to pay for tuition and fees out of pocket.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost of your parking permit.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost or opting out of the Student Representation Fee.
  - DD-214 (Version 2 or Member 4) - Used for Verification of Military Status to secure Priority Registration.
    - Not required for Transfer of Eligibility (TOE) students (students whose benefits were transferred to them by their sponsor).
  - Certificate of Eligibility - Confirms that you have been approved to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill and at what percentage. Can be obtained by activating your benefits through your VA.gov account.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Next Steps for Returning Students

Returning CH 33 Students must complete the following:
- Ensure that ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, have been submitted and evaluated.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan.
  - NOTE: A Comprehensive Education Plan will lay out all of your required courses to graduate or transfer. Classes must be part of this plan to be approved for VA Educational Benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - Deferment Contract - Replaces having to pay for tuition and fees out of pocket.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost of your parking permit.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost or opting out of the Student Representation Fee.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Adding, Dropping, or Withdrawing from a Course

All students using VA Educational Benefits are responsible for reporting any enrollment changes (dropping a class, adding a class, or stopping attendance in a class), as these may result in delays, overpayments, or termination of my DVA Education Benefits.
- Class Adjustment Form-Use this form to notify our office of changes to your class schedule in order to update your certification status.

Taking a Course at Another Institution

Primary School Letter Request Form - You must submit this form if San Diego Mesa College is your home campus and you want to take a course at another institution.
- Does not include courses taken at Miramar College or City College.
- You must also submit the course descriptions for all courses for which you are requesting approval.
Remaining Steps
- Once you submit your request for a primary school letter and course description(s), it will go through an approval process to verify that the course you plan to take aligns with your Educational Plan with us.
- If approved, one of our School Certifying Officials will send a Parent Letter to the appropriate Veterans Office.
- Reach out to that school's Veterans Office to verify if they require any additional paperwork from you to finish the certification.

Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services help veterans with disabilities secure employment, build career skills, and seek independent living.

Learn more about the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Next Steps for Incoming Students

Incoming CH 31 Students must complete the following:
- Submit ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, and submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation Form.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop an Education Plan.
  - If you have prior transcripts, bring unofficial copies with you to your meeting to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan.
  - Please inform the Academic Counselor that you are using CH 31 benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - Deferment Contract - Replaces having to pay for tuition and fees out of pocket.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost of your parking permit.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost or opting out of the Student Representation Fee.
  - DD-214 (Version 2 or Member 4) - Used for Verification of Military Status to secure Priority Registration.
    - Not required for Transfer of Eligibility (TOE) students (students whose benefits were transferred to them by their sponsor).
  - Purchase Order Number (PO#): A current purchase order number on file is required before we will be able to certify your courses.
    - Note: The approved plan on the PO must match your major of pursuit on file.
    - Note: A new PO must be created for each institution if you take a course at City College or Miramar College.
    - Note: Courses must be certified before you are able to purchase books through your account at the Bookstore.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Next Steps for Returning Students

Returning CH 31 Students must complete the following:
- Ensure that ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, have been submitted and evaluated.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan.
  - NOTE: A Comprehensive Education Plan will lay out all of your required courses to graduate or transfer. Classes must be part of this plan to be approved for VA Educational Benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - Deferment Contract - Replaces having to pay for tuition and fees out of pocket.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost of your parking permit.
    - Note: You are responsible for covering the cost or opting out of the Student Representation Fee.
  - Purchase Order Number (PO#): A current purchase order number on file is required before we will be able to certify your courses.
    - Note: The approved plan on the PO must match your major of pursuit on file.
    - Note: A new PO must be created for each institution if you take a course at City College or Miramar College.
    - Note: Courses must be certified before you are able to purchase books through your account at the Bookstore.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Adding, Dropping, or Withdrawing from a Course

All students using VA Educational Benefits are responsible for reporting any enrollment changes (dropping a class, adding a class, or stopping attendance in a class), as these may result in delays, overpayments, or termination of my DVA Education Benefits.
- Class Adjustment Form-Use this form to notify our office of changes to your class schedule in order to update your certification status.

Taking a Course at Another Institution

Primary School Letter Request Form - You must submit this form if San Diego Mesa College is your home campus and you want to take a course at another institution.
- Does not include courses taken at Miramar College or City College.
- You must also submit the course descriptions for all courses for which you are requesting approval.
Remaining Steps
- Once you submit your request for a primary school letter and course description(s), it will go through an approval process to verify that the course you plan to take aligns with your Educational Plan with us.
- If approved, one of our School Certifying Officials will send a Parent Letter to the appropriate Veterans Office.
- Reach out to that school's Veterans Office to verify if they require any additional paperwork from you to finish the certification.
- Your VR&E Counselor will need to generate a new Purchase Order Number for each institution you are taking a course at.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35)

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance provides benefits for children or spouses of a veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities.

Learn more about the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

Next Steps for Incoming Students

Incoming CH 35 Students must complete the following:
- Submit ALL prior transcripts and submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation Form.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop an Education Plan.
  - If you have prior transcripts, bring unofficial copies with you to your meeting to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan.
  - Please inform the Academic Counselor that you are using CH 35 benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - Certificate of Eligibility - Confirms that you have been approved to use the DEA Program. Can be obtained by activating your benefits through your VA.gov account.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Next Steps for Returning Students

Returning CH 35 Students must complete the following:
- Ensure that ALL prior transcripts have been submitted and evaluated.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan.
  - NOTE: A Comprehensive Education Plan will lay out all of your required courses to graduate or transfer. Classes must be part of this plan to be approved for VA Educational Benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Adding, Dropping, or Withdrawing from a Course

All students using VA Educational Benefits are responsible for reporting any enrollment changes (dropping a class, adding a class, or stopping attendance in a class), as these may result in delays, overpayments, or termination of my DVA Education Benefits.
- Class Adjustment Form-Use this form to notify our office of changes to your class schedule in order to update your certification status.

Taking a Course at Another Institution

Primary School Letter Request Form - You must submit this form if San Diego Mesa College is your home campus and you want to take a course at another institution.
- Does not include courses taken at Miramar College or City College.
- You must also submit the course descriptions for all courses for which you are requesting approval.
Remaining Steps
- Once you submit your request for a primary school letter and course description(s), it will go through an approval process to verify that the course you plan to take aligns with your Educational Plan with us.
- If approved, one of our School Certifying Officials will send a Parent Letter to the appropriate Veterans Office.
- Reach out to that school's Veterans Office to verify if they require any additional paperwork from you to finish the certification.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) provides educational benefits for individuals who have served at least 2 years on Active Duty. Eligible students may receive up to 36 months of educational benefits.

Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Next Steps for Incoming Students

Incoming CH 30 Students must complete the following:
- Submit ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, and submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation Form.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop an Education Plan.
  - If you have prior transcripts, bring unofficial copies with you to your meeting to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan.
  - Please inform the Academic Counselor that you are using CH 30 benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - DD-214 (Version 2 or Member 4) - Used for Verification of Military Status to secure Priority Registration.
  - Certificate of Eligibility - Confirms that you have been approved to use the Montgomery GI Bill and at what percentage. Can be obtained by activating your benefits through your VA.gov account.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Next Steps for Returning Students

Returning CH 30 Students must complete the following:
- Ensure that ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, have been submitted and evaluated.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan.
  - NOTE: A Comprehensive Education Plan will lay out all of your required courses to graduate or transfer. Classes must be part of this plan to be approved for VA Educational Benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Adding, Dropping, or Withdrawing from a Course

All students using VA Educational Benefits are responsible for reporting any enrollment changes (dropping a class, adding a class, or stopping attendance in a class), as these may result in delays, overpayments, or termination of my DVA Education Benefits.
- Class Adjustment Form-Use this form to notify our office of changes to your class schedule in order to update your certification status.

Taking a Course at Another Institution

Primary School Letter Request Form - You must submit this form if San Diego Mesa College is your home campus and you want to take a course at another institution.
- Does not include courses taken at Miramar College or City College.
- You must also submit the course descriptions for all courses for which you are requesting approval.
Remaining Steps
- Once you submit your request for a primary school letter and course description(s), it will go through an approval process to verify that the course you plan to take aligns with your Educational Plan with us.
- If approved, one of our School Certifying Officials will send a Parent Letter to the appropriate Veterans Office.
- Reach out to that school's Veterans Office to verify if they require any additional paperwork from you to finish the certification.

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve is an educational benefits program for members of the Selected Reserve that doesn't require active duty service. Eligible reservists from any branch may receive benefits for up to 36 months to cover their educational costs.

Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

Next Steps for Incoming Students

Incoming CH 30 Students must complete the following:
- Submit ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, and submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation Form.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop an Education Plan.
  - If you have prior transcripts, bring unofficial copies with you to your meeting to develop an Abbreviated Education Plan.
  - Please inform the Academic Counselor that you are using CH 1606 benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - DD-214 (Version 2 or Member 4) - Used for Verification of Military Status to secure Priority Registration.
  - Certificate of Eligibility - Confirms that you have been approved to use the Montgomery GI Bill and at what percentage. Can be obtained by activating your benefits through your VA.gov account.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Next Steps for Returning Students

Returning CH 1606 Students must complete the following:
- Ensure that ALL prior transcripts, including Joint Service Transcripts, have been submitted and evaluated.
- See an Academic Counselor to develop a Comprehensive Education Plan.
  - NOTE: A Comprehensive Education Plan will lay out all of your required courses to graduate or transfer. Classes must be part of this plan to be approved for VA Educational Benefits.
- Submit the following paperwork once you are registered for your classes:
  - Statement of Understanding - Breaks down and confirms your acknowledgment of your responsibilities as someone using their VA Educational Benefits at San Diego Mesa College.
  - Semester Worksheet - Submission of the classes you are requesting our office to certify you for. Confirms VA Benefit requesting to use that term and the major you are pursuing.
  - You have two options to submit your forms:
    - Deliver your documents in person to the Veterans & Records Department in I4-102 or our Veterans Success Center in K-103.
    - Submit your documents via your student email at [email protected].
      - Please include your First & Last Name and Student ID Number in the subject line.

Adding, Dropping, or Withdrawing from a Course

All students using VA Educational Benefits are responsible for reporting any enrollment changes (dropping a class, adding a class, or stopping attendance in a class), as these may result in delays, overpayments, or termination of my DVA Education Benefits.
- Class Adjustment Form-Use this form to notify our office of changes to your class schedule in order to update your certification status.

Taking a Course at Another Institution

Primary School Letter Request Form - You must submit this form if San Diego Mesa College is your home campus and you want to take a course at another institution.
- Does not include courses taken at Miramar College or City College.
- You must also submit the course descriptions for all courses for which you are requesting approval.
Remaining Steps
- Once you submit your request for a primary school letter and course description(s), it will go through an approval process to verify that the course you plan to take aligns with your Educational Plan with us.
- If approved, one of our School Certifying Officials will send a Parent Letter to the appropriate Veterans Office.
- Reach out to that school's Veterans Office to verify if they require any additional paperwork from you to finish the certification.

AP 5013 - Students in the Military

This procedure outlines the following:

Prohibition of high-pressure recruitment tactics
Residency Determinations for Military Personnel and Dependents
Withdrawal Processes for Members of the Military
Readmission Policy for Members of the Military

View AP 5013

Military Tuition Assistance

For current servicemembers, Military Tuition Assistance (MTA) will cover the enrollment fees for classes you enroll in at Mesa College. In order to receive these funds, you must pass your class(es); otherwise, you will be responsible for paying the full amount.

You will find that most, if not all, branches will require you to start the MTA process through an online portal (links below by branch). All branches also require that you submit an Education Plan as a part of their approval process. Once you have completed the online process to receive MTA and it has been approved by your base Educational Services Officer (ESO), you will need to bring the MTA Voucher to our Student Accounting Office. Once the Student Accounting Office has everything, your account will be updated to reflect that you are receiving MTA.

If you have any additional questions regarding how to get started with MTA, we highly encourage you to talk with your base education office. You can also reach out to the Veteran Services Office at San Diego Mesa College via our general email at [email protected].

Please see the Counseling Department for an Education Plan.

Apply for Financial Aid

Students who are eligible to receive any of the federal veterans' educational benefits listed below may also apply for federal financial aid. Veterans' financial aid eligibility is determined by the same federal process applied to all students.

If a veteran student is under the age of 24 and is not married, he/she may need to provide the Financial Aid Office with a copy of his/her DD214. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the only VA Education Benefit that does not affect student eligibility for a Subsidized Direct Loan.

View Estimated Cost of Attendance

View Net Price Calculator

Learn more about applying for financial aid and paying for college

Cal Vet Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents

The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, CSU or UC campus. There are four plans under which dependents may be eligible.

See if you qualify for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver program

To submit the CAL Vet Fee Waiver:

Submit your Cal Vet Fee Waiver Applications directly to the California Veterans Service Office in your local county. For a full list of offices, please visit County Veterans Service Office.
Once you have the CAL Vet Fee Waiver approval/award letter from the county, please submit it to Mesa’s Financial Aid Department via the online portal or stop by their office with the approval letter printed out.
Note: The online document submission portal is ONLY for the CAL Vet Fee Waiver Form
Submit Cal Vet Fee Waiver to Mesa

Additional Questions About Benefits?

If you have any questions, please get in contact with us through our email at [email protected] or by giving us a call at 619-388-2805.

Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to view the various benefit programs, determine your eligibility, and calculate your benefit.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Educational Benefits for Military-Connected Students