Veterans Benefits

Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits

NJC works closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support eligible students using VA education benefits. The institution is approved for veterans’ education benefits by the Colorado State Approving Agency (SAA).

VA education benefits are administered through the Financial Aid Office by the institution’s School Certifying Official (SCO). The SCO is responsible for certifying enrollment information to the VA and reporting required updates to facilitate the timely processing of benefit payments. SCOs are located in the Financial Aid Office in the Hays Student Center.

School Certifying Officials

VA Benefits Application Process

Students using VA education benefits are responsible for submitting:

• VA Educational Benefit Certification Request for each semester you want NJC to certify your enrollment with the VA.
• Joint Services Transcript/Military Transcript
• Official Transcripts from all colleges previously attended
• Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits/Authorization

Student Responsibilities

• Report any changes in enrollment status (adds, drops, withdrawals), program of study, or modality (on-campus, online, hybrid) to the SCO promptly
• Ensuring compliance with VA attendance, academic progress, and course applicability requirements

Failure to report changes in a timely manner may result in delayed payments or the creation of overpayment which the student may be required to repay to the VA.

Use of VA Benefits and Institutional Policies

VA education benefits are paid directly to the student or institution, depending on the benefit chapter and VA regulations. Benefits are subject to the institution’s published:

• Tuition and fee schedule
• Refund and withdrawal policies
• Academic progress and attendance requirements

Students are encouraged to review these policies carefully, as they may impact benefit eligibility and payment amounts.

Comparison Tool and Consumer Information

Prospective and current students using VA education benefits are encouraged to review the VA College Comparison Tool, which provides information on tuition and fees, estimated benefit amounts, graduation rates, and other consumer data.

GI Bill® Feedback and Complaint Process

In accordance with VA requirements, students may submit complaints regarding the administration of VA education benefits through the VA GI Bill® Feedback Tool. The VA will review and, when appropriate, forward complaints to the institution and the State Approving Agency for resolution.

Additional Information and Assistance

Questions regarding VA education benefits, certification timelines, or eligibility should be directed to the School Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office. NJC is committed to supporting veterans, service members, and their eligible dependents throughout their educational journey.

Disclaimers

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information see the GI Bill Trademark terms of use.

NJC complies with the Department of Education’s regulations regarding readmission for Service members and reservists under 34 C.F.R. 668.18. 

NJC complies with Title 38 Section 3679(e) and will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual's inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

The evaluation of previous postsecondary education and training is mandatory and required for VA beneficiaries. For students utilizing Veterans benefits who are approved for transfer credit because of this evaluation, the institution will grant appropriate credit, reduce the program length proportionately, notify the student and Veterans Affairs in writing of this decision, and adjust invoicing of the VA accordingly. 

VA students' records must be kept for 3 years following the ending date of the last period certified to VA. Referenced law: Title 38 CFR 21.4209(f)