Military & Veteran Education Services
Central Arizona College (CAC) is proud and honored to serve Military and Veterans students, along with their spouses and dependents, for their education needs.
CAC has been approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) to administer the VA Education Benefits program and is approved for Military Tuition Assistant (TA) for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Military & Veteran’s Services Department at CAC is located at the main campus in Coolidge, Arizona, and is excited to help students in getting started using Military or Veterans benefits here at Central Arizona College.
Steps to Success
Getting Started
Welcome to Veteran Services
Central Arizona College (CAC) is approved for all Chapters of the G.I. Bill
Here at Central Arizona College (CAC), we are approved for all Chapters of the G.I. Bill® through the State Approving Agency (SAA) as well as Tuition Assistance (DoD TA) for all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
| VA Chapters | Programs |
|---|---|
| Chapter 30 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-AD) |
| Chapter 33 | Post 9/11 GI Bill® |
| Chapter 33 | Post 9/11 GI Bill®Transfer of Eligibilty (TOE) Spouses and Dependents |
| Chapter 31 | Veteran Readiness & Employment |
| Chapter 35 | Survivors and Dependents Assistance Program (DEA) |
| Chapter 1606 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-SR) |
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Degree and Certificate Programs
All students must declare a Master Academic Plan (MAP), which is either a transferable degree, an Associate of Applied Science degree, or Certificate. Below is a link to Central Arizona College’s list of programs, and description of the degree/certificate programs:
CAC Degrees and Certificates
Please note that not all degree/certificate programs listed in the catalog are eligible for VA educational benefits. Please click on the link below for a list of degree/certificate programs that are not approved by the SAA for approval for VA education benefits.
NOT approved degrees/certificate programs(PDF)
Mandatory Advising
All students receiving VA education benefits at Central Arizona College (CAC) are required to meet with an Enrollment Advisor/Student Success Coach every semester to create or update their degree/certificate programs. Students will need to obtain a signed Master Academic Plan (MAP) for their program of study from their advisor/coach. This MAP will then be submitted to the SCO by the advisor/coach for certification purposes. It is recommended that students schedule an appointment with an advisor/coach as soon as the registration period is open for the upcoming semester.
Central Arizona College (CAC) provides a Net Price Calculator that is available to all new students. The calculator provides an approximation of what a student can expect to pay to attend CAC. Additional cost for education can be found on the Financial Aid website or by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
College and Military Transcripts
Students eligible for VA Education Benefits at Central Arizona College (CAC) who have attended other higher education institutions, must submit official transcript(s) to CAC for evaluation of transfer of credit into the degree/certificate program. Failure to disclose attendance/transcript(s) from previous college(s) is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is grounds for denial of admission or immediate suspension if enrolled.
For Military Transcripts, the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard Joint Service Transcripts (JST) are required for evaluation. Official copies of the JST can be downloaded as a PDF document and submitted to the School Certifying Official (SCO) through the DoD website. For students who served in the Air Force, transcripts can be requested through the CCAF website.
New Student
Step 1: Apply for the VA Education Benefit
Application for VA Education Benefits will be done through the VA website: va.gov
Veterans:
If applying for the first time: VA Form 22-1990
Spouses/Dependents:
First time applicants: For Chapter 35 Survivor & Dependent Education Assistant (DEA): VA Form 22-5490.
First time applicants: For Chapter 33 POST/911 due to transfer of benefits: VA Form 22-1990E
Please use the Signal Peak, Coolidge address when applying for benefits.
Step 2: Apply For Admittance into the College
Central Arizona College requires all students to be fully enrolled before meeting with the School Certifying Official (SCO).
- To apply, select ApplyNow on the main website and fill out the electronic form. Once the application has been processed, an email with be sent with login information and a student CAC Identification number.
Step 3: Meet with the School Certifying Official/Advisor (SCO)
The VA requires that all students using VA Education Benefits meet with the SCO to receive a Master Academic Plan (MAP) AND to be registered for classes.
- Meeting with the SCO:
- All New students are required to meet with the School Certifying Official(SCO) for registration and VA Education Benefits.
- The SCO will discuss degree/certification programs and complete the MAP with the required coursework selection for the term as well as any possible transfer credit if transcripts have been received at the time of the appointment.
- After the appointment, the SCO will then register the student for the courses and send the student an email with the MAP, schedule and all VA Paperwork required for the VA Packet.
- Please note that the VA will cover remedial courses (courses below 100 level) if they are taken face to face and the student has a placement tool score that supports the need for the course. Online and/or Hybrid remedial courses will not be covered by the VA
- Adding/Changing Courses: Students using VA benefits will be required to meet with the SCO to make a change to the schedule.
- VA Hold: A VA Hold will be placed on the account of the student using VA benefits. The hold ONLY prevents students from making changes to classes or registering on their own. The VA Hold will remain on a student’s account until the benefits have been exhausted or the student has requested to no longer use the VA Benefit while attending CAC.
Please Note: The VA Benefits will NOT cover any course(s) that is not applicable to the current degree/certification program. Click here for Degrees/Programs that are NOT approved for VA education Benefits(PDF)
Step 4: Required documentation for VA Education Benefits
ALL CAC VA FORMS are now electronic only. Please use a computer to fill the forms out and email to School Certifying Official.
All forms required will also be emailed to the student after their initial appointment with the SCO.
- CAC VA New Student Admissions Form: This form will be filled out only once and does not need to be submitted again. (Click here for PDF Form)
- CAC VA Certification Form: This form will need to be submitted every semester. (Click here for PDF Form).
- Certification of Eligibility (COE) OR Statement of Benefits: Students using VA Education Benefits for the first time (no prior use at another institute), will need to provide either a current COE or the Statement of Benefits. Not required for certification, please ask SCO for more information.
- Net Price Calculator (NPC): The NPC will need to be completed during the advising appointment prior to registration with the SCO.
- Transcripts: Unofficial copy(s) of transcript(s) of all college(s) will need to be on file and evaluated BEFORE the second term or the benefits will be suspended.
- VETERANS ONLY: : Joint Service Transcripts ( JST ) are accepted and are REQUIRED. An official copy of the JST will need to be submitted to the SCO through the DoD website. CAC currently only accepts one-three credits from the JST for Physical Education.
- USAF VETERANS ONLY: CCAF official Transcripts need to be submitted to Admissions for evaluation, NOT the SCO.
- Master Academic Plan (MAP): The MAP will be completed by the SCO during the initial appointment. Please note that the VA will not cover any course not listed on the MAP.
Current Student
Current Students:
Students that have CAC within the last year
Make an appointment with the School Certifying Official/Advisor (SCO):
- Current students are required to meet with the School Certifying Official(SCO) EVERY term for registration and VA Education Benefits.
- The SCO will discuss applicable coursework for the current degree, and/or any changes to the degree. SCO will also update the current MAP or complete a new one if the student is changing programs. If changing programs, SCO will complete a new Net Price Calculator during the meeting.
- Discuss SAP and if not met, go over appeal and future plan of prevention.
- After the appointment, the SCO will then register the student for the courses and send the student an email with the MAP, schedule and all VA Paperwork required for the VA Packet. Current PDF VA Certification Form
- Please note that the VA will cover remedial courses (courses below 100 level) if they are taken face to face and the student has a placement tool score that supports the need for the course. Online and/or Hybrid remedial courses will not be covered by the VA
Re-entry Students:
Students who have not use VA Education Benefits within the last year at CAC
Make an appointment with the School Certifying Official/Advisor (SCO):
- Re-entry students are required to meet with the School Certifying Official(SCO) EVERY term for registration and VA Education Benefits.
- The SCO will discuss updating degree, completing the Net Price Calculator and completing MAP with selected coursework as well as transfer coursework.
- If transcripts are not yet received, student will need to have all official transcripts on file and evaluated before next term or benefit will be suspended.
- Discuss SAP and if not met, go over appeal and future plan of prevention.
- After the appointment, the SCO will then register the student for the courses and send the student an email with the MAP, schedule and all VA Paperwork required for the VA Packet. Current PDF RE-ENTRY VA Form.
- Please note that the VA will cover remedial courses (courses below 100 level) if they are taken face to face and the student has a placement tool score that supports the need for the course. Online and/or Hybrid remedial courses will not be covered by the VA
Reminders for Current and Re-entry Students:
- Adding/Changing Courses: Students using VA benefits will be required to meet with the SCO to make a change to the schedule.
- VA Hold: A VA Hold will be placed on the account of the student using VA benefits. The hold ONLY prevents students from making changes to classes or registering on their own. The VA Hold will remain on a student’s account until the benefits have been exhausted or the student has requested to no longer use the VA Benefit while attending CAC.
Please Note: The VA Benefits will NOT cover any course(s) that is not applicable to the current degree/certification program. Click here for Degrees/Programs that are NOT approved for VA education(PDF)
Active Military
Tuition Assistance (TA) program
The Tuition Assistance (TA) program offers active service members the opportunity to attend college with financial assistance through the Department of Defense (DoD). Students are approved to use TA at Central Arizona College (CAC) for both online and classroom modality as long as the courses are applicable to a degree/certificate program. Students using the TA program will need to notify the School Certifying Official (SCO) and fill out the TA Form(PDF) to help keep record of students using TA.
To apply for the TA, students will need to go through their branch of service education center and follow the processes needed to be approved for TA. Each education center should have education officers there to provide support and guidance on how to apply and submit for the TA. Below are links to each branch of military:
United States Army
United States Marine Corp (USMC)
United States Navy (USN)
United States Air Force (USAF)
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
CAC TA Form: TA Notification Form(PDF)
Service Members seeking additional funding can also speak with our Financial Aid Department on FAFSA and other funding resources.
Forms & Information
Forms & Information:
CAC Forms: Scholarships:
New Student Admissions Form(PDF) CAC Military & Veteran Scholarships
VA Certification Form(PDF) Spouses of Military Veterans Tuition Scholarship
Re-Entry VA Certification Form(PDF)
VA Application Forms: VA Change of School Forms:
VA Form 22-1990 VA Form 22-1995
VA Form 22-1990e VA Form 22-5495
VA Form 22-5490
Information Forms:
Post 911 MHA Calculator
Principles of Excellence
Net Price Calculator
Non-Approved Degrees/Certificates
Updates & Reminders
Spring 2025 Registration
Spring Registration Open Soon!
Military Priority: October 21, 2024
Regular Registration: October 28, 2024
School Certifying Official
CAC VA forms
CAC VA forms
Only electronic submissions will be accepted:
Certification Request Forms: 22AUG24
VA Admissions Forms: 22AUG24
Re-entry VA Certification Forms: 22AUG24
Schedule Changes
Changes to Schedule?
All changes to schedules will need to be
reported to the School Certifying Official
by the student, including drops by Faulty.
SAP Requirements
SAP Requirements
All VA students using VA Education Benefits
are required to follow the SAP policy.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Any student on Financial Suspension cannot
use VA Education Benefits to pay for college.
VA Hold
What is a VA HOLD?!!
Students using VA Education Benefits
will be required to have a VA HOLD for
registration purposes. The hold will remain
until the benefit is exhausted or no longer used.
Facts and Questions
When will I receive the MHA and book stipend for Chapter 33 Post/911?
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for POST/911 is typically paid at the end of the month if the student submitted all necessary documents before the beginning of the school term. Students will typically see the MHA come into their accounts by the first weekend of the next month; however, the MHA is paid out by the VA. Students are encouraged to contact the VA first about missing MHA payments before contacting the School Certifying Official (SCO).
Please be advise, all students using Chapter 33 POST/911 need to setup an account with the VA to verify monthly enrollment, or students will not receive their MHA. Call the number below, select “0” and speak with a representative to have the account setup.
The book stipend can vary depending on when the certification was submitted, but it is generally the first weekend of the next month.
National Education Call Center: 888-442-4551
How long does it take to receive the monthly income for Chapter 30 & 35
Chapter 30 Montgomery and Chapter 35 DEA are paid out at the end of the month. Students will typically see the monthly income check the first weekend of the next month. Students are encouraged to contact the VA first about missing monthly income checks before contacting the School Certifying Official (SCO).
National Education Call Center: 888-442-4551
What documents are needed to be certified each term for VA Education Benefits?
Please note that the VA Certification Request Form and MAP will be required for EACH semester that the student would like to use their VA Benefits to pay for school.
What is the purpose of the VA HOLD and how long will it be on my account?
The VA hold prevents all students using VA Education Benefits from registering courses, adding courses, or changing courses without seeing an Academic Advisor first. The hold does not affect finances from seeing class schedules. It only prevents registration and will remain on the student’s account until the student is no longer using VA benefits or has exhausted them. If a student chooses to no longer use the VA benefits, then the student must submit an email to the School Certifying Official (SCO) to have the Hold removed.
What is a "MAP" and why is it needed for certification?
For every semester a student is using VA benefits to pay for school, the student needs to have a MAP (Master Academic Plan) which is a requirement for VA Compliance. The MAP will be filled out by the Enrollment Advisor/Student Success Coach, as well as signed to prove that all courses being taken are applicable to the degree. The MAP will need to be updated each semester by the advisor/coach.
The VA will not cover courses that are not applicable to programs.
Do Veterans need to obtain their Military Joint Service Transcripts? If so, how?
Students are required to have all official transcripts on file with Central Arizona College by the second term for any colleges/military the student has notated on their application with CAC. Veteran students may obtain a copy of their military transcripts through the DoD.
All official military transcripts (JST & CCAF) are required to be submitted and evaluated by Admissions. Central Arizona College only accepts one credit for physical education.
Will I receive a the MHA if my courses are Online?
Yes, if the student is full time (12 credits or higher for Spring and Fall, 6 credits for summer) and is at 100% eligibility for the POST/911, the student will receive the Online MHA as oppose to the MHA. Please see the comparison tool on the VA website to calculate the MHA for online only courses.
When will tuition and fees be paid for Chapter 33 POST/911?
Tuition and Fees for the POST/911 Chapter can take 2-16 weeks to get to a school from the VA. Students using this chapter will not have to worry about having that amount paid off before registering for the next term.
**Please note that if the student has any other fees on file, such as a book charge fee, then the school can prevent them from being registered until those fees are paid.**
Do Chapter 35 DEA students have to report attendance to the VA?
No, Chapter 35 DEA students do not have to report attendance to the VA.
How to Chapter 30 & Chapter 33 verify their monthly enrollment?
Chapter 33 POST/911 will need call the National Education Center at 1-888-442-4551 and setup an account with the VA by pressing “0” and speaking with a representative. Once the account is setup, they can either call at the end of each month, or opt to be texted by the VA. Until a student verifies, they will not receive their MHA.
Chapter 30 Montgomery students must report their monthly attendance through WAVES found on the eBenefits website.
Do I have to turn in paperwork to the School Certifying Official (SCO) every semester?
Yes, the School Certifying Official (SCO) will need the VA Certification Request Form and MAP for EACH semester the student would like to use their VA Benefits to pay for school. Without the VA Certification Request form, the SCO does not have authorization from the student to submit to the VA.
Will the VA pay for remedial courses?
The VA will pay for remedial courses (courses below 100 level), if the course is completely on ground, not online or hybrid, and if the academic advisor has approved the student to take the course and placed it on the MAP.
Why does the book stipend for Chapter 33 Post/911 come so late, and what is the Promissory Note?
Certifications for enrollment for Chapter 33 are not submitted until a week before school starts due to CAC purge dates. This prevents the book stipend from being sent early enough for students to get books, so CAC has set up a Promissory Note for Veterans and Dependents to charge up to $500 at the CAC bookstore. A student may only charge on designated dates set up by the bookstore.
The promissory is NOT free money. Students, not the VA, will have to pay back the bookstore if they choose to use the Promissory Note. Please see the home page for Bookstore Charge Dates.
Is there a deadline to submit paperwork to the SCO for certification?
For Chapter 33 POST/911, the certification process will be done in two parts:
The first submission will be a week before the term begins. Once the Add/Drop period is completed, and there are no changes to the schedule, a second submission will be placed for tuition and fees. Emails will be sent out from the VA for each transaction. There is no need to contact the School Certifying Official (SCO) that the emails were received.
CHAPTER 33 POST/911 DEADLINE: Within 30 days of the first day of the Term. If paperwork is received after, per VA policy the certification cannot be submitted. Please keep in mind that it is 30 days from the first day of the term, not when the course starts.
For all other chapters, certifications will be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the term date, if the submission paperwork was received prior to that start of the term.
Any and all changes made to a student’s schedule will need to be notified to the SCO by the student on the day the change occurred to prevent debt and error with the VA. This includes being dropped from classes in error, choosing to be dropped from class, instructors dropping the class, or start dates changing.
Does Central Arizona College accept Tuition Assistant (TA) from the DoD?
Yes, Central Arizona College has an active MOU with the DoD for all branches of service. Please see Active Military under “Steps to Success” for links to apply for DoD TA.
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Barrett
Military and Veteran Specialist
School Certifying Official (SCO)
elizabeth.barrett@centralaz.edu
520-494-5517
