VA Certifications
- The Forever GI Bill® is an extension of the Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Veterans that served on or after January 1, 2013, are granted an unlimited time limit to utilize their Post 9/11® educational benefits.
- Chapter 33 students receive a monthly housing allowance, a book stipend, tuition and fees paid directly to the school, and tutoring assistance.
- At Palomar, Chapter 33 students are given a Service Indicator which ensures they will not have to pay tuition and fees upfront.
- Chapter 33 dependents that have been transferred the Chapter 33 entitlement are eligible for all the same benefits.
- For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/FGIBSummaries.asp
Pay Rates
| HOW MANY UNITS ARE CONSIDERED FULL TIME? | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pay Status | |
| Units | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | Full Time |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3/4 Time | |
| 7 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 | >1/2 Time | |
| No BAH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | <= 1/2 Time |
| Note: Post 9/11 Education Benefit® pays to the nearest 10% of the student status. For example, if you are considered ¾ time (75%) the VA will pay 80% of the full-time BAH rate. | |||||
- Post 9/11 GI Bill® has a time limit of 15 years from the date of EAS if your EAS was before January 1st, 2013.
- Chapter 33 students receive a monthly housing allowance, a book stipend, tuition and fees paid directly to the school, and tutoring assistance.
- Additionally, at Palomar, Chapter 33 students are given a Service Indicator which ensures they will not have to pay tuition and fees upfront.
- Chapter 33 dependents that have been transferred the Chapter 33 entitlement are eligible for all the same benefits.
- For more information and how to apply, please visit:
Pay Rates
| HOW MANY UNITS ARE CONSIDERED FULL TIME? | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pay Status | |
| Units | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | Full Time |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3/4 Time | |
| 7 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 | >1/2 Time | |
| No BAH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | <= 1/2 Time |
| Note: Post 9/11 Education Benefit® pays to the nearest 10% of the student status. For example, if you are considered ¾ time (75%) the VA will pay 80% of the full-time BAH rate. | |||||
- CH 30 students receive a monthly benefit based on a number of factors (time of service, “kickers”, and type of training a student is taking). To get a clear picture of what a student’s monthly benefit would be, they should call the VA education hotline.
- Note: no tuition/fees are paid directly to the school. The student is responsible for paying their tuition/fees in accordance with Palomar’s policy of 10 days from enrollment.
- CH 30 students do not receive a book stipend, but they are eligible to receive tutoring assistance.
- Montgomery GI Bill® has a time limit of 10 years from the date of EAS.
- For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/
- Chapter 35 is a benefit that is afforded to dependents when a service member (their sponsor) is 100% disabled due to service-connected disabilities or they are deceased (KIA or had 100% rating at the time of death).
- Children using this benefit generally have to be within the ages of 18-26. Spouses are eligible 10 years after the VA determines eligibility or 10 years after their spouse’s death.
- Chapter 35 students are allowed to use Veterans Priority Registration while they are using their Chapter 35 benefits.
- Note: No tuition/fees are paid directly to the school. The student is responsible for paying their tuition/fees in accordance with Palomar’s policy of 10 days from enrollment.
- For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
To find the most current pay rates for Chapter 35 recipients, please visit: Chapter 35 Rates For Survivors And Dependents | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. How To Apply For Veteran Readiness And Employment | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
-
If I’m eligible for GI Bill benefits, can I get paid the Post-9/11 GI Bill subsistence rate for my VR&E program?
If you’re participating in a VR&E program, you can choose to get paid the GI Bill subsistence rate instead of the Chapter 31 subsistence allowance rate if you meet both of these requirements.
Both of these must be true:
- You have at least 1 day of entitlement remaining under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and
- You’re within your GI Bill eligibility period
Note: In most cases, the GI Bill rate is higher.
You’ll need to officially choose the GI Bill subsistence rate.
-
Will VA deduct my VR&E benefits from my VA education entitlement?
If you use VR&E benefits, the VA won’t deduct entitlement from your other VA education benefits, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.
If you’ve used benefits under any other VA education program and then you use VR&E benefits, they’ll have to deduct from your remaining VR&E entitlement the amount of time used under the other VA education program.
But if you already used other VA education benefits and we determine that you’re eligible for VR&E, we may retroactively approve your previous months of entitlement and return them to the other VA education program. This is called “retroactive induction.” Ask your VRC if you meet the eligibility criteria for a retroactive induction.
- The Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606) program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve.
- The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, the Coast Guard Reserve, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
- Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA makes the payments for this program. You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.
- For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/
If you take part in the $600 Montgomery GI Bill® Buy-Up program, you’ll get more money each month through your GI Bill® monthly payments.
How do I get this benefit?
- Decide how much extra you want to contribute. With a $600 contribution, you can get up to $5,400 more in GI Bill® benefits.
View the rate table - Fill out a form called Montgomery GI Bill® Act of 1984 Basic Enrollment (DD Form 2366) and take it to your payroll or personnel office.
Get DD Form 2366 (PDF) - Keep copies of the form and any other paperwork that shows you made the payment.
Note: This program can’t be used with the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/buy-up/
The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship allows some eligible Veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Fry Scholarship benefits. Read below to find out if you’re eligible for up to 9 months (or $30,000) of added benefits and how to apply.
You may be eligible for this scholarship as a Veteran or a Fry Scholar if you meet at least one of these requirements.
At least one of these must be true:
- You’re currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program or qualifying dual-degree program, or
- You’ve earned a post-secondary degree or a graduate degree in an approved STEM degree field and are enrolled in a covered clinical training program for health care professionals, or
- You’ve earned a post-secondary degree in an approved STEM degree field and are working toward a teaching certification
For full eligibility requirements and more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/
If you want to gain computer experience to start or advance your career in the high-technology industry, find out if you’re eligible for our Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program that matches you with a leading training provider to help you develop high-tech skills.
You may be eligible for VET TEC if you meet all of the requirements listed below.
All of these must be true. You:
- Aren't on active duty or are within 180 days of separating from active duty, and
- Qualify for VA education assistance under the GI Bill®, and
- Have at least one day of unexpired GI Bill® entitlement, and
- Are accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider
Note: Your VET TEC training won’t count against your GI Bill® entitlement, and you need only one day of unexpired GI Bill® benefits to participate.
For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/
Does your college tuition cost more than what’s covered by the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program? Find out if you can get more money to help pay for school through the Tuition Assistance Top-Up program.
You may be eligible for Tuition Assistance Top-Up if you’re approved for federal TA and you meet both of these requirements.
Both of these must be true:
- You qualify for Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) or Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, and
- The cost of the course and fees is more than TA will cover
What benefits can I get?
You can get more tuition funding to cover the difference between the full cost of a college course and the amount covered under active-duty TA for up to 36 months.
If you’re using the Montgomery GI Bill®
You’ll get the difference between the DoD payment and the total cost of the course.
This benefit will be reduced, or charged, one month of entitlement for each payment received that is equal to the full-time monthly GI Bill rate.
Note: The combined amount paid by DoD and Tuition Assistance Top-Up can never be more than the total cost of the course.
Review the rate tables
If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®
We’ll pay back your school the difference between the DoD payment and the authorized (approved) maximum tuition and fees.
This benefit will be charged based on training time no matter how much money you’re paid back. Half-time training rates reduce your GI Bill® benefit by a half-month for each month you’re enrolled.
Note: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will often cover the full cost of tuition and fees, with the same amount of entitlement charged no matter how much is covered by TA. Be sure to consider your options before deciding to use both of these programs for the same courses. If you use these benefits separately, you're more likely to maximize your educational benefit funding.
Will it affect my GI Bill® benefits if I use Top-Up?
Yes. You’ll want to think carefully about your situation before applying for benefits through this program. You can talk with your education officer and use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to help you make your decision. If you’re going to take more courses after leaving the military, figure out if the GI Bill® benefits you have left will cover your needs.
For more information, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/tuition-assistance-top-up/
(*Files in Adobe Acrobat PDF format work best with Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Acrobat Reader if you don't already have it.)
1.) Apply to Palomar College:
- Apply for Admission - (https://www.opencccapply.net/gateway/apply?cccMisCode=061)
2.) Apply for VA Education Benefits online:
- VA Education Benefits - (www.va.gov)
3.) Submit a VA Coding Request:
- VA Coding Request -Students must fill out this form to be coded as a Veteran in myPalomar and receive priority enrollment. Open the PDF file and fill in all red boxes. When completed, save the file with your last name, student ID, and CODING as the name (e.g. smith123456789CODING) and email to veterans@palomar.edu with "Coding Request" in the subject line FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL.
NOTE: Ch.30, Ch.35, Ch.1606 & Ch.1607 recipients are responsible for paying their tuition & fees within 10 days of enrollment. Students who fail to post payment MAY BE DROPPED from all registered classes.
4.) Submit OFFICIAL copies of your transcripts:
- Request an official copy of your military transcript for delivery.
NOTE: This policy is federal law, and noncompliance may result in the delay of benefits processing, inaccurate academic advisement, or student financial liability in the event of VA auditing discrepancies.
Request your online transcripts at https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
First-time users should register for a JST account. The Palomar Veterans Services Office needs official transcripts via online delivery. If you have problems logging into the JST website, please e-mail the JST operations center at JST@doded.mil.
JST is the Joint Services Transcript that replaces the Coast Guard Institute Transcript, the Army ACE Registry Transcript (AARTS) and the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART). JST is an academically accepted document approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to validate a service member's military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations.
(Note: Do not purchase the rush order transcripts. Purchase the cheaper order and the VRC will take your receipt as proof.)
Visit this website to request your online transcripts: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
Submit Official transcripts from any other school that you attend to: https://www.palomar.edu/evaluationsandrecords/records-office/
5.) Schedule a Veteran’s Counselor appointment:
- Visit our VRC counselor webpage to schedule your appointment.
Note: Appointments made with the general counseling office do not guarantee accurate academic plans compliant with VA standards and may delay the processing of education benefits.
6.) Once you complete your appointment, enroll in classes:
-
- Priority enrollment dates can be found on the “Welcome” tab of your MyPalomar account. Enrollment for Spring usually begins around October, while Fall registration is typically in June.
- If your counseling appointment is prior to the beginning of the term, the veteran’s counselor will help you choose classes. Enroll in MyPalomar. If your counseling appointment is after the beginning of the term, you may still enroll in classes, but must ensure:
- Selected courses apply toward your declared major.
- Do not select any courses that you may have taken before.
- Advising Guide/College Catalog/Assit.org – Using these you can pull up the General Education, Major, and External Major associated with your major and fill in the blocks. Read all notes and ensure any previous classes from other schools are applied as well. The VA only pays for classes REQUIRED for each category.
7.) Once you are enrolled in classes, you are ready for certification:
NOTE: Dependent Education Assistance (Chapter 35) students must know their VA file number and payee number in order to be certified. (Click here for an example). VA file number is the sponsor's social security number.
-
- To submit your certification via your myPalomar student center:
- Visit your student center on myPalomar.
- To submit your certification via your myPalomar student center:
- To submit a paper Certification Request, please submit the form in an email to (veterans@palomar.edu) FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL with "Certification Request" in the subject line:
- You will request Certification of your classes for EVERY SEMESTER you wish to use benefits.
- Evaluation Request - Request form for the school to process an evaluation request on student’s transcripts and current major(s). Required by the VA. Fill this form out and save the file with your last name, student ID, and EVAL as the name (e.g. smith123456789EVAL).
- Declaration of Major and Education Plan are provided following a VA counseling appointment. Students will sign and date the Declaration of Major form and email both above forms to (veterans@palomar.edu)
- Students are required to update their major through their MyPalomar account based on the Academic Major listed on your Declaration of Major form.
NOTE: Add/drops for current certification: Email changes to veterans@palomar.edu with "Add/Drop" in the subject line – your email MUST include your first and last name, Palomar student ID# and what courses you are requesting to add and/or drop from your certification. EMAIL FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL.
(*Files in Adobe Acrobat PDF format work best with Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Acrobat Reader.)
Note: Federal privacy laws restrict the type of information we provide on the phone. We can only provide general information to students regarding their file. Parents and Spouses are reminded that we cannot provide information about the student without a written release signed by the student authorizing staff to discuss the record.
How many units are considered full time? |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pay Status | |
| Units | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | Full Time |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3/4 Time | |
| 7 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 | >1/2 Time | |
| No BAH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | <= 1/2 Time |
| Note: Post 9/11® Education Benefit pays to the nearest 10% of the student status. For example, if you are considered ¾ time (75%) the VA will pay 80% of the full-time BAH rate. | |||||
2026 PRIORITY REGISTRATION TIMETABLES |
|
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
The following services are not required but we strongly encourage you to apply:
- Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - General application to start receiving grants, loans, and scholarships through the school.
- Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOPS) - Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed for the orientation, recruitment and retention of California residents who are economically, socially, and educationally disadvantaged. EOPS assists students in reaching their educational goals through academic support and financial assistance.
- TRIO Student Support Services - The TRIO Student Support Services Program is one of three original federally-funded programs authorized by Congress in the 1960’s. It was designed to provide educational support and services to assist students of first generation, low-income and disabled backgrounds to enter and complete post-secondary education.
- Constant Contact Program - Sign up to receive up to date information on Veteran Benefits and Palomar College services! (https://www.palomar.edu/veterans/constant-contact-program/)
(*Files in Adobe Acrobat PDF format work best with Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Acrobat Reader.)
1.) Enroll in classes via MyPalomar:
-
- How to select which classes to enroll in.
- Evaluation of Major – once your official evaluation has been completed, it will be emailed to you and kept on file in the Veterans Office. This evaluation can be used as a tool in determining what classes to take toward your official declared major. Contact the VRC and ask for a copy.
- Education Plan – You can view your Educational Plan via palomar.edu (MyPalomar) from your student center. Here you can find the General Education guide assigned to your major along with your declared major and external major (if you are transferring).
- Advising Guide/College Catalog/Assit.org – Using these you can pull up the General Education, Major, and External Major associated with your major and fill in the blocks. Read all notes and ensure any previous classes from other schools are applied as well. The VA only pays for classes REQUIRED for each category.
- How to select which classes to enroll in.
2.) Certification Request:
- To submit your certification via your myPalomar student center:
- Visit your student center on myPalomar.
OR
-
- To submit a paper Certification Request Form, please submit the form to (veterans@palomar.edu) FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL with "Certification Request" in the subject line. Ensure the second page is initialed and completed.
NOTE: Add/drops for current certification: Email changes to veterans@palomar.edu with "Add/Drop" in the subject line – your email MUST include your first and last name, Palomar student ID# and what courses you are requesting to add and/or drop from your certification. EMAIL FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL.
3.) MAJOR CHANGE ONLY:
If you have changed your major this semester, please include the following to veterans@palomar.edu FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL:
- Evaluation Request - Required to evaluate prior transcripts, new major, and graduation eligibility.
- Declaration of Major and Education Plan are provided following a VA counseling appointment. Students will sign and date the Declaration of Major form and email both above forms to (veterans@palomar.edu)
- Students are required to update their major through their MyPalomar account based on the Academic Major listed on your Declaration of Major form.
(*Files in Adobe Acrobat PDF format work best with Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Acrobat Reader.)
Note: Federal privacy laws restrict the type of information we provide on the phone. We can only provide general information to students regarding their file. Parents and Spouses are reminded that we cannot provide information about the student without a written release signed by the student authorizing staff to discuss the record.
How many units are considered full time? |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pay Status | |
| Units | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | Full Time |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3/4 Time | |
| 7 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 | >1/2 Time | |
| No BAH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | <= 1/2 Time |
| Note: Post 9/11® Education Benefit pays to the nearest 10% of the student status. For example, if you are considered ¾ time (75%) the VA will pay 80% of the full-time BAH rate. | |||||
2026 PRIORITY REGISTRATION TIMETABLES |
|
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
1.) Parent Letter Completed:
-
- To attend Palomar College as a Guest Student, your parent school needs to complete and send a "Parent Letter" to veterans@palomar.edu with"Parent Letter" in the subject line.
2.) Certification Request:
NOTE: Dependent Education Assistance (Chapter 35) students must know their VA file number and payee number in order to be certified. (Click here for an example). VA file number is the sponsor's social security number.
-
- To submit your certification via your myPalomar student center:
- Visit your student center on myPalomar.
- To submit your certification via your myPalomar student center:
-
- Submit the following in an email to (veterans@palomar.edu) FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL with "CODING REQUEST" in the subject line:
- VA Coding Request- Students must fill out this form to be coded as a Veteran in myPalomar and receive priority enrollment. Open the PDF file and fill in all red boxes. When completed, save the file with your last name, student ID, and CODING as the name (e.g. smith123456789CODING).
- Submit the following in an email to (veterans@palomar.edu) FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL with "CODING REQUEST" in the subject line:
OR
-
- To submit a paper certification request, please include the following in an email to (veterans@palomar.edu) FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL with "Certification Request" in the subject line:
-
-
- Certification Request - Students must complete this form each semester and turn it into the VRC. Fill this form out and save the file with your last name, student ID, and CERT as the name (e.g. smith123456789CERT)
- VA Coding Request- Students must fill out this form to be coded as a Veteran in myPalomar and receive priority enrollment. Open the PDF file and fill in all red boxes. When completed, save the file with your last name, student ID, and CODING as the name (e.g. smith123456789CODING).
-
NOTE: Add/drops for current certification: Email changes to veterans@palomar.edu with "Add/Drop" in the subject line – your email MUST include your first and last name, Palomar student ID# and what courses you are requesting to add and/or drop from your certification. EMAIL FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL.
(*Files in Adobe Acrobat PDF format work best with Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the FREE Acrobat Reader.)
Note: Federal privacy laws restrict the type of information we provide on the phone. We can only provide general information to students regarding their file. Parents and Spouses are reminded that we cannot provide information about the student without a written release signed by the student authorizing staff to discuss the record.
How many units are considered full time? |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 8 weeks | 6 weeks | 4 weeks | Pay Status | |
| Units | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | Full Time |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3/4 Time | |
| 7 | 3 | 2.5 | 1.5 | >1/2 Time | |
| No BAH | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | <= 1/2 Time |
| Note: Post 9/11® Education Benefit pays to the nearest 10% of the student status. For example, if you are considered ¾ time (75%) the VA will pay 80% of the full-time BAH rate. | |||||
Cal Vet Fee Waiver - The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans (click here) under which dependents of Veterans may be eligible. The waiver covers 1 year academic year from Summer semester to Spring semester.
1. ) Apply for Cal Vet Fee Waiver:
- Fill out the Cal Vet Fee Waiver form and send it to the County Veterans Service Office (CVSO Locations) with the following attachments:
- Cal Vet Application - Download the most current application here at the bottom of the page
- Required documentation (please contact your local County Veterans Services Office if you need assistance)
2.) Once approved, submit the Award Letter to the Veterans Resource Center at Palomar College: veterans@palomar.edu
Tuition Assistance is the Military’s Financial Assistance Program and helps cover tuition costs for courses for Active Duty personnel. Tuition Assistance will cover 100% of your tuition up to $250 per semester credit hour. Cost of Tuition at Palomar College is $46.00 per unit/credit.
Before Getting Started:
If you are planning on using Tuition Assistance (TA), please be sure to speak with the Base Education Center before enrolling into courses at Palomar College. The Base Education Center will assist you in the application process and help you understand the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of TA.
The Base Education Center (BEC) website has a lot of useful information that may help as well! Please click here to visit their website.
- First time using TA? Please be aware that TA will only cover ONE class the first time you use this assistance.
- Cost of Tuition at Palomar College is $46.00 per unit/credit (i.e. 4 unit course will be $184.00 total).
- Navy- If it is your first time using TA, you may be required to submit an education plan to get your request approved. You can get an education plan by making a Counseling Appointment with one of our Palomar College Counselors. Please call us to schedule an appointment.
- Marines- For your first time using TA, you will not be required to have an education plan. You may be required to submit one your second time utilizing TA. If that is the case, please call us to schedule a Counseling Appointment.
- Keep up your grades! A’s and B’s will allow you to take more two class at a time, after your first time. Please note that TA will not pay for classes that you receive an F, FW, or D grade.
Tuition Assistance with Palomar College:
Now what? Read through the information below regarding using Tuition Assistance with Palomar College.
- If you are using TA, please let Palomar College know! While you are waiting for your TA to be approved, we will put a hold on your account to prevent you from getting dropped from your course due to non-payment. This saves your seat in the course without being penalized for a non-payment.
- Once your TA has been approved, please submit a signed copy of your TA voucher to either the Camp Pendleton Site or the Cashiers Office at the Main Campus. You may email your signed copy to cppen@palomar.edu.
- If you submitted a request for TA and it was not approved, you will be responsible for finding another source of payment. You are welcome to pay for the course out of pocket or apply for FAFSA to see if you qualify for State and/or Federal Aid. To apply for FAFSA, please visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Please note that your Student Account will reflect that you still owe money for tuition until we have processed billing and received payment from TA. Palomar College will bill and report grades 30 days after course completion.
- Note- TA will only cover tuition costs. Any additional course fees associated with the course (i.e. Student Representation Fee, Health Fee, Course Fees, etc) will have to be paid out of pocket.
- You can pay any additional course fees separately, in-person, through the Camp Pendleton Site or at the Cashiers Office at the Main Campus.
- As mentioned above, TA will not pay for classes that you received an F, FW, or D grade. You will be responsible for paying for the class either to Palomar College or to TA directly.
- If TA ends up paying Palomar College, TA may request you to pay them directly. If you know you will receive one of the grades listed above, we recommend cancelling your TA with the BEC and paying for your class directly to Palomar College.
- Dropping Classes- Depending on the time of your drop, you may have to pay for your course if it is after the refund deadline at Palomar College (refund and grading timelines are located in your Student Center under your Class Schedule). Please visit our Palomar College’s Refund Policy for more information.
- Military Withdraws- If you had to withdraw from a course due to military obligations, you will need to submit Military Withdraw letters to both TA (through the BEC) and Palomar College explaining the circumstances behind your situation. You can get a sample letter of a Military Withdraw for TA from the BEC and one from Palomar College through our office on Camp Pendleton. These will need to be typed up, signed off by your Command, and turned in to the BEC and Palomar College Camp Pendleton with any supporting evidence. If approved, TA will be responsible for paying for your course and you will receive a MW grade with Palomar College. Please note Military Withdraws are circumstantial and it is advised to speak with our Camp Pendleton Office if you think a Military Withdraw is necessary.
For more information, please visit: https://www.palomar.edu/camppendleton/tuition-assistance/
Historically, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Service (EDU) has allowed the practice of “rounding out” in which VA allows a school to certify for payment courses which are not a part of the beneficiary’s approved program of education in an effort to increase a beneficiary’s training time. Rounding out is only allowed during the beneficiary’s final academic term. By authorizing payment for these extra courses (courses which are potentially completely unrelated to the beneficiary’s program of study or vocational objective) GI Bill® students are eligible for full benefit payments, particularly maximum allowable housing allowance (MHA) under chapter 33, during this final term. Effective August 1, 2021, this practice will be limited to payments for pursuit of an approved program of education or training.
VA has amended its policy for “rounding out” to specify that any additional class(es) taken during the last term for the purpose of increasing training time or rate of pursuit, up to full-time, while not required for the specific beneficiary to graduate, are included within the program and would count toward an enrolled individual’s graduation requirements. Such classes must be specified by name in the approved program curriculum, and not have been already completed. A Veteran student can round out a schedule with additional courses to bring his/her course load up to a full-time schedule in his/her last term only. This allows students to continue to receive benefits at the full-time rate in their last term of enrollment, even though fewer credits are required to complete the program.
This procedure can be done only once per program.
EXAMPLE: A claimant needs to complete 120 credit hours to graduate with a degree in Music. As a graduation requirement, they have the choice to take two of four courses during their last term; they decide to enroll in all four courses, in order to be considered full-time during their last term in college. The claimant does not necessarily need all these additional hours but wants to “round out”. In this scenario, VA will allow the claimant to “round out” and take all four courses because they are still included within the program of education. Chosen classes must be specified by name in the curriculum.
NOTE: This concept may be used for Non-College Degree (NCD) schools offering courses in credit hours and operating on a term, block or unit basis. However, an NCD school on a clock-hour basis is not authorized to use this.
Please contact the VRC for more information and how to apply.
Find out how our Veterans work-study program can help you earn money while you’re enrolled in a college, a vocational school, or professional training program.
Am I eligible to take part in the Veterans work-study program?
You may be eligible to take part in our work-study program if you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You’re enrolled at least three-quarter time in a college degree, vocational, or professional program, and
- You have found an open job either at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school, and
- You can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits, and
- You’re using an approved VA education benefits program to pay for your education or training
Approved VA education benefits programs include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® for Veterans
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® for family members using transferred benefits
- Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
(Note: Dependents who qualify under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 may use work study only while enrolled at a school in one of the 50 states.) - National Call to Service
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-study/
If you’re using VA educational assistance, and you’re struggling with the coursework, we may help you pay for a tutor. Find out how it works. You may be eligible for this benefit if you’re using VA educational assistance and you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You’re enrolled in an educational program for half-time or more, and
- You’re taking a course that’s difficult, and
- You have to take the course as part of your educational program
Note: The VA won’t pay more than $100 per month for tutoring, and won’t pay more than $1,200 total.
How do I get this benefit?
- Your course instructor (or teacher) at your school must agree that you need a tutor and write a letter on your behalf. The instructor should send the letter to your school’s certifying official and add a copy to your VA student file.
- If your school approves your need for a tutor, it will assign you a tutor and confirm the tutor’s hourly pay.
- After you get tutoring, you, your tutor, and your school’s certifying official must fill out and sign an Application for Individualized Tutorial Assistance (VA Form 22-1990t). If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, your instructor must also sign section 18 of this form.
Download VA Form 22-1990t (PDF) - The form must be signed and dated on or after the date of the last certified tutoring session (item 12b on the form).
If you’re using the Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB), you can get up to $600 before we charge your benefits. If you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), we won’t charge your GI Bill® benefits.
Note: Reservists using the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) benefit can’t also get tutorial assistance.
For more information, please visit: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/tutor-assistance/
Students have the option to attend other colleges while enrolled at Palomar College.
If you wish to attend another school you will need to provide the following:
- Proof of enrollment at the guest school - Student must provide a proof of enrollment from their guest school. This can be in the form of unofficial transcripts or class schedule. The proof MUST show the student's name and name of the college or institution. Save the file with your last name, student ID, and "Proofofenrollment" as the name (e.g. smith123456789Proofofenrollment).
- Parent Letter Request Form - Fill this form out and save the file with your last name, student ID, and "Parentletter" as the name (e.g. smith123456789Parentletter).
Email all files to veterans@palomar.edu with "Parent Letter" in the subject line FROM YOUR PALOMAR STUDENT EMAIL.
Enrollment Verification
Constant Contact
Sign up to receive up to date information on Veteran Benefits and Palomar College services!
2026 PRIORITY REGISTRATION TIMETABLES |
|
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | May 4, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | May 4, 2026 |