Veterans Affairs

1. Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Veterans Affairs at SC State University is to assist veterans in pursuing their educational, professional, or vocational objectives. The Office serves as a liaison between enrolled veteran and dependent of veteran students and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The staff of the Office of Veterans Affairs are available to answer questions concerning veteran educational benefits, certify enrollments for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and monitor students’ degree plans and academic progress.

Veterans Affairs Brochure

2. SC State Tuition and Fees

All expenses for a semester must be paid in full at the beginning of the semester as a condition of admission to classes. A penalty of $200.00 will be charged for late registration. Please remit MONEY ORDER, CASHIER’S CHECK, or CERTIFIED CHECK (NO Personal Checks), payable to South Carolina State University and send to the Treasurer’s Office, P.O. Box 7425, Orangeburg, SC 29117

Important Notice: South Carolina Tuition Tax Credit Increase

To help ease the financial burden for South Carolina college students and their families, the South Carolina General Assembly has recently increased its income tax credit for eligible students for tuition paid to South Carolina colleges and universities.

To claim up to $1,500 in tuition tax credits, a Form SC 1040 must be filed. When preparing the South Carolina income tax return, Form I-319 Tuition Tax Credit must be completed. This form is included with all state individual income tax booklets. To determine if you are eligible, and for more information about the tax credit, please visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue Tuition Tax Credit website.

Current Tuition and Fees

Fall 2019 Tuition and Fees

Note: Certain online courses may require the completion of an examination in a proctored environment to confirm the identity of the students. Students are not charged a fee for a test proctored in the Assessment Center. A fee is charged for tests that are proctored at other locations other than the Assessment Center. Courses listed on this page are offered either totally online with no on-campus class meetings or delivered in a hybrid format where a portion of the course is taught online. Contact the academic department to determine whether the course is taught fully online or hybrid. Students must be admitted to the University in order to register for online or hybrid classes.

Veterans Affairs Brochure

3. Veterans Affairs Online Orientation

The attached is an online step by step guide for the new VA student as well as refresher for our currently enrolled VA students. This is meant to simplify the information provided on this web page as well as a reference point for you as students. Please contact the Veterans Affairs Office at 803-536-8826 or osmith@scsu.edu if you have any questions.

Veterans Affairs Online Orientation

4. VA Certification

Students you are required to submit a ENROLLMENT CERTIFICATION REQUEST each semester of enrollment to verify credit hours and course dates. You will not be certified until this document is on file in the Office of Veterans Affairs. You are also responsible for notifying of our office of any changes in degree program or semester hours (drops/withdrawals/changes in sessions) as projected on the Enrollment Certification Request form. Note: The Enrollment Certification Request is necessary for both first time and continuing student/veterans. However, veterans initiating benefits for the first time or transferring benefits from another institution must complete additional documentation. For further information concerning initial or transfer applications, please call the Office of Veteran Affairs at 803-536-8826.

5. Recipients of Veterans Benefits

CHAPTER 34, OLD GI BILL®
CHAPTER 32, VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 35, DEPENDENTS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 30, NEW GI BILL (MONTGOMERY GI BILL)
CHAPTER 1606, NEW GI BILL (SELECTED RESERVE)
ACTIVATED RESERVISTS AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 – CHAPTER 1607
CHAPTER 31, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
CHAPTER 33, THE POST-9-11 GI BILL
FREE TUITION/EDUCATION ASSISTANCE (FREE TUITION FOR CERTAIN VETERAN’S CHILDREN)

6. VA Certification

Certain veterans and their dependents are now eligible to pay resident, in-state tuition at SC State University and other approved institutions. To learn whether or not you qualify for in-state rates under this new law, which only applies to Chapters 30 and 33, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at (803) 536-8826. For online information from the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/factsheets_and_details.asp or review the attached fact sheet.

CHAPTER 34, OLD GI BILL
This program was discontinued on December 31, 1989. Generally, veteran students under this chapter entered active duty prior to January 1, 1977. Certain students eligible under this chapter on December 31, 1989, may also be eligible for Chapter 30 educational benefits if they have additional active duty service from October 19, 1984, through June 30, 1985, and meet other criteria as established under Chapter 30 guidelines. For more information on the Old Montgomery GI Bill select education benefits.

CHAPTER 32, VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM(VEAP) 
Entered the military service after January 1, 1977, contributed to the program, and did not contract with the Armed Forces under a delayed entry program. Benefits are dependent upon total contributions made and are calculated individually. No allowance is made for payment for dependents. Active duty service members may receive full VA educational entitlement under the VEAP program. Under specified conditions, participants under VEAP may be eligible to convert their entitlement to the New/Montgomery GI Bill. For more information on the Veterans Educational Assistance Program select education benefits.

CHAPTER 35, DEPENDENTS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
This portion of 38 U.S.C. authorizes educational benefits to dependents and survivors of certain veterans who have serious disabilities as the result of their service, (100% disabled), or who have died of a service-connected cause, were a prisoner of war, or missing in action. For more information on Dependents Educational Assistance select education benefits.

CHAPTER 30, NEW GI BILL (MONTGOMERY GI BILL) 
Entered Active Duty after June 30, 1985. Completed at least 2 years continuous active service; contributed $1200 to the program; received a high school diploma or GED; and received an honorable discharge. For more information on the New Montgomery GI Bill select education benefits.

Detailed pamphlet

CHAPTER 1606, NEW GI BILL (SELECTED RESERVE) 
Any person who enlists, re-enlists, or extends an enlistment in the Selective Reserve for not less than 6 years, in addition to any other period of obligation after June 30, 1985 and completed high school or GED, IADT, 180 days of service in the selective reserve and is satisfactorily participating in required training in the selective reserve. For more information on the Reserve GI Bill select education benefits.

Detailed pamphlet

ACTIVATED RESERVISTS AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 – CHAPTER REAP (Formerly 1607)  
Certain reservists who were activated after September 11, 2001 may either be eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. For more information on Chapter 1607 select education benefits.

CHAPTER 31, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Veterans who have been declared disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs due to service related injury. For more information on Vocational Rehabilitation contact your case manager.

benefits

CHAPTER 33, THE POST-9/11 VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2008 
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Benefits for Chapter 33 are not payable until after August 1, 2009.

For more information on Chapter 33, please select the following on the Department of Veterans Affairs website:

• Eligibility and Benefits select benefits
• Comparison between Chapter 33 and other educational benefits select benefits comparison
• Housing Allowances select Housing or Basic Housing Allowance Note: The Basic Housing Allowance is based on an E5 with dependents at the location of the school

Detailed pamphlet

FREE TUITION/EDUCATION ASSISTANCE (FREE TUITION FOR CERTAIN 
VETERAN’S CHILDREN)

Provides for free tuition to the children of certain war veterans attending South Carolina state
supported colleges and universities as well as state supported post high school technical
education institutions. Certain residency requirements apply. For questions or to apply
contact (803) 647-2434.  Applications can be picked up in the Office of Veterans Affairs or clicking
“Free Tuition/Education Assistance (Fee tuition for certain veteran’s children)”
on the Veterans Affairs site for South Carolina.

8. Getting VA Benefits Started at SC State University

New Students:

1. Complete the Veterans On-line Application VONAPP. online via the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Veterans eligible for Chapters 30, 32, 33, 1606, or 1607 benefits must fill out form 22-1990. Dependents under Chapter 35 must fill out form 22-5490.Veterans eligible for Chapter 31 benefits must contact their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before enrollment into the University. Veterans under Chapter 31 must submit Form 28-1905 (received from Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor) to the VA Coordinator.
2. It can take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Veterans Affairs to process your application. It is highly advised that new students entering for the Spring Semester complete their application no later than December 1st, new students entering for the Fall Semester no later than June lst.Once your benefits letter or Certificate of Eligibility is received, immediately submit it to the VA Coordinator.
3. All Chapters must complete VA Enrollment Certification Request Form.
4. Submit VA Enrollment Certification Request Form (by mail or in-person) to:Veterans Affairs Coordinator:
   The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
   204 Moss Hall
   Post Office Box 8104
   Orangeburg, SC 29117

Continuing Students:

1. If necessary update any change in chapter status via the Department of Veterans Affairs website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms. Students under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 1606, & 1607 fill out form 22-1995. Students under Chapter 35 fill out form 22-5495.
2. Complete VA Enrollment Certification Request Form. All Veterans and Dependent students must verify their enrollment each semester.
3. Submit VA Enrollment Certification Request Form (by mail or in-person) to:Veterans Affairs Coordinator:
   The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
   204 Moss Hall
   Post Office Box 8104
   Orangeburg, SC 29117

Transfer Students:
Veteran students transferring to South Carolina State University from another institution must update their status by completing the following:

1. Go to http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ and type Form# in the search box. Students under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 1606, & 1607 fill out form 22-1995. Students under Chapter 35 fill out form 22-5495.
2. Download, print, and submit to the VA Coordinator at SC State.
3. Complete VA Enrollment Certification Request Form. All Veterans and Dependent students must verify their enrollment each semester.
4. Submit the documentation above (by mail or in-person) to:Veterans Affairs Coordinator
   The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
   204 Moss Hall
   Post Office Box 8104
   Orangeburg, SC 29117

It can take six to eight weeks for the Department of Veterans Affairs to process VA Applications and Enrollment Certification Request Forms. New and continuing students seeking Veterans benefits are asked to complete and submit all necessary documentation no later than June 1st for the Fall Semester and December 1st for the Spring Semester. (Chapters 30, 1606, & 1607 only) must call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 877-823-2378 or 888-442-4551 monthly to process enrollment verification for payment.

9. Required Forms

22-1990 Application for Education Benefits

• • New applicants of all chapters except CH 35
  • Document needed from CH 30 and 32 – DD-214
  • Document needed from CH 1606 – Notice Of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) – DD-2384

• Document needed from CH 1606 – Kicker papers if eligible (MGIB Fund)

 

22-5490 Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance

• New CH 35 applicants only

 

22-1995 Request for Change of Program or Place of Training

• Students under all chapters, except CH 31 and CH 35, who are transferring VA benefits to SC State University as well as for current SC State University student veterans who want to change their major.

22-5495 Request for Change of Program or Place of Training

• Students under CH 35 who are transferring VA benefits to SC State University as well as for current SC State University student veterans who want to change their major.

10. Education Benefit Payment Rate

For payment information refer to Education Benefit Payment Rates page: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison_tool.asp 

11. Student Responsibilities

Veteran students at South Carolina State University have ongoing responsibilities to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Department of Veteran Affairs and the Registrar’s Office closely monitor each veteran student’s enrollment status and academic program, primarily since the student’s entitlement is based upon the number of credit hours for which a student is enrolled and any changes in academic program. 

 

The FOLLOWING are EXPECTED OF ALL STUDENT VETERANS and DEPENDENTS each SEMESTER:

• VA certification is validated by the semester. You are required to submit Certification documentation to the Veterans Coordinator to ensure that you are certified.
• You must maintain satisfactory progress to retain benefits.
• You are prohibited from receiving educational benefits for auditing a course.
• You will not receive benefits for repeated courses, unless they are graduation requirements.
• You must be formally admitted as a degree-seeking student after completing two quarters.
• Register only for courses that are required for completion of your selected degree.
• Do not register in courses for which you have previously received a passing grade/credit (even if taken at another institution).
• (Chapters 30, 1606, & 1607 only). Call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 877-823-2378 or 888-442-4551monthly to process enrollment verification for payment.

NOTIFY the VETERANS COORDINATOR in the REGISTRAR’S OFFICE, 204 MOSS HALL, IMMEDIATELY CONCERNING any of the FOLLOWING CHANGES:

• Termination of attendance
• Change in credit hours
• Withdrawal or stop of attendance in a course
• Grades of Incomplete (I)
• Change in educational program
• Change in address or phone number

TRAINING TIME

 

Enrollment Status		Undergraduate Students		Graduate Students
Full time		12 credit hours or more		9 credit hours or more
Quarter-time		11 to 9 credit hours		8 to 7.6 credit hours
Part-time		11 to 6 credit hours		8 to 6 credit hours
Less-than-part-time		5 credit hours or less		5 credit hours or less

12. Assistance Programs for Veterans and Dependents

Tutorial Assistance Program
Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving VA education assistance at the half-time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary. If you have questions on this program please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at their toll-free number 1-888-442-4551. 

 

Work Study Program
This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans’ office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. If you have questions on this program contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at their toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.

13. Academic and Counseling Services at SC State

Academic and Counseling Services at SC State

14. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office

Eligibility and payment questions should be directed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office at: 

Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Phone: 800-827-1000
Fax: 918-781-7864 http://www.benefits.va.gov/muskogee/

15. SC State University Veterans Coordinator & Important Telephone Numbers

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Veterans Coordinator in Registrar Office between the hours of 8:30a.m. and 5:00p.m. 

Veterans Affairs Coordinator
The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
204 Moss Hall
Post Office Box 8104
Orangeburg, SC 29117
803-536-8826

SC State University Veterans Office           803-536-8826 or 536-7185

SC State University Veterans Affairs Fax   803-536-8602

SC State University Registrar’s Office       803-586-7185

Department of Veteran Affairs                      888-442-4551

VA Phone Assistance &
General Benefits Information
(including general Vocational
Rehabilitation questions)                             800-827-1000

Chapters 30, 1606, & 1607
for monthly enrollment
verification & payment)                                   877-823-2378

16. Personnel Directory for Veterans Assistance

17. Veterans Affairs Q & A

What benefits do I receive as a veteran or dependent of a veteran?

• Eligibility for benefits as a veteran or dependent of a veteran is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Information on payments or benefits is available at Education Benefits on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

As active duty military or reservist, how do I find out what I am eligible for and how does TA (Tuition Assistance) benefits work?

• If you are active duty military, please consult your Educational Services Officer (ESO) within your Military Service to be advised as to what you are eligible for and how to apply for the benefit that will best suit your education requirements.
• Also, if you decide on using TA (Tuition Assistance), you will need to seek assistance through your Educational Services Officer (ESO) as well. The Officer will provide you with all pertinent information related to the requirements, deadlines and how to apply.

How do I obtain VA benefits with SC State University?

• Students must apply for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students can apply via the VONAPP, Veterans On-line Application, at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp or Veterans Application. Veterans eligible for benefits will fill out Form 22-1990. Dependents of veterans will fill out Form 22-5490.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs will mail you a Letter of Eligibility. Once received, please submit to the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs at:Veterans Affairs Coordinator:
  The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
  204 Moss Hall
  Post Office Box 8104
  Orangeburg, SC 29117
• It can take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is strongly recommended that students seeking veteran benefits apply via the VONAPP no later than June 1 for the Fall Semester and December 1 for the Spring Semester.

The VA Coordinator can be reached at 803-536-8405 or visiting the Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs in Moss Hall 204.

How do I certify my enrollment?

• Students with veteran benefits can certify their enrollment by submitting a VA Enrollment Certification Request Form to the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs. Students can pick up the Form in Moss Hall 204 or download from our website in Forms – click “Veterans Affairs Certification Form.” Fax Form to 803-536-8602 or mail to the following address:
  The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
  204 Moss Hall
  Post Office Box 8104
  Orangeburg, SC 29117

What is not covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

• The payment of VA educational assistance may not be made for any course or grade that is not computed in the graduation requirements of that school. Courses or grades that do not count towards a student’s graduation requirements may include:
  • Course Withdrawals
  • Grades of Incomplete that are not removed from a student’s record
  • Courses that do not serve as requirements or electives towards a student’s degree. Elective must not exceed the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation
• Please notify the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office immediately if you are taking a course or have earned a grade that does not count towards graduation requirements. It is strongly recommended that students report such information prior to the start of the current semester.
• Grades and courses that are not computed into a student’s degree requirements may result in an overpayment. If an overpayment occurs, the student will be charged with a debt to the U.S. Government.

What should I do if I am certified as a full time student, but I drop below 12 credit hours after classes begin?

• An undergraduate student must be officially registered for 12 credit hours to obtain full-time status. Receiving the pay rate of a full time student when you are enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will result in an overpayment. If an overpayment occurs, the student will be charged with a debt to the U.S. Government.
• Notify the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office immediately. The VA Coordinator will make the necessary adjustments to your certification with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is strongly recommended that the student report changes in credit hours prior to the first day of class.

What should I do if am transfer student with veterans benefits?

• Transfer students must complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form in order to have their veterans benefits transferred from their previous institution. Veterans will complete Form 22-1995 while dependents of veterans will complete Form 22-5495.

Transfer students must submit the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office.

What should I do if I decide to change my major?

• Submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office. Veterans will complete Form 22-1995 while dependents of veterans will complete Form 22-5495

What should I do if I decide to withdraw from SC State or transfer to another university?

• Contact the VA Coordinator immediately. The VA Coordinator will terminate your enrollment at SC State University with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• In addition to the termination of enrollment, students transferring to another university must submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to that institution.

How may I contact the VA Certifying Official at SC State University or the Department of Veterans Affairs?
You can reach the VA Coordinator via phone at 803-536-8826 or 803-536-7185.

The mailing address for the VA Coordinator is as follows:

The Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs
204 Moss Hall
Post Office Box 8104
Orangeburg, SC 29117

For questions concerning education benefits, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at:

SC State University Veterans Affairs Office	803-536-8826 or 536-7185
SC State University Veterans Affairs Fax	803-536-8602
Department of Veteran Affairs	888-442-4551
VA Phone Assistance & General Benefits Information (including general Vocational Rehabilitation questions)	800-827-1000
Chapters 30, 1606, & 1607 for monthly enrollment verification & payment)	877-823-2378