Getting Started with VA Education Benefits

Which VA education benefits can I use if my parent or spouse served in the military?

You may be eligible for benefits under the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35) or Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. Eligibility is determined by the VA. Visit va.gov or contact the VA for more information.

How do I find out which programs are approved for VA education benefits?

Use these tools to explore approved schools and programs:
GI Bill® Comparison Tool – Compare benefits by school and program, and estimate tuition coverage.

Where can I get help with VA benefits like eligibility, applications, or payments?

Visit Ask VA (ask.va.gov) to securely submit questions or requests directly to the VA.

Using Benefits at Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE)

Can I use VA education benefits at CCE and Sacramento State’s main campus, or another campus, during the same enrollment period? 

No. Although CCE is part of Sacramento State, each has a different VA facility code. Benefits can only be used at one school at a time.

The only exception is if you are a Guest Student at one of the campuses and taking a required course for your degree. Please contact cce-veterans@csus.edu for more information.

Which fees are covered and not covered by VA education benefits?

VA education benefits may cover certain required graduation-related fees, depending on your eligibility percentage.

Covered Fees Include:

• Diploma and commencement fees are covered at your approved VA benefit rate (e.g., 100%, 90%, 80%).
• Students using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) at 100% or Chapter 31 (VR&E) are not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs for these fees.
• Students using Chapter 33 at less than 100% eligibility, as well as those using VA education benefits other than Chapter 33 or Chapter 31, are responsible for paying any portion of the balance not covered by the VA.
• If you are unsure of your eligibility rate, please contact cce-veterans@csus.edu to confirm whether any out-of-pocket payment is required.

Not Covered Fees Include:

• Cap and gown fees are not covered by the VA, as participation in the commencement ceremony is optional and not required for graduation.

Can I use the Cal Vet Fee Waiver at CCE? 

No, the Cal Vet Fee Waiver does not apply to any CCE programs, including degrees, certificates, Summer Session, or Winter Intersession. CCE is self-supported and does not receive state funding.

Does CCE accept Military Tuition Assistance? (TA)

Yes, Military Tuition Assistance is accepted at Sacramento State’s CCE. TA typically covers $250 per semester hour up to $750 per class. TA has a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year. TA covers tuition, but does not usually cover fees, books, or repeated courses. Service Members will need to submit a TA Authorization voucher to cce-veterans@csus.edu. For more information about TA, visit this website or speak with your Military Education Office. 

Enrollment and Certification Process

What documents do I need to submit to use my VA benefits? 

For new CCE students:

• DD-214 (Member-4 copy preferred; redact SSN if desired)
• Unofficial transcripts (including military transcripts, if applicable)
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA
• Ch. 35 DEA students: Sponsor’s full name and VA File # or SSN
• Veteran Enrollment Certificate (VEC) Form

For continuing students:

• Veteran Enrollment Certificate (VEC) Form

Do I need to complete the Veteran Enrollment Certificate (VEC) every term?

Yes. Submit a new VEC each term or when you change your enrollment (add/drop courses). The VEC is your official request for us to certify your courses with the VA.

What happens if I don’t submit a VEC or notify you of added or dropped courses?

Payment delays or issues may occur, including:

• Missed tuition payments
• Delayed book stipends or housing payments
• Potential VA debt if courses are dropped without notice due to overpayment

My course is listed as hybrid. Why am I certified as an online student?

VA regulations require that to receive the in-person housing allowance, your required attendance must be physically on campus at Sacramento State or Sacramento State’s CCE building; otherwise, you are certified as an online student.

Courses and Program Eligibility

Can I take courses outside my degree program and still get certified?

Only if the course is approved by your Program Manager as a substitute for a required course. Otherwise, it cannot be certified with the VA. Make sure all your courses align with your approved degree plan to avoid issues with certification.

Can I use VA benefits for Open University courses?

No, Open University courses are not VA certifiable. Only students enrolled in VA-approved CCE programs may use their education benefits. Visit the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to find out which CCE programs are VA-approved.

Paramedic and EMT Programs

Do VA education benefits pay for EMT/Paramedic Program background checks, drug tests, licensing exams, and/or internship fees? 

VA education benefits do not cover these fees because they are not required by the College of Continuing Education and are paid to a third party. However, if you receive a Monthly Housing Allowance or other monthly stipend, you may use those funds to help cover these costs.