Veterans Affairs Benefits

Overview

Veterans Affairs Benefits

Sac State’s College of Continuing Education is excited you’re considering enrolling in one of our many programs. We are committed to offering admission opportunities to current and former members of the military.

Our Veterans Student Support & Compliance Specialist will assist you with the benefits as well as answer any questions you may have.

Eligibility

To check if you or your dependents are eligible to receive Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for the most current information.

Department of Veterans Affairs

You can compare GI Bill® benefits by school, program, and estimated tuition coverage with the GI Comparison Tool at this link.

Required Documents to Start Using VA Education Benefits at CSU Sacramento

New Students

  • Veterans Only – Copy of DD214
  • Copy of all unofficial college transcripts (Joint Service Transcripts)
  • Copy of Certificate of Eligibility (can be a screenshot of the VA page with benefits). Ch. 35 Submit the veteran sponsor’s Full name and their VA File# or SSN.
  • Completed Veteran Enrollment Certificate (VEC) – VEC Form
  • If utilizing Military Tuition Assistance (TA) – TA Authorization Voucher

Continuing Students

  • Completed Veterans Enrollment Certificate (VEC) – VEC Form
  • If utilizing Military Tuition Assistance (TA) – TA Authorization Voucher

Open University

Open University courses are not eligible to be certified with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program to utilize their VA education benefits. 

Cal Vet Fee Waiver

The Cal Vet Fee Waiver cannot be used for any continuing education program, including degrees, certificates, Summer Session, and Winter Intersession.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

CSU Sacramento – College of Continuing Education accepts Military Tuition Assistance (TA). TA can cover up to $250 per semester hour up to $750 per class. TA pays for tuition, but does not cover fees, books, or repeated courses. To use TA, please submit your TA Authorization Voucher to cce-veterans@csus.edu. For more information, please speak with your Military Education Office. 

Approved VA Programs at CCE

Links & Resources

Ask VA (AVA)
Submit questions or requests securely to the VA through Ask VA (AVA).

GI Bill® Comparison Tool
Compare GI Bill® benefits by school, program, and estimated tuition coverage.

How to Apply for Education Benefits
Step-by-step guide to applying for your VA education benefits online.

Military Tuition Assistance
Get information regarding Tuition Assistance for Active Duty, Reservists, or National Guard.

Order Joint Services Transcripts
This page guides military service members and veterans through the process of registering and ordering their official Joint Services Transcript (JST) to be sent to post-secondary institutions via online or mailed delivery.

Order Military Service Records
This National Archives page explains how veterans and their next of kin can request copies of military records—including DD‑214s, Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF), medical records, and replacement medals—usually for free, through the eVetRecs system, standard mail (SF‑180), or fax.

VA Education Benefits Overview
Explore all VA education and training benefits, including eligibility and types of assistance.

VA Education Line
Call (888) 442-4551 for help with VA education benefits, eligibility, applications, and payment questions.

VA Education Benefits

Program Eligibility Benefits Use Cases
Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill ® Veterans/service members with qualifying active duty after 9/10/2001; some dependents via transfer. Covers tuition/fees, monthly housing allowance, book stipend; transferable to dependents. Best for recent veterans seeking college, vocational training, or advanced degrees.
Chapter 35 – Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Spouses/children of veterans who are permanently disabled or deceased due to service. Monthly stipend for education and training programs (college, vocational, and apprenticeships). Supports dependents of disabled/deceased veterans pursuing education.
Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Veterans with service-connected disabilities needing help to prepare for and maintain employment. Counseling, training, tuition coverage, and job placement assistance. Helps disabled veterans gain meaningful employment or career retraining.
Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) Active-duty members who paid into the program, and certain veterans after active-duty service. Monthly education benefit payments for up to 36 months of training. Good for veterans who paid into the program pre-Post-9/11 GI Bill era.
Chapter 1606/1607 – Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Members of the Selected Reserves or National Guard with qualifying service. Monthly education benefit payments while in school or training. Supports reservists balancing service and civilian education goals.

To find out more about VA education benefits, visit: VA education and training benefits.

Article Aug. 11, 2025

CCE Veterans Student Support & Compliance Specialist Sees Role as A ‘Guide and an Advocate’

Christopher Soriano joined Sac State’s College of Continuing Education [CCE] in the summer of 2025 to support military-affiliated students. In two months as a Veterans Student Support & Compliance Specialist, he has seen how much the CCE community cares about its students. 

And as a veteran himself, he understands the unique challenges veterans face.