Western Carolina University is committed to providing exemplary support to members
of the military and veterans, their spouses, and their college-aged children. We provide
one-on-one admissions and financial aid counseling to ensure our military students
are able to maximize their benefits and receive a high-quality, affordable education.
We offer undergraduate and graduate programs at our main campus in Cullowhee, in Asheville
at Biltmore Park, and online for those stationed around the globe. In addition to
certifying eligible recipients for military and veteran education benefits, the Military
Student Services staff will provide information and referral services, help you select
the right program for your situation, connect you with other military students, and
help you balance school requirements with military obligations. WCU is home to top-ranked
programs in fields ranging from emergency and disaster management to emergency medical
care to criminal justice.
Click the button above to let WCU Military Student Services know what benefits you
plan to use for the next academic cycle.
Important Information regarding benefits: Due to the complexity of VA regulations, each situation is unique. The school cannot
determine eligibility, pay rates, or months of benefits. VA regulations exclude school
representatives from advising students on what actions to take regarding VA benefits.
It is the students' responsibility to learn about their VA benefit options and to
decide what is best for their situation. WCU Military Student Services is here to
assist you in accessing that information and connecting you with resources, but Western Carolina University Military Student Services is not responsible for making
decisions for you. Per VA regulations, the school will report accurate information to the VA in a timely
manner based on the student's request.
If you need more information or help along the way, please contact Briana Ford, Director,
Military Student Services, at 866.928.4723, 828.227.3074 or blford@wcu.edu
Resource for veterans in WCU residence hall: Are you a veteran living in a WCU residence hall and need a place to go? For assistance,
contact ABCCM in Buncombe County at vsc@abccm.org or 855.962.8387. Stay safe! WCU Green Zone Training
The UNC Military Equivalency System contains thousands of equivalencies between military
occupations and training and academic courses at the 16 universities in the UNC System.
Before applying for admission, prospective students can use the resource to determine
how experience from their Joint Services Transcript (JST) equates to specific courses
at the state’s public universities. The Military Equivalency System also provides
a transparent and streamlined way for students and institutions to review the JST
at any time before or during enrollment.
Apply for TA online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center. This must be done
through the Air Force Portal
Details can be found on the Air Force's "Virtual Education Center" Online TA Request
You must request TA between 45 & 7 days before the class begins
Notify WCU Military Student Services, each semester that you plan to use TA for your
classes at military@wcu.edu or 828.227.2135.
Provide a copy of your TA Authorization Form AF-1227 to Military Student Services
There will be an estimate put on the student's account for the amount we expect to
receive from the Military for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and
may be adjusted based on what tuition assistance actually pays the school.
Any additional charges are the responsibility of the student and are due at the regular
due dates.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
TA applications MUST be authorized (funded) prior to the term start date
Notify WCU Military Student Services, each semester that you plan to use TA for your
classes at military@wcu.edu or 828.227.2135
Provide a copy of your TA Authorization Form to Military Student Services
There will be an estimate put on the student's account for the amount we expect to
receive from the Military for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and
may be adjusted based on what tuition assistance actually pays the school
Any additional charges are the responsibility of the student and are due at the regular
due dates
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill
TA applications MUST be authorized (funded) prior to the term start date.
Notify WCU Military Student Services, each semester that you plan to use TA for your
classes at military@wcu.edu or 828.227.2135
Provide a copy of your TA Authorization Form to Military Student Services
There will be an estimate put on the student's account for the amount we expect to
receive from the Military for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and
may be adjusted based on what tuition assistance actually pays the school.
Any additional charges are the responsibility of the student and are due at the regular
due dates
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
Additional information can be obtained from your Education Services Office (ESO)
TA applications MUST be authorized (funded) prior to the term start date.
Notify WCU Military Student Services, each semester that you plan to use TA for your
classes at military@wcu.edu or 828.227.2135
Provide a copy of your TA Authorization Form to Military Student Services
There will be an estimate put on the student's account for the amount we expect to
receive from the Military for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and
may be adjusted based on what tuition assistance actually pays the school.
Any additional charges are the responsibility of the student and are due at the regular
due dates.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
VETERANS
Thank you for your service to our country. We appreciate you! While our expertise
is focused on VA Education Benefits, we are happy to assist you with navigating other
aspects of the VA. WCU Military Student Services does not determine your eligibility
for benefits, as this is a VA decision. We will help you complete the correct forms,
answer your questions, and assist you throughout the process.
Montgomery GI BillALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS.
Apply to use this benefit at vets.gov or complete the paper version VA form 22‐1990.
Provide a copy of your application and/or your certificate of eligibility to the certifying
official.
This benefits is paid directly to the student monthly. The VA pays at the beginning
of the month for the previous month.
All charges at the school are the responsibility of the student and due at the regular
due dates.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: The student must call 1.877.823.2378 or log in to W.A.V.E to verify his/her attendance each month
If this is the first time you are using this benefit, it can take the VA up to 12
weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. You may not receive your
housing allowance until mid to late semester. Budget accordingly.
If you have used this benefits previously at another school, please complete VA form
22‐1995 and provide a copy to the certifying official.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
Post 9/11 GI BillALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS
Apply to use this benefit at vets.gov or complete the paper version VA form 22‐1990.
Provide a copy of your application and/or your certificate of eligibility to the certifying
official.
The VA will pay the school directly for the tuition and fees. Only the in-state rate
is approved. The VA does NOT pay the out of state tuition and fee rate.
There will be an estimate put on the student’s account for the amount we expect to
receive from the VA for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and may be
adjusted based on what the VA actually pays the school.
With the exception of in-state tuition and fees, ALL charges at the school are the
responsibility of the student and due at the regular due dates. This includes housing
and meal plans.
You will be required to pay some fees up front and be reimbursed later. For example,
you must pay the tuition deposit (currently $150) to ensure your place here at the
school. This amount will be included in the tuition reported to the VA.
Chapter 33 does pay a housing allowance. It is paid directly to the student monthly.
The VA pays at the beginning of the month for the previous month.
Chapter 33 does pay a book stipend. It is paid directly to the student once in the
fall and once in the spring. The amount is based on the number of credit hours, up
to $1000 per academic year.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: If this is the first time you are using this benefit, it can take the VA up to 12
weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. You may not receive your
housing allowance until mid to late semester. Budget accordingly.
If you have used this benefits previously at another school, please complete VA form
22‐1995 and provide a copy to the certifying official.
If you are due a refund, please keep in mind we cannot refund you monies we have not
yet received. Therefore, all or part of your refund may be delayed until the funds
arrive from the VA. You should expect these funds to arrive mid to late semester.
Budget accordingly.
The regulations for chapter 33 are complex and the benefits vary based on many different
factors. Contact the VA directly for information on your specific benefits. 1.888.442.4551
WCU is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is designed
to help cover the out of state tuition not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. In general,
a student must meet the following criteria to qualify for Yellow Ribbon funding
Student must be using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level
Student must be charged out of state tuition
Student using Post 9/11 benefits at a rate less than 100% do not qualify. Students
charged in state tuition do not qualify.
Yellow Ribbon funds are limited and eligibility does not guarantee you will receive
funding. Students who qualify will receive an email from the WCU Military Student
Services Office with instructions on how to apply.
Reserve GI BillALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS.
Procedures for applying for this benefit vary by branch. Please contact your ESO or
Commander for details.
Provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the certifying official.
This benefits is paid directly to the student monthly basis. The VA pays at the beginning
of the month for the previous month.
All charges at the school are the responsibility of the student and due at the regular
due dates.
If this is the first time you are using this benefit, please remember it can take
the VA up to 12 weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. Budget accordingly.
If you have used this benefit previously at another school, complete VA form 22-1995
and provide a copy to the certifying official.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect,contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
The Veterans Choice Act Legislation allows qualifying students to receive instate tuition rates, even if
the student is not a state resident. In general, to qualify the student must meet
the following criteria
Student must be using GI Bill benefits, including MGIB, Post 9/11, and Reserve GI
Bill.
Student is being charged out of state tuition.
Student begins school within three years of the service member’s separation from the
military.
Students who appear to meet the eligibility requirements will receive an email from
the Military Student Services Office with instructions on how to apply. You may also
contact Military Student Services and ask for a review of your eligibility.
Vocational RehabilitationALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS.
Once you are approved for this benefit and have been accepted at the university, go
to military.wcu.edu and complete the “Military Education Benefits Notification” form.
Always follow the instructions provided by your case manager.
There will be an estimate put on the student’s account for the amount we expect to
receive from the VA for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and may be
adjusted based on what the VA actually pays the school.
You may charge supplies at the book store, if approved. Check with your case manager for
details.
You will be required to pay some fees up front and be reimbursed later. For example,
you must pay the tuition deposit (currently $150) to ensure your place here at the
school.
This amount will be included in the tuition reported to the VA.
If this is the first time you are using this benefit, please remember it can take
the VA up to 12 weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. Budget accordingly.
If you are due a refund, please keep in mind we cannot refund you money we have not
yet received. Therefore, all or part of your refund may be delayed until the funds
arrive from the VA. You should expect these funds to arrive mid to late semester.
Budget accordingly.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
SPOUSES & DEPENDENTS
Thank you for your support of our service members. We appreciate you, too! During
your time as a Catamount, feel free to reach out to our office with any questions
you may have. WCU Military Student Services does not determine your eligibility for
benefits. This is a VA decision. We will help you complete the correct forms, answer
your questions, and assist you throughout the process.
Dependents Education AssistanceALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS.
Apply to use this benefit at vets.gov or complete the paper version VA form 22-5490.
Provide a copy of your application and/or your certificate of eligibility to the certifying official.
This benefits is paid directly to the student on a monthly basis. The VA pays at the beginning
of the month for the previous month.
All charges at the school are the responsibility of the student and due at the regular due
dates.
If this is the first time you are using this benefit, please remember it can take
the VA up to 12 weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. Budget accordingly.
We cannot discuss the student’s account, including benefits, unless the student has
completed the release of student information form.
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of EntitlementALL STUDENTS USING THIS BENEFIT MUST CONTACT MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES EACH SEMESTER
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR CLASS TO CONFIRM YOUR BENEFITS.
Service member transfers all or part of his/her Post 9/11 GI Bill to the dependent.
The dependent applies to use this benefit at vets.gov
Provide a copy of the application and/or student’s certificate of eligibility to the
certifying official.
The VA will pay the school directly for the tuition and fees. Only the in-state rate
is approved. The VA does NOT pay the out of state tuition and fee rate.
There will be an estimate put on the student’s account for the amount we expect to
receive from the VA for tuition and fees only. This is just an estimate and may be
adjusted based on what the VA actually pays the school.
With the exception of in-state tuition and fees, ALL charges at the school are the
responsibility of the student and due at the regular due dates. This includes housing
and meal plans.
You will be required to pay some fees up front and be reimbursed later. For example,
you must pay the tuition deposit (currently $150) to ensure your place here at the
school. This amount will be included in the tuition reported to the VA.
Chapter 33 does pay a housing allowance. It is paid directly to the student monthly.
The VA pays at the beginning of the month for the previous month.
Chapter 33 does pay a book stipend. It is paid directly to the full-time student once
in the fall and once in the spring.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: If this is the first time you are using this benefit, it can take the VA up to 12
weeks to process your certification once it is submitted. You may not receive your
housing allowance until mid to late semester. Budget accordingly.
If you have used this benefits previously at another school, please complete VA form
22‐1995 and provide a copy to the certifying official.
If you are due a refund, please keep in mind we cannot refund you monies we have not
yet received. Therefore, all or part of your refund may be delayed until the funds
arrive from the VA. You should expect these funds to arrive mid to late semester.
Budget accordingly.
The regulations for chapter 33 are complex and the benefits vary based on many different
factors. Contact the VA directly for information on your specific benefits at 1.888.442.4551
If you receive a bill you believe to be incorrect, contact Briana Ford immediately.
Do not ignore the bill.
I should have received a payment from the VA this month. Where is it?
We make every effort to process your certification to the VA in a timely manner.
Unfortunately, once we send it to the VA, it is out of our hands and we can no longer
see the status of your certification. Here are some tips to check on your payment:
Check with the Certifying Official to be sure you have completed all the requirements
and your certification as been processed.
Is this the first time you are using the benefit? It can take the VA up to 3 months
to process your payment for the first time.
Create an Ebenefits account. You can check your payment status anytime!
Call the VA and ask for the status of your certification. 1.888.442.4551
Where’s my refund?
The VA does not disburse funds on the same timeline as the Department of Education.
We cannot issue your refund until all the funds have arrived. The VA generally pays
mid-to-late semester (October for fall & March for Spring). In some cases, you may
receive a partial refund when Financial Aid processes them and a second refund later
in the term when the VA pays.
I am being deployed and cannot finish my semester. What should I do?
First, contact Military Student Services to discuss your options right away. Our office
can work with you to find the best solution for you. Second, notify your professors.
Finally, follow through with the instructions from Military Student Services.
I have training and I am going to miss class. What should I do?
Notify your professor as soon as possible. It is helpful if you let them know at the
beginning of the semester this might happen. WCU is a military friendly school. If
you need additional assistance or documentation for your professor, contact Military
Student Services. While the final decision is up to the professor, we can advocate
on your behalf.
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply
or constitute DoD endorsement*