The Veterans Resource Center
Veterans' Educational Benefits at Edmonds Community College
The Veterans' Resource Center at Edmonds Community College provides guidance to veterans about eligibility requirements and the processes needed to access Veterans Administration educational benefits. Veterans who are eligible for educational benefits may also obtain tutorial services and assistance when applying for other types of financial aid. Veterans are encouraged to apply for financial aid to access additional sources of funding. Start now to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Step One: Apply for Veterans Administration Educational Benefits
Apply for benefits by visiting www.gibill.va.gov, selecting "Apply for Benefits," and then launching the VonApp program to apply for benefits. Students who have already received a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) previously may want to request a new Certificate as the new copy will provide the most accurate information regarding your remaining eligibility. Reservists and National Guard members eligible for VA educational benefits will also need to contact their unit to get a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) in addition to the VA benefit application mentioned above.
If you are planning on transferring your Post-9/11 eligibility to your dependent(s) please see Department of Defense site for the latest information.
Step Two: Apply for Admission to Edmonds Community College and Register for Classes
Complete the online or paper version of the Admission application.
Take the Accuplacer Assessment Test. See www.edcc.edu/es/assessment/ for more information.
Meet with an Advisor (usually available right after you take the Accuplacer). You may set up an appointment in advance by calling 425.640.1459. You will choose a degree or certificate program of study with their help.
Step Three: Attend a Veteran's Orientation
Complete steps one and two above, and then call 425.640.1175 to schedule an orientation. Please bring the following paperwork with you to the orientation to ensure you are able to complete your in-processing with the VA Certifying Officer:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or the Confirmation page
- Program Requirement Sheet for the degree or certificate you will work on -- available just outside the Advising Offices located on the first floor of Lynnwood Hall or in the college catalog. (Please note that the Veterans Administration will only pay for courses which are part of the certificate or degree program you've selected.)
- Accuplacer Test Scores -- given to you after you complete the test
- DD214 Member 4 copy with your type of discharge
- NOBE (Reservist 1606 Benefits)
Chapter 35 -- Dependents/Spouse
To access benefits, Steps One and Two above must be completed. The please bring the following paperwork to the orientation:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- 100% Letter
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificate of dependent
- Program Requirement Sheet
- Accuplacer Test Scores
- Death Certificate (if applicable)
Eligible dependents/spouse may receive a tuition waiver from the college. Both the veteran and the dependent must be residents of Washington State to qualify. The veteran's coordinator will go over the details of the application and certification process, as well as discuss other requirements needed to access and maintain your educational benefits. Get your Veterans Information Form here or pick up a copy at our office in the Veterans Resource Center, 236 Lynnwood Hall.
Transcript Evaluation
You are required to have all prior credits, both civilian and military, evaluated for transfer and application towards the degree program you'll be working on. This process must be completed by the end of the third quarter of your attendance at Edmonds Community College. Allow several weeks to complete this process. You will not be approved for funding in your fourth quarter if you do not complete this step. Get the contact information here.
Registration
Once you have completed the Orientation process you are required to complete and submit a Quarterly Information Form to the Veterans Office within two days of registration for the upcoming school quarter. This ensures your benefits will continue for each quarter you are enrolled. This also allows your tuition and fees payments to be delayed long enough for VA benefit payments to begin. Copies of the form are available in the Veterans Resource Center.
Academic Standards
You must maintain a 2.0 GPA, and you cannot repeat a class in which you previously received a passing grade, regardless of whether or not your veteran's benefits were used to pay for the class.
Tuition Waiver and Fee Discount
You -- and your eligible dependents -- may be entitled to a reduction in tuition while attending Edmonds Community College. This is available to all veterans and their eligible dependents who are Washington state residents and who were honorably discharged. This is a separate benefit from educational benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill. If you wish to take advantage of this discount, bring your DD form 214 Member 4 Copy at the time of registration. Eligible dependents must also bring a veteran's DD214 and 100% disability rating letter or, if applicable, a death certificate. Dependents may be eligible for a 100% waiver of tuition if the veteran was 100% disabled while in active service.
