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 CSU Sacramento – College of Continuing Education (CCE)

Can I use VA benefits at both CCE and the main Sacramento State campus at the same time? 

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.

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 CSU Sacramento – 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 CSU Sacramento or the CSU Sacramento 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 GI Bill® Comparison Tool to find out which CCE programs are VA-approved.