Veterans at TCC

TCC proudly honors our veterans by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is essentially an agreement between the VA and a private school whose expenses exceed the allotted in state tuition annual amount which is currently capped at $21,970 for 2016. For the remainder of annual tuition, the school agrees to pay a portion and the VA agrees to match it. This agreement is renewed every year in order to account for tuition increases. Because we participate in this program to the fullest possible extent, eligible veterans may have 100% of their annual tuition covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Unlike many other schools, we do not limit the number of veterans who will be enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon Program. You have served for us, we will serve for you!

In order to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must be either: a Veteran receiving benefits at the 100% benefit rate, a transfer-of-entitlement-eligible dependent child, or spouse of a Veteran. You must also be receiving benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. In order to qualify for this you must make an irrevocable choice to switch from the Montgomery GI Bill. Please read the information provided by the VA at http://www.gibill.va.gov/ so that you may make the choice that gives you the greatest benefit.

Additionally, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® entitles the Veteran to a $1000 annual book stipend as well as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the E-5 with dependent rate for 36 months. As of 2013, the BAH rate for Pasadena is $1623 per month.

To apply for Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits and to get your Certificate of Eligibility, please fill out the VONAPP application at http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/as we will need your Certificate of Eligibility to assess your level of benefits and is included in your application paperwork. Also, the VA may take some time to process your application (up to a few months), take this into consideration when gathering your application paperwork so that it will not impact your anticipated starting date.

Application steps:

1. Fill out the online TCC application

• a. Fill out your FAFSA with all schools you are considering
• b. Get your Certificate of Eligibility and fill out your VONAPP

2. Send in your previous transcripts

3. Send in a copy of your DD-214, replacements can be ordered at
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

We have accommodated all types of students who are Veterans or related to Veterans and using their benefits whether it be the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, REAP or Vocational Rehabilitation. We have an experienced team in financial aid that can help you navigate the VA and their programs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your admissions representative or Arthur Goudeau in the financial aid office at [email protected]. Furthermore, many frequently asked questions may be resolved by information provided on the official Post 9/11 GI Bill® website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

Benifical Links:

Financial Aid Guide for Military and Veterans, has information on: · How to Apply for GI Benefits · Scholarships by Military Branch · Awards and Aid for Family Members