FAQ

To continue enrollment at Columbia College and to receive federal student financial aid, a student must make satisfactory academic progress. Both grades earned (GPA) and hours attempted and completed are considered. Each session that a student attends Columbia College, the Financial Aid Office will review the student’s academic progress. Not meeting these standards will result in Financial Aid Probation for the next semester. This means that the student would continue to receive financial aid for the semester he/she is on probation. Failure to meet the required standards in the subsequent academic term will result in financial aid suspension. Anyone placed on [...]

The benefits available under the VMSDEP are a waiver and a stipend. A waiver of tuition is a cancellation of tuition costs and all required fees at any public institution of higher education or other public accredited postsecondary institution granting a degree, diploma, or certificate in the commonwealth of Virginia. The second is a stipend to offset other necessary costs for attending college, including: room, board, books, and supplies (amount of stipend is dependent on funding) for students attending any public institution of higher education or other public accredited postsecondary institution granting a degree, diploma, or certificate of the Commonwealth of [...]

To access VMSDEP benefits, follow these steps: a) Apply for and be accepted by Columbia College or other institute of higher learning granting a degree, diploma or certification in the commonwealth of Virginia. b) Request a letter of eligibility from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services by completing the VMSDEP application found on the Department of Veterans Services Website at: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-military-survivors-and-dependents-education-program-2-2/. c) Present your VMSDEP Letter of Eligibility to Columbia Colleges Financial Aid Office, located inside the Admissions Office. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will mail a copy of the VMSDEP Letter of Eligibility to Columbia College. Note that it is [...]

To request a letter of eligibility, complete the VMSDEP application, found on the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website at: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/virginia-military-survivors-and-dependents-education-program-2-2/. Print, sign and mail the application to the address shown on the application.

Our goal is to make all eligibility determinations within thirty days of receipt of your application. It is important that prospective students apply early so that the Virginia Department of Veterans Services will have time to review your application, and, if you are eligible, issue your Letter of eligibility in time for you to use your VMSDEP benefits.

Future students are eligible for up to four years (36 months) of the VMSDEP benefits. This means that Columbia College will waive tuition and required fees for up to four years, per student. This also applies if a student attends one school for part of the four years and another school for the remainder. Present the VMSDEP Letter of eligibility to CCs Office of Financial Aid to ensure the tuition and fee waiver is applied to his/her student account.

The 2007 General Assembly created what is known as the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Fund (VMSDEF). The sole purpose of the VMSDEF is to provide financial assistance for board and room charges, books and supplies, and other expenses necessary for the completion of the course-load within the allotted time-frame.

Yes, as long as all eligibility requirements are met.

Yes. Students may attend two state-supported schools concurrently, as long as he/she meets the admission and attendance requirements of each institution.

Send a letter to the Commissioner of Veterans Services requesting the waiver. The letter should clearly state why the student was not able to use his/her benefits before age 30. Be sure to attach any supporting documentation. Approval is not automatic- there must be extenuating circumstances that have prevented a person from using VMSDEP benefits before the age of 30.