Education Information for all students

The Sierra College Veterans Educational Services Office is the liaison to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs for educational benefits. To be eligible, a veteran must have served continuously on active duty for a period of at least 181 days; 10 years must not have passed since discharge or release. The veteran must have served under conditions other than dishonorable in order to be eligible for assistance. Before the college will process any student's GI Bill educational program, he or she must be fully matriculated, with all transcripts on file and required tests taken.

Sierra College offers Veteran's educational benefits to eligible veterans, reservists, and dependents for most courses. Benefits may be paid for courses that are required for the student's declared program of study on file in the Sierra College VA Office some limitations apply ­ see listing in the Sierra College VA Office). All students who wish to receive VA education benefits MUST complete the matriculation process. Students receiving benefits must be aware of and maintain satisfactory progress throughout their program of study in accordance with Sierra College and VA Standards of Progress.

Matriculation Requirements

All students are required to have official transcripts from all prior colleges, universities, and training institutes on file within the first semester of attendance. In addition, students must complete the Matriculation process, which includes completing assessment in reading, English and math, and meeting with the Sierra College Veterans Affairs academic counselor. New students must complete these requirements before the start of the first semester.

Benefit Coverage

Payment of benefits is based on the number of units in which a student is enrolled. When applying for VA benefits, students must declare a major. Benefits will be paid only for courses required for that degree. Once a satisfactory grade has been earned, Veterans may not repeat that course and receive benefits. Benefits are restricted on some types of courses such as: televised, independent study, field trips, short term, non-degree credit, and remedial courses. Students should always check with the Sierra College Veterans Educational Services Office before registering for courses.

VA Standards of Progress

In addition to the standing Sierra College policy on probation/dismissal, students receiving VA education benefits must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better after two consecutive semesters will be reported to the U.S.D.VA as maintaining Unsatisfactory Progress and VA educational benefits will be discontinued. Students reported on Unsatisfactory Progress must receive Sierra College VA academic counselor approval before re-certification is possible. In order to ensure that satisfactory progress can be achieved, the Counselor may impose unit limits and/or require courses for which the VA will not pay.

Veteran Dependent Exemption

The children and spouses of US Veterans with service connected disabilities or veterans who have died in service or from service-connected disabilities may be eligible for waiver of college fees, and/or for a small monthly payment. For more information contact your county Veterans Services Office or the California Department of Veterans Affairs.