Veterans Administration Education Programs

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) is approved by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits for veterans and children and spouses of veterans (Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, and 1606, 1607 Title 38, U.S. Code).

Follow the link for more information on each chapter.

Chapter 30	Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program
Chapter 31	Veteran Readiness and Employment VR&E (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment)
Chapter 32	Post-Vietnam Era Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
Chapter 33	Post 9/11® Veteran's Educational Assistance Act of 2008
Chapter 35	Dependent's Educational Assistance Program
Chapter 1606	Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program
Chapter 1607	Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

 

Veterans receive monthly payments for their entitlement based on the course work for which they enroll. Students should register for classes with caution, making certain that each course undertaken meets the requirements for payment. The following are requirements for courses to be eligible for payment:

Course Selection:

• Each course must be a requirement for graduation in a degree program at WCJC. No course may be taken for audit. No course may be a repeat of a course for which credit has already been received (A, B, C, & D are passing grades). Each course must be completed and assigned a grade that is used to compute grade point average (GPA) and progress toward degree.
• Withdrawals without mitigating circumstances that culminate with no credit being awarded or no punitive grade being assigned result in benefits being terminated from the beginning date of the semester, thus creating an over-award and possible student responsibility for repayment to the Veterans Administration.
• Students receiving Hazlewood benefits are only eligible for this benefit at Wharton County Junior College for up to 90 attempted credit hours.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements: 

67% Completion Rate (Pace)

Students receiving state and/or federal veterans benefits must successfully complete 67% of all institutional and transferrable credit hours attempted, regardless of whether benefits were received for the credit hours.  Wharton County Junior College only recognizes and accepts transferrable credit from colleges or universities that have been accredited by a Regional Accrediting Association, as defined in the college’s catalog. 

To calculate completion rate, divide total hours successfully completed by total attempted hours. Total is not rounded up (EX:  Completion of .6666667 is a 66% completion rate).

The completion rate of transfer students will be evaluated upon enrollment at WCJC.  Students who have not met the 67% completion rate for whom it is mathematically possible to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment (defined as 12 semester credit hours) will enter on Warning (“Probation”) status.  If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment, the student will enter on Suspension status, with the opportunity to appeal.

2.0 Institutional GPA

Students receiving state and/or federal veterans benefits must maintain a 2.0 term and cumulative grade point average on all college level credit hours attempted at WCJC (this includes developmental studies and dual credit hours) in order to remain eligible for state and/or federal veterans benefits.

Maximum Timeframe of 90 Attempted Hours

A student is eligible for state and/or federal veterans benefits for up to 150% of the credit hours required in their program.  Eligibility is lost beyond this limit. 

Example: An Associate of Arts Degree requires 60 credit hours. 60 credits hours x 150% = 90 credit hours. After 90 credit hours, eligibility for state and/or federal veterans benefits is lost

NOTE:  ALL attempted academic coursework in a student’s academic history, including developmental coursework, foreign credits, and credits from proprietary institutions, is included in the 150% limit, regardless if it transfers to WCJC for course credit or not.

SAP Evaluation

• SAP for new and returning students, including transfer students, will be evaluated upon enrollment at WCJC.
• SAP for continuing students will be measured three times per year, at the end of each semester, fall, spring, and summer. The evaluation will be made regardless of the number of credit hours attempted during the semester.
• Grades of A, B, C, and D are considered credit hours attempted and successfully completed (earned).
• Grades of F, I (Incomplete), and W (Withdrawals and drops) are counted as credit hours attempted but not successfully completed (unearned).
• Course repeats are counted as attempted credit hours and either earned or unearned depending upon the grade assigned. The last grade is included for GPA purposes if course was attempted for the last time at WCJC.
• Only the first two attempts of a course completed with a passing grade can be paid by financial aid. The third attempt cannot be included for payment purposes.
• Course work attempted and grades earned in semesters forgiven through the State of Texas “Academic Fresh Start” program will be included in the SAP calculation.
• Students failing to meet a term or cumulative 2.0 GPA on institutional coursework and/or complete 67% of their transferrable and institutional coursework will be placed on Warning status for one term. Students in Warning status will have “Probation” posted as their financial aid status in Online Services.
• Students who receive all F’s, W’s, I’s, or a combination of these for the last attempted semester are considered to have earned a zero GPA for that semester and will be placed on financial aid Suspension. This policy applies to all students, including transfer students, regardless if the coursework transfers.
• Students not meeting the minimum SAP criteria at the end of their warning (Probation) period will have “Suspension” status (NONSAP) posted in Online Services and will be ineligible for financial aid.

Regaining Eligibility

Students placed on Suspension may continue to enroll at WCJC but must pay for their coursework from their own funds. State and/or federal veterans benefits eligibility will be reinstated after a student meets the SAP criteria, both the completion rate (67%) and institutional term and cumulative grade point average (2.0). Reinstatement will occur at the end of the academic term and will secure financial aid eligibility for the next term of enrollment

Students who are on Suspension status may file a veteran benefits appeal.

Veteran Benefits Appeals

• A student who has been suspended from state and/or federal veterans benefits for failure to meet SAP requirements due to extenuating circumstances may appeal the decision by completing an appeal form, explaining the extenuating circumstances, and providing appropriate documentation to support their claim. Appeals without documentation will not be considered.
• Students who receive all F’s, W’s, or I’s or a combination of these (zero GPA) for the last attempted semester will be placed on financial aid suspension. This policy applies to all students, including transfer students, regardless if the coursework transfers. Students who can document extenuating circumstances for a zero GPA need to file a veterans benefits appeal with the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible with information/documentation regarding their circumstances.  State and/or federal veterans benefits appeal information is available on the WCJC website.  Students are advised these circumstances include but are not limited to:
  • Student health issues or significant trauma that resulted in withdrawal from the college
  • Verifiable errors by college that resulted in withdrawal
  • Deployment into active military service
• Appeals for attempting below a 67% completion rate require a copy of a degree plan, an appeal form, and an explanation why coursework was not successfully completed, with supporting documentation as relevant to the situation.
  • Students for whom it is mathematically possible to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment (defined as 12 semester credit hours) and who successfully appeal enter the next semester on Warning (Probation) status and must achieve 67% completion at the end of the term.
  • If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment and the student successfully appeals, the student will be placed on an academic plan, which they must follow. Students must complete 67% of the classes for which they register each term and maintain both a term and overall grade point average of at least 2.0. Violation of any of these conditions will result in the appeal becoming void.
• Appeals for attempting beyond the maximum timeframe (90 hours) require a copy of a degree plan and an appeal form explaining why the additional coursework is necessary.
• Students approved for over 150% of program length will be placed on an academic plan, which they must follow. Students must complete 67% of the classes for which they register each term and maintain both a term and overall grade point average of at least 2.0. Violation of any of these conditions will result in the appeal becoming void.

Rounding

SAP guidelines do not allow rounding of SAP standards. For example, a 66.7% completion rate would not meet the 67% completion rate standard, and a GPA of 1.95 does not meet the 2.0 standard.

Student Responsibility

Students are responsible for understanding and monitoring their own SAP status. Students can check their SAP status in real-time through the Online Services student portal.  Although the Financial Aid Office attempts to notify students of their veteran benefits status, failure to receive notice does not affect the calculated status and is not a reason to appeal.

Students may receive assistance in applying for VA benefits and should contact the Financial Aid office at least 30 days prior to the first class day of each term to complete all necessary paper work for that period of study. Students will need to send the forms listed below to the Certifying Official in the Financial Aid office. Incomplete applications are not reviewed or approved.

New WCJC Veteran Students and Students With a 6-Month Break in Enrollment

Document requirements for New Veterans

     Veterans using Chapter 30, 32, 33, 1606, 1607

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Letter, dated less than 6 months. Must submit VA Form 22-1990 (if applying for the first time) or VA Form 22-1995 (if transferring to WCJC or changing majors) at eBenefits to receive COE.
• DD214, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended
• Official military transcripts (AARTS, SMARTS, CCAF)  
• VA students co-enrolled at another institution must inform the WCJC VA Certifying Official of their co-enrollment status and provide a Parent Institution Letter.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

     Veterans using Chapter 31

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Letter, dated less than 6 months. Must submit VA Form 22-1990 (if applying for the first time) or VA Form 22-1995 (if transferring to WCJC or changing majors) at eBenefits to receive COE OR VR&E Purchase Order submitted by VA counselor
• DD214, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended 
• Official military transcripts (AARTS, SMARTS, CCAF)
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

     Dependent Child or Spouse using Chapter 35

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Letter, dated less than 6 months. Must submit VA Form 22-1990 (if applying for the first time) or VA Form 22-1995 (if transferring to WCJC or changing majors) at eBenefits to receive COE.
• DD214 for the Veteran, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended 
• Birth certificate and/or marriage certificate showing relationship to veteran (Step-children of veterans will need both birth certificate and parent/step-parents' marriage certificate.)
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

Continuing Students With No 6-month Break in Enrollment

Document requirements for Returning Veterans

      Veterans using Chapter 30, 32, 33, 35

• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

     Veterans using Chapter 31

• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

Veterans using Chapter 1606 or 1607

• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

Visit the Veterans Services Page to obtain academic credit for military experience.

 

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does not include living expenses, books, or supply fees. A Veteran must, at the time of entry into active duty of the U.S. Armed Forces, have designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident.

Students should read the Hazlewood Act Administrative Rules and Statutes.

Students eligible for this benefit should contact Financial Aid prior to enrolling for classes. Students will need to send the required forms to the Certifying Official in the Financial Aid office. Students should submit documents 30 days prior to the first day of class for processing. Incomplete applications are not reviewed or approved.

New Students and Students With a 6-Month Break in Enrollment

     Veteran

• Texas Hazlewood Act Application
• DD214, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended.
• Provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for GI Bill® benefits (Chapter 30, 33) by requesting an education benefits letter in the student's name from the VA at eBenefits. 
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. Veterans must register and provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit every semester of enrollment

     Dependent Child (Legacy) 

• Texas Hazlewood Act Application
• DD214 for the Veteran, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended.
• Provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for GI Bill® benefits (Chapter 30, 33) by requesting an education benefits letter in the student's name from the VA at eBenefits.
• Relationship Documentation: Child's birth certificate listing Veteran as parent or most recent tax return of Veteran listing dependent child. A death certificate for the Veteran is required if death was not related to service.
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. Both the Veteran and the student must register and provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit for every semester of enrollment

Dependent Child or Spouse of a Veteran who is rated 100% disabled for the purpose of employability, KIA or MIA. There is no age limit for the dependent.  

• Texas Hazlewood Act Application
• DD214 for the Veteran, Member 4 or Service 2 copy
• Academic transcripts from each school previously attended.
• Provide proof of eligibility or ineligibility for GI Bill® benefits (Chapter 30, 33) by requesting an education benefits letter in the student's name from the VA at eBenefits.
• Relationship Documentation: child's birth certificate listing Veteran as parent or most recent tax return of Veteran listing dependent child. A marriage license is required for a spouse. A death certificate for the Veteran is required if death was not related to service.
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. The dependent child or spouse must register and provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• 100% Disabled: VA disability letter stating Veteran is 100% disabled.
• KIA or MIA: VA Form DD1300
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit for every semester of enrollment

Continuing Students With No 6-month Break in Enrollment

     Veteran

• Continued Enrollment Hazlewood Application
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. Veteran must provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit for every semester of enrollment

     Dependent Child (Legacy)

• Continued Enrollment Hazlewood Application
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. Both the Veteran and the student must provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit for every semester of enrollment

Dependent Child or Spouse of a Veteran who is rated 100% disabled for the purpose of employability, KIA or MIA. There is no age limit for the dependent. 

• Continued Enrollment Hazlewood Application
• Hazlewood Online Database Registration. The dependent child or spouse must provide a printout of Hazlewood hours used.
• WCJC Request for Veteran Certification (electronic version) OR Request for VA Certification (print version); submit for every semester of enrollment

 The WCJC Financial Aid Office accepts documents in the following ways:

• Fax 979-532-6937
• Attached to an email finaid@wcjc.edu or veterans@wcjc.edu.
• Delivered in person at any campus
• Mailed to WCJC Financial Aid Office, 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488

Student's name and WCJC ID number should be on all documents submitted.

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679(e) of Title 38, United States Code, Wharton County Junior College conforms to the following policy for “covered individuals,” defined as any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11® GI Benefits. 

• Any covered individual may attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to Wharton County Junior College a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
  • 1. The date on which payment from VA is made to Wharton County Junior College.
  • 2. 90 days after the date Wharton County Junior College certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
• Wharton County Junior College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Wharton County Junior College due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

Pursuant to the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, effective August 1, 2021: Wharton County Junior College will NOT charge a tuition rate higher than the rate charged for residents of Texas to any covered individual receiving educational assistance under Chapters 30, 31, or 33, as long as the covered individual is currently living in Texas (regardless of the covered individual’s State of legal residence).

Students can access their College Financing Plan (CFP) through Online Services.  An estimate of total program cost can be calculated by multiplying the figures in the CFP by years in the student's program.

Additional consumer resources can be found here.

BAH Calculator

GI Bill ®Benefits Comparison Tool

National Testing Program

Rate Tables

Tutorial Assistance