Mesa State College is committed to supporting those who have served our country. Veterans of the military and their eligible dependents can count on MSC for accurate, current information needed to receive education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Mesa State College offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum, and in our small school setting, we deliver a personal, hands-on education. But an outstanding education is only one part of what makes college here such a rewarding experience. We offer more than 80 clubs and organizations on campus to help round out the college experience, including the Veteran’s Club. The mission of the Veteran’s Club is to create and promote student veteran academic achievement through networking, education or available resources and benefits, and involvement in campus and community activities.
Check out the Veterans Services Flyer for a general overview steps and contacts. To apply, simply go to the Admissions webpage. For more detailed information, check out the VA student Checklist and FAQ's.
We look forward to serving you at Mesa State College. Contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar’s Office, located in the lower level of Lowell Heiny Hall, Room 121 or at 970-248-1855, if you have any questions about your veteran's benefits or if we can assist you in any other manner.
VA Benefit Types
Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill
Chapter 1606 - National Guard/Reserves
Chapter 1607 - REAP (Reserve Education Assistance Program) National Guard/Reservists that have served at least 90 consecutive days or more since September 11, 2001.
National Guard members will also need to submit the Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form issued from the unit commander. Be sure to attach it to either your application or the signature page from the electronic application.
Chapter 31 - V A Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have a service connected disability, contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Counselor at 970-245-4156. Once the counselor has approved you for vocational rehabilitation, he/she will notify MSC that you have been approved. At that time the Certifying Official will add your name to the approved list and notify the Bookstore and Accounting Office that you are eligible. You can then pick up your books and supplies. MSC will bill the VA for both your tuition/fees and your books/supplies. Check with the Bookstore for information such as dollar limit, VA approved supplies, and other general questions.
It is your responsibility to let the bookstore employees know that you are VA approved.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation Office:
2472 Patterson
Unit 16
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970-245-4156
Chapter 32 - VEAP (Post Vietnam Era Veteran)
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 35 - Dependent Spouse, Children, Step-Children
Advanced Pay is an option that is available to you at the beginning of the first semester of the school year. This option allows you to receive the first month's payment before the semester begins. The next check will not be released for another two months.
While on active duty you have the opportunity to add an additional $600 to your education fund. This option increases your benefit by $150 per month if you are registered as a full time student. The amount is prorated for less than full-time status. This option should be reflected on your LES or contract. Be sure to attach copies of this information to your VA Application or signature page (Chapters 31, 32, and 35 veterans are not eligible for this benefit.)
A copy of your activation order is required. There are two options available to you. Option 1 is recommended to you.
Option 1 - Complete a Total Withdrawal Form at the Registrar's Office. "W" grades will be assigned to your classes and you will receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. "W" grades are not calculated into your GPA. You would be required to repay most of your entire financial aid award, not merely the part refunded for tuition and fees.
Option 2 - Request an Incomplete grade from each professor. An "I" grade will be assigned to your classes until you return from active duty and are able to complete the course requirements. Students choosing this option will not receive any refund of tuition and fees. This option might be of particular interest to those students receiving financial aid.
To make changes in your direct deposit, call 877-838-2778. Chapter 35 does not allow direct deposit. Checks are mailed directly to the student's address on file with the VA.
Enrollment of 12 credit hours is considered full-time by MSC and the VA. The VA stipulates that you must attend 12 credit hour classes the entire semester. If you are registered for 12 credit hours and one or more of these hours occurs during a first or second mod term, you must register for the same number of hours in the opposite mod to maintain full-time status with the VA.
Official Military Transcripts should to be mailed directly from the issuing agency to Mesa State College, Registrar’s Office, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
Air Force - The Air Force uses a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript for documenting ACE-certified military training and experience, course work, CLEP and DSST exams worthy of academic credit. For information on how to request your official transcript, visit the CCAF Website at: www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
Army and Army National Guard - The Army uses an Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript Service (AARTS) for documenting ACE-certified military training for academic credit purposes. For information on how to request your official transcript, visit the AARTS Website at www.aarts.army.mil.
Coast Guard - The Coast Guard uses a U.S. Coast Guard Transcript for documenting all training and experience worthy of academic credit. Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Institute Website at www.uscg.mil/hg/cqi or information on how to request your official transcript.
Navy and Marine Corps - The Navy and Marine Corps use a Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) for documenting ACE-certified military training and experience, course work, CLET and DSST exams worthy of academic credit. Visit the SMART Web- site at https://smart.navy.mil/ for information on how to request your official transcript.
If you are a first time student and have previously attended other colleges or universities, request that each institution mail an official transcript to: MSC Admissions Office, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501. If you are a returning MSC student and have previously attended other colleges or universities, request that each institution mail an official transcript to: MSC Registrar’s Office, Transcript Evaluator, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
You are responsible for paying your tuition and fees by the deadline dates. If you need help with a payment plan, please contact the Student Financial Advisor at 248-1873.
All veteran and veteran dependent students are required to complete a Veteran Intent to Register Form each year. Submit the form to the Certifying Official in the Registrar’s Office. Forms are available in the Registrar’s office or click Veteran's Intent to Register to print. NOTE: Be sure to complete the form for all semesters you plan to attend for a given school year.
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