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Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents

We are here to guide veterans in their transition to college life and ongoing academic success. CF’s Veterans Success Center aids in receiving education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. We provide assistance to military service men and women, veterans, and eligible dependents enrolled at the College of Central Florida.

Assistance includes guidance in VA education benefit programs, the application process for new students, certification process, requests for change of program or place of training, student responsibilities, deferments, and more.

CF’s Veterans Community

CF has a close-knit veterans community, with many opportunities to connect and support each other. The Ocala Campus is home to CF’s Veterans Success Center, which offers resources and a dedicated space for veterans. Veterans can also get involved with CF’s Veterans Association, a student-led organization that holds events and meetings each semester.

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Admissions Application Process for Veterans

Veterans seeking to attend CF follow the standard admissions process. Within the online application, you can elect to identify as a veteran or veteran’s dependent. This self-identification will not influence the admissions process and is purely to help connect veterans with CF’s Veterans Services department for assistance.

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VA Benefits Application Process

Applying for Chapter 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606 as a first-time applicant:

  • Go to benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
  • Click on Apply for Benefits, then select Apply Online.
  • Click on Launch VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) and Apply for Benefits.
  • The VONAPP will appear in a new window. Click Start VONAPP.
  • Create a login and password; then log in and complete the application. (Be sure to save or your data will be lost.)

Allow up to three weeks for processing. You should receive a Certificate of Eligibility within that time. If you have not, contact the VA directly at 888-442-4551.

Applying for VA Education Benefits if you HAVE Used Your Benefits Before

  • Chapters 30, 33, and 1606 require a VA form 22-1995. Those who are Chapter 35 require VA form 22-5495.
  • Both forms are available from either your previous school’s VA Office or from CF Veterans Success Center.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance

Federal Aid

Many CF students who receive veterans benefits are also eligible for federal financial aid. Find out about the process for applying for aid on our Financial Aid page. CF also provides a variety of helpful instructional videos about veteran financial aid through FATV.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance funds are a unique, distinct source of financial aid available to eligible Service members. TA benefits are applied to a student’s account before any additional financial aid that the student is eligible to receive.

Air Force

Apply for Tuition Assistance online at the Air Force Virtual Education Center. You must create a username and password before accessing the online TA request. To apply for TA, follow these steps:

  1. Select Reason for Request.
  2. Select the School Name.
  3. Enter term dates.
  4. Enter the course information.
  5. Enter the registration fees.
  6. Verify TA information and submit request.

After your request is approved, you will receive notification of approved TA form. The approved form will have both the approved signatures. Finally, you must send a copy of the approved TA form to the CF Cashiers Office.

Army

Request Tuition Assistance at GoArmyEd.com. After your request has been approved, you will receive notification from GoArmyEd. If the TA request is not approved, GoArmyEd will provide a reason as well as options. Finally, you must send a copy of the approved TA form to the Cashiers Office.

Navy

Contact your Navy College advisor to receive educational counseling and to determine what courses will be requested for Tuition Assistance. Complete the TA Application form and return to your Navy College Office for processing. Finally, you must send a copy of the approved TA form to the CF Cashiers Office. Visit the Navy College website for more information.

Marine Corps

You must apply for and receive written authorization for TA through the appropriate education office prior to enrollment. Finally, you must send a copy of the approved TA form to the CF Cashiers Office. Visit usmc-mccs.org for more information.

Coast Guard

The USCG Institute and U.S. Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center manage Tuition Assistance. The Coast Guard Institute approves the TA Application and issues the TA Authorization form. You must send a copy of the approved TA form to the CF Cashiers Office. Visit the Navy College website or the VA Benefits website for more information.

Veterans Benefits

Chapter 30 Benefits

The Montgomery GI Bill® program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the MGIB.

Chapter 31 Benefits

The Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program offers a number of services to help each eligible disabled veteran reach his or her rehabilitation goal. These services include vocational and personal counseling, education and training, financial aid, job assistance, and, if needed, medical and dental treatment. Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances.

Chapter 33 Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after Sept. 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Chapter 35 Benefits

Dependents’ Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Chapter 1606 Benefits

The MGIB-Selective Reserve program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

All active duty service members should speak with their Educational Service Officer or military counselor to receive approval before enrolling at CF. CF Admissions and Financial Aid counselors are also available to answer any questions you might have.

For more information, contact the Veterans Success Center at 352-854-2322, ext. 1720, or email veterans@cf.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.