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Veterans

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Mississippi State Approving Agency. Veterans can use their GI Bill® benefits to attend Jones College. The Veterans Affairs Office at Jones College provides Veterans, Reservists, and their dependents assistance in obtaining the educational benefits to which they are entitled. The office is responsible for submitting enrollment certifications for new and continuing students to the VA and answering questions veteran students or dependents may have concerning their educational benefits. Thank you for your service and sacrifice! We look forward to guiding you on your journey to activate your VA educational benefits.

Apply For Financial Aid
Tuition Assistance
  • Apply for admission. Still need to apply click Here
  • Request transcripts from high school and any colleges attended.
  • DD214 (Active Duty) or a NOBE (National Guard or Reserve)
  • Complete appropriate application for VA education benefits
  • Service members must receive approval from an Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling.
SEAP
The Mississippi State Educational Assistance Program (SEAP) pays toward tuition to state and regionally accredited institutions for Soldiers who are not authorized for Federal Tuition Assistance. THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO SERVICE MEMBERS WHO ARE SEEKING THEIR FIRST UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND/ OR VOCATIONAL PROGRAM. The Free Tuition Programs (FTP) at the schools listed below are the only locations where SEAP can be combined with FTA and GI Bill. SM must tell the University that are applying for the benefit. All deadlines must be met to qualify for the SEAP benefit during that semester. If the deadline is not met, the SM must submit in writing an exception through the Education office. The SEAP Board determines the amount per semester before each fiscal year based on funds allotted by the state legislature. SEAP currently funds up to $4,500.00 per year (1Jul-30Jun) at $250.00 per hour based on funding availability. **SEAP funding is allocated through the State Legislative process. All funds and amounts are subject to availability**
ArmyIgnitED
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) through ArmyIgnitED pays up to $250.00 per semester hour, not to exceed 16 semester hours per fiscal year. For example, FY-23 covers courses with start dates between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023. As of Monday, 29 August 2022, Soldiers using the Federal Tuition Assistance Program must navigate to the upgraded version of the ArmyIgnitED portal to establish a NEW ArmyIgnitED account to request tuition assistance for courses beginning 1 October 2022 and later.

Education Services Specialist (NGB / MSARNG)
Phone: (601) 927-9297
Email: david.f.jolly2.civ@army.mil
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315
Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 ("Isakson and Roe"), adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021, and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree starting August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence that schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation. See the VA Isakson & Roe web page for additional information. For further information about the requirements of Section 1018, VA Isakson & Roe Section 1018
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315
All veterans and service members of the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard who are active duty, National Guard or Reserve can order an official transcript through the Joint Services Transcript online system and email it to veteransaffairs@jcjc.edu for the registrar to review.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) for Air Force
All veterans and service members of the Air Force who are active duty, National Guard or Reserve can order an official transcript through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) online system.
Mississippi Active-duty military and MS National Guard
Mississippi Active-duty military and MS National Guard members are considered residents According to the AG’s office, if the military documents list the Home of Record as MS, that individual is considered a Mississippi resident.
Additional Notes for US Veterans and beneficiaries:
(1) As per Mississippi Senate Bill 2127 of the 2015 Legislative Session, eligible veterans and their direct dependents are to be considered as in-state residents for tuition purposes. The bill amends state law § 37-103- 25
(2) The School Certifying Officer is the one who determines or is officially notified by the MS Veterans Administration Board (MSVAB), that a veteran is eligible. He/she will issue a signed letter or form to the Jones College Admissions office.
  • It should be noted that once the student has been determined to be a veteran or beneficiary, this benefit applies to the current semester and all subsequent semesters of enrollment
  • Enrollment does not have to be continuous, and the benefit has no expiration
  • The student does not have to use VA benefits to receive the in-state tuition benefit
  • The student is not required to have a MS address as this benefit is for a nonresident veteran or beneficiary (3) For an in-state veteran a Mississippi Driver’s License with the Veteran designation/flag will suffice


To begin the electronic or paper application process visit va.gov website

Visit VA.GOV VA Enrollment Certification Form

A veteran may be required to pay back benefits received if he/she withdraws or drops a class. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Jones College VA Office if the following occurs:

Student registers for classes. 

Student enrollment level increases or decreases. 

Student changes degree plan

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD STATE ASSISTANCE


Federal Tuition Assistance - FTA

Due to recent changes with Federal Tuition Assistance, the service member is encouraged to contact his/her Education Service Office concerning FTA policies and deadlines for applying.

Education Service Office

Mississippi Education Services Office
Joint Force Headquarters
1410 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: 1-866-403-1289 or
(601) 313-6300
Fax: (601) 313-6151
Email: msedu@ng.army.mil
VA Website: www.va.gov

VA Toll-Free Number

Obtain available information regarding educational benefits.

1.888.GI.BILL (1888-442-4551)

Contact Information

Rhonda Emmons

Veterans Affairs Certifying Official

Work-Study Counselor

Office: Terrell Tisdale Library, 2nd floor

(601) 477-4063

rhonda.emmons@jcjc.edu 

Kacie Birdsong

Registrar | Veterans Affairs Certifying Official

Office: errell Tisdale Library, 2nd floor

(601) 477-4137

kacie.birdsong@jcjc.edu 





Frequently Asked Questions for Military and Veterans


When will I get paid?

We cannot give an exact time frame a student will receive payment from the VA. Once the School Certifying Official submits a student’s certification to the VA, processing times can vary. Certifications are done on a first come first serve basis.  

If I drop a class how will that affect my benefits?

Students who drop a class after it begins and/or after it has already been certified may create a debt with the VA and/or Jones College. 

I have changed my schedule, what should I do?

All schedule changes should be reported to the Military Benefits Processing Center as soon as possible to avoid or minimize debt. Students should always meet with an advisor or Enrollment Specialists prior to changing his or her schedule to assure the course is required for his or her major. 

My prior school will not release my transcript. Can I still get VA education benefits at Jones College without my transcript?

No, the VA requires that an institution have all official transcripts before the VA School Certifying Official can verify a student’s enrollment to the VA. If a student cannot get his or her transcript from prior institutions, the student should contact the prior institution and resolve the reason they are holding the transcript.

Can I use a scholarship and VA benefits at the same time?

Whether or not a student can use both VA benefits and a scholarship at the same time depends on the chapter the student is using, and the type of scholarship awarded. Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) recipients need to see the School Certifying Official if receiving a scholarship to verify any effects it may have on their benefits.

Will VA pay for online classes?

Yes. The VA will pay for online courses; however, Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) students will only receive half of the BAH if taking all online classes.

Will VA pay for remedial courses?

Yes. The VA will pay for remedial courses if they are required due to test score requirements and taken as a resident or hybrid class only. Remedial courses taken online are not eligible for certification.

Why did the VA not pay for my class?

VA does not pay for a class that is not specifically required for your major, taking a remedial class online, or if you are repeating a class you have previously passed with a “D” or better.

How many hours do I need to take to be full-time with the VA?

The VA considers full time as 12 semester hours per term (same start and end date) for the fall and spring and 7 semester hours for the summer term (same start and end date).

HWill the VA pay for the PN/RN program?

Yes, if courses taken are required for the program and meet VA requirements.

Will a veteran have to pay back benefits?

A veteran may be required to pay back benefits received if he/she withdraws or drops a class. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Jones College VA Office if the following occurs: · Student registers for classes. · Student enrollment level increases or decreases. · Student changes degree pla

What is the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

The Post 9/11 GI Bill, also referred to as Chapter 33, offers veterans who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, a chance to pursue higher education. This comprehensive educational benefits package was made available as of Aug. 1, 2009. Visit the GI Bill website for information on eligibility.

Who qualifies?

Those having served at least 90 days of continuous active duty after 9/10/01; or those having served at least 30 days of continuous active duty after 9/10/01 discharged due to a service-related disability. 40 percent - At least 90 days

Are there any additional benefits aside from tuition assistance?

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans may receive a monthly housing stipend determined by the zip code of the chosen institution of higher learning. However, those enrolled at a half-time status, enrolled solely in an online program and individuals currently on active duty are not eligible to receive the housing allowance, although they still receive tuition assistance. Participants will also receive up to $1,000 per academic year to help cover the costs of books, supplies and any additional fees. Active duty members do not qualify for the stipend.

For how long are individuals entitled to the benefits?

Generally veterans are entitled to 36 months of educational benefits. Individuals who elect to enroll in Chapter 33 after previously receiving benefits from the Montgomery Bill (Chapter 30) are only entitled to the number of months they had remaining under Chapter 30

How can I find out if I have any benefits left?

Contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or you may visit the website for directions and instructions.

Can I receive Financial Aid and VA benefits at the same time?

Contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or you may visit the website for directions and instructions.

Can I take any course that I want?

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that a student who uses educational benefits to pursue a degree must follow a curriculum plan or guide. Therefore, you must follow that plan and only take courses that will lead to graduation under that plan  

Ways to Contact the School Certifying Official:


MAKE AN APPOINTMENT at VA Appointment Book.
*Scheduled Appointments (phone or in office) allow for one hour of individualized, UNINTERRUPTED meeting time and assistance with all student VA needs. Therefore, unscheduled phone calls and 'drop in' office visits are not taken during scheduled appointments.

SEND AN EMAIL to veteransaffairs@jcjc.edu
*Be sure to list your First and Last Name, Student ID in the subject line. Please give details about what you need in the body of your email. Email responses are generally processed within 24-48 hours; however, it may be longer during peak VA processing times.