Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit provided to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It covers expenses for college courses taken by active-duty personnel during off-duty hours. Students applying for Tuition Assistance programs requiring any help or guidance should contact their Education Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrollment.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to students under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student officially withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded.

To comply with the Department of Defense (DOD) policy, Columbia College will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during the enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.

If the service member withdraws due to military service obligation, Columbia College will work with the service member to identify a solution that will not result in student debt for the returned TA portion.

Transfer credits may be awarded for courses taken from previous institutions which are nationally or regionally accredited or equivalent. College transfer credits are recognized up to 50% of each category (major and general) of the graduation requirement, all of which completed with a grade of C or better and must coincide with the College’s course description and outline. Columbia College agrees to evaluate the learning experiences document on the Service member’s official Service transcripts, and, if appropriate, award credit.

Columbia College uses the Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit created by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the American Council on Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a guideline for evaluating and awarding the transfer of credit.

When applying, students are provided information about what the graduation requirements are (including required credits/hours) and when their expected graduation date is. Prior transcripts are also reviewed (if/when there are any submitted by the student) and this applies to all students. Students sign their Enrollment Agreement that includes information of graduation requirements and expected graduation date.

When a Service member changes his or her educational program at Columbia College, the College will provide a new evaluated educational plan (Enrollment Agreement) to the Service member. Only courses listed in that program will be approved for TA.

This policy applies to Service members who perform service in the uniformed services, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including service as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard Duty under Federal authority (but not State authority), for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days.

A student shall be entitled to reinstatement in the institution following the student’s release or return from military service without having to requalify for admission provided the following criteria are met:

• The student returns to Columbia College after a cumulative absence of no more than five years,
• The student provides notice of intent to return to Columbia College no later than three years after the completion of the period of service, and
• The student gives notice of his or her intent to return by the applicable time limit.

If Columbia College determines that a returning student is not prepared to resume the program or is unable to complete the program, the College must make reasonable efforts to enable the student to resume or complete the program at no additional cost to the student. If such efforts are unsuccessful or place an undue hardship on the College, the College is not required to readmit the student.