Apply for VA Education Benefits

Step 1: Apply for your VA benefits online

Applying online is the fastest way for your application to get processed by VA

• Access the VA education benefits online application and select “Ready to Apply”
• Select “Updating my current education benefits” if you have used benefits previously
• Print out or take a picture of your application confirmation page
• Contact VA with questions or learn about what happens after you apply for benefits
• If you are unsure about your path, check out VA career counseling resources online
  
  

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE)

• Veterans with a VA disability rating may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE)
• VRE services can cover all costs associated with your education/training program (tuition, books, supplies)
• VRE can also provide career counseling and employment assistance services
• More information and applications instructions are located on the benefits and resources page

Step 2: Apply for admission to Edmonds College

• Students can apply for admission online

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• View the Edmonds College online orientation

Step 3: Apply for financial aid

• Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Review Edmonds College’s financial aid application instructions and complete all steps
• Login to ctcLink to check on the status of your application
• Visit the Edmonds College Financial Aid website or stop by the first floor of Lynnwood Hall for more information

Step 4: Determine your placement in English and math

• Prior college credits or test scores may exempt you from placement testing (Alternative Assessment)
• Take the placement exam if you have never completed college level English and/or math
• No appointment is needed to take the placement test
• Contact Edmonds College Testing and Assessment Services for more information and test preparation resources

Step 5: Academic advising 

• Meet with an Academic Advisor
• The Veterans Resource Center can help students access additional benefits and community resources

Step 5: Transfer prior credits to Edmonds College (prior learning assessment)

• Veterans can receive credit for military and/or prior college coursework
• Prior to requesting an evaluation, send Edmonds College official transcripts from all prior colleges and the military
• Request an official transcript evaluation online via the Edmonds College GATE system
• Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard transcripts can be ordered via the Joint Services Transcript System
• Air Force transcripts can be ordered online via the Community College of the Air Force

Step 6: Attend a Veterans Orientation

All students utilizing veterans’ education benefits must attend orientation

• Contact the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at 425.640.1175 or vrc@edmonds.edu to schedule
• Orientations are held every quarter – Please bring the following documents with you to orientation:
  • Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
  • DD-214 (member 4 copy)
  • Program requirement sheet
  • Assessment/placement test scores
  • NOBE (if applicable)

Dependents/spouses (VA Chapter 35)

• In addition to the paperwork listed above, please bring the following documents:
  • 100% VA disability letter
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificate of dependent
  • Service member’s death certificate (if applicable)

Step 7: Questions about your education benefits?

Meet with the VA Certifying Official

• After you attend orientation, you can review your paperwork with the VA Certifying Official and ask questions about your education benefits
• You may request an appointment to meet with the Certifying Official