Veterans and Military Services

VA Benefit programs available at Atlanta Technical College

• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): (active duty or veteran status) must have served in the United States Armed Forces and participated in the GI Bill program. In most instances, veterans must also have been honorably discharged. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606): (selected guard and reserves) must have completed all initial entry training (IET) and are now assigned to a Reserve and/or a Georgia National Guard Unit. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): (service-connected disabled veterans) must make application with local VA caseworker to have rehabilitation plan developed indicating an ATC degree plan.

• Post 9/11 (Chapter 33): must have active-duty service on or after September 11, 2001. Benefit is based on service credits. Click HERE to view how Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is calculated by VA.

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35): Dependents and spouses of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.

• Tuition Assistance: Military Tuition Assistance is also a source of Financial Aid for active-duty military. Tuition assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process' and restrictions.The money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services and is applied to a student's account prior to other aid such as Pell.

Service members who intend to use Tuition Assistance should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling at Atlanta Technical College. If Military Tuition Assistance is not approved by the Service prior to the start date of classes, the service member may be responsible for all tuition costs. Please allow for adequate processing time prior to the intended start date at the College. 

Click HERE for specific information on each chapter of VA benefits

How to Apply for VA Benefits

Applying for VA education benefits can be done a variety of ways:

• Click HERE to apply online.
• Click HERE to locate the nearest VA regional office to apply in person.
• Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to schedule assistance with completing the VA education benefits application.
• Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-445-4551) to have an application mailed to you.
** For new educational claims, please allow 6-8 weeks processing time to receive a response**

How to Apply for Tuition Assistance

• Service members will need to request Tuition Assistance from the respective branch of service.
• Contact the assigned Education Services Officer or Education Counselor.

What do I need to do to use VA benefits to supplement my tuition assistance?

• Click HERE to apply for VA benefits online.
• Service Members will need to contact the Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator need to review your school and program to make sure they are approved to receive VA benefits.
• You need to contact the School Certifying Official to formally submit enrollment for VA benefits.

Is there a “TA approval” form I have to submit?

• No. Previously the VA used a “TA Approval” form, but current procedures rely on your school submitting your enrollment information.
• If you are receiving Tuition Assistance, your School Certifying Official is responsible for providing the correct information to VA.
The Education Call Center is available at 1-888-442-4551, or 001-918-781-5678 if calling from overseas, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. -6 p.m. (CST) for any questions about GI Bill benefits.

Return of Tuition Assistance Funds

Students utilizing Tuition Assistance (TA) through the Department of Defense (DOD), who withdraw from any course before the 60% point of the term, will have unearned funds returned on a proportional basis to the TA program. The calculation will be based on: number of days completed divided by total days in the enrollment period (semester).

New Students

• Click HERE to apply online for VA Benefits.
• Click HERE to apply for Admissions.
• Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to complete all required VA forms.
• Once accepted and registered for classes, email the following documents to veterans@atlantatech.edu:
- Current Course Schedule
        - Approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Click HERE to become familiar with your monthly education payment rate(s).
**Failure to submit the documents above will result in delayed certification of benefits.

Returning Students

Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to complete the Veteran’s information form with any changes in:
- Contact Information
- Academic Program Change

Once registering for classes, email the following documents to veterans@atlantatech.edu:
- Current Course schedule
• Click HERE to become familiar with your monthly education payment rate(s).
**Failure to submit the documents above will result in delayed certification of benefits**

Transfer Students

• If you have received VA benefits at a prior college or university, click HERE to complete the change in place of training form (VF 22-1995 or VF 22-5495 forms).
• If you have NOT received VA benefits at a prior college or university, click HERE to apply for VA benefits.
• Click HERE to apply for Admissions.
• Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to complete all required VA forms.
• Once accepted and registered for classes, email the following documents to veterans@atlantatech.edu:
- Current class schedule
- Approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Click HERE to become familiar with your monthly education payment rate(s).

Veteran Student Responsibilities

Students using VA Benefits at ATC have ongoing responsibilities to the VA and ATC.
Student benefit entitlements are based upon the number of credit hours for which they are certified by the college VA Certifying Official.
If changes are made after VA processes the student’s certification, the student must notify the ATC Veteran’s Coordinator.
• Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to complete the Veteran’s information form with any changes in:
- Contact Information
- Academic Program Change
- Changes in Course Schedule
- Not enrolled for 3 or more semesters
- Request to not be certified for VA benefits
• Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
• Click HERE to become familiar with your monthly education payment rate(s).

Estimated Costs

Costs are estimated based on a Dependent Resident status for Fall and Spring semesters:
• Click HERE to view the Net Price Calculator
• Estimated Room and Board: $3,041
• Estimated Price of Books: $1,020
• Click HERE to view estimated tuition & fees for specific programs

Financial Aid Assistance

Payment Information

Under the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407), Atlanta Technical College allows our GI Bill and VR&E students (Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries) to attend a course of education or training for up to 90 days from the date the start of the term, if the student provides a valid Certificate of Eligibility, or VAF 28-1905 to the ATC Veteran’s Affairs Coordinator.

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance Policy:
As part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, Atlanta Technical College (ATC) complies with the requirements as outlined below:

• ATC permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to ATC Department of Military and Veteran Services a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, or a Statement of Benefits from the VA website e-benefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

• The date on which payment from VA is made to ATC.

• 90 days after the date ATC certified tuition and fees following receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

• ATC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to ATC due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

• In addition, the statute allows to require chapter 31 and chapter 33 students to take the following additional actions:
- Click HERE to apply online for VA Benefits.
- Click HERE to apply for Admissions.
- Contact ATC’s Veteran’s Coordinator, Ms. Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu to complete all required VA forms.

• Once accepted and registered for classes, email the following documents to veterans@atlantatech.edu:
- Current Course Schedule
- Approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Click HERE to become familiar with your monthly education payment rate(s).

• Make payment for a difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefits disbursement.

• ATC will hold a student responsible for any portion of tuition and other fees not covered by the VA by the published fee payment deadline.

• The ATC Business Office will continually notify students via their student email account until their account balance is paid in full by the semester’s payment deadline.

• Please contact ATC’s VA Certifying Official at veterans@atlantatech.edu if you have questions or concerns regarding submitting tuition and fees payment(s) by the payment deadline.

Note: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Veteran Readiness and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

Atlanta Technical College Financial Agreement

• Chapter 30, 32, 1606, 1607, and 35: Student is responsible for paying tuition and fees by the payment deadline.

• Chapter 33 (Post-9/11): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
o Vets receiving Post 9/11 benefits must have a valid COE (Certificate of Eligibility) on file with the VA Certifying Official to qualify for the deferment plan.
o Failure to provide Certificate of Eligibility will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.

• Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehab): Student will be placed on a deferment plan for 90 days from the start of the term until the Department of Veteran Affairs provides tuition and fees payment to the Atlanta Technical College.
o Vets receiving Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits must have a current VA Form 28-1905 on file from their Voc. Rehab Counselor to qualify for the deferment plan.
o Failure to provide the VAF 28-1905 form to the VA Certifying Official will result in Veteran paying full tuition and fees by deadline.

Chapter 30, 35, and 1606 Monthly Verification for Students

• All students receiving Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits must verify their monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after. The benefit (monetary award) will not be released by the VA until this is done.
- Enrollment verification can be done by using the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378 or the WAVE feature found on the VA website www.ebenefits.va.gov.

• Chapter 35 students enrolled in Diploma or Certificate programs only, must verify monthly enrollment no earlier than the last day of each month or after by contacting the VA toll-free telephone number 1.877.823.2378.

How to Purchase Books

Academic Polices

The Department of Veterans Affairs have mandatory regulations regarding Academic Progress and approved academic programs for which impacts students receiving education benefits.

Click HERE to read the school’s policy concerning academic probation/suspension. ATC students receiving education benefits must adhere to the academic school’s policy.
- Twelve (12) credit hours is considered full-time at Atlanta Technical College.
- Please contact the VA Certifying Official at veterans@atlantatech.edu to verify if your academic program of study is approved by our State Approving Agency.

Readmission of Service Members

Scope and Purpose
In accordance with federal regulations, 34 C.F.R. § 668.18 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Atlanta Technical College (ATC) will promptly readmit servicemembers who seek readmission to a program that was interrupted due to a uniformed service obligation.

Eligibility
This policy shall apply to:
- Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days; and
- Servicemembers who are unable to attend classes for less than 30 days when such an absence would result in a withdrawal from the college.
- A student is eligible for readmission under this policy if, during an absence, the student performs uniformed service, voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserve, active duty, active duty for training or full-time National Guard (under federal authority). The cumulative length of all absences for uniformed service (service time only) must not exceed five years.
- A student must provide orders, or written notice by Commanding Officer, of a Uniformed Service Obligation, such as Temporary Duty (TDY), etc., to the ATC VA Certifying Official (veterans@atlantatech.edu) as far in advance as possible, unless precluded by military necessity. Such notice does not need to indicate when the student will return to the College.

Notification of Intent to Return
- The student must also give oral or written notice of Intent to Return to ATC within three years after the completion of the period of service. Immediately upon the student's return to school, the student must provide notice that he/she may be entitled to the tuition and enrollment benefits outlined in this policy.
- The student is required to provide official military obligation documentation to the Office of Veteran’s Affairs.

Tuition and Fees
- A returning student must be charged the same tuition and fees in effect during the last academic year the student attended, unless veterans' education benefits or other servicemember education benefits will pay the amount in excess. For subsequent academic years, the returning student may not be charged tuition and fees more than what other students in the program are charged.

Readmission Requirements
- A returning student will be permitted to reenroll in the next class(es) scheduled in the same academic program unless the student requests a later date of reenrollment or agrees to a different program. A returning student will be readmitted into the same academic program the student was enrolled in prior to the military service obligation. If the exact program no longer exists, the student must be admitted to the program that is most similar, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program. Returning students will be reenrolled with the same enrollment status, number of completed credit hours, and academic standing as the last academic year of attendance.
- If the College determines that a returning student is not prepared to reenroll in the same academic program with the same academic status 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.
- In accordance with federal regulations, returning students who receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) are not eligible for readmission under this policy. However, servicemembers who receive dishonorable or bad conduct discharge may remain eligible for readmission even though they will not be entitled to the benefits outlined in this policy.

Academic Credit Information

There are a variety of ways that incoming students can get credit for college classes based on prior experience or learning activities, including courses taken in the military. Click HERE for more information on alternative credit.

• Students receiving VA Benefits are requiredto furnish school &/or military transcript(s) of all previous education and training, and submit a ATC Transfer of Credit Request Form to the Registrar Office.

•  Click HERE to request a Joint Services Transcript

**VA does not pay for repeated coursework earned at another college. However, if a student failed a class, or if the ATC program of study requires a higher grade than the one achieved in a particular class for successful completion, that class may be repeated, and certified to VA again.

Atlanta Technical College Veterans Affairs Team

Veterans Affairs Coordinator
Bernita Banks
Phone: 470-5972622
Email: bbanks@atlantatech.edu

Student Certifying Official (SCO)

Arif Bailey

ATC Veterans Club

The ATC Veterans’ Club was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Club events may include, but are not limited to, film discussions, guest speakers, community service, field trips, and social events. Membership is open to any student, staff member, or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues. For more information, please contact Veterans’ Club Advisor Bernita Banks at bbanks@atlantatech.edu or by phone at 404.225.4022 for meeting times, and upcoming events.

Prohibition Against Inducements, Commission and High-Pressure Recruitment Tactics

Atlanta Technical College does not provide any inducements to any individual or entity to secure the enrollment of military service members or obtain military provided tuition assistance. Inducements include any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount.

Atlanta Technical College also refrains from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Atlanta Technical College will not use high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, nor engage in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing military service member enrollments.