All students planning or using VA Educational Benefits known as Ch.35, VR&E or the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, should adhere to our checklist below:

What type of student are you?

• New Student – has never taken classes before at VC – First time student.
• Returning Student – has not attended college within the past year and/or have two 2) consecutive semesters of academic progress. *Must reapply for admit.
• Continuing Student – currently enrolled in the last two (2) semesters within VCCCD.

Application Process

Start the Application Process Early!  This page outlines the application steps for new and returning Ventura College Veteran students who not received VA Educational Benefits at Ventura College.

Step 1 – Student Intake Form – must be completed by all new students.

Step 2 – Apply for VA Benefits

Apply online for your VA Educational Benefits. If approved, you will receive a letter in the mail within 30 days called your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). For your reference, we suggest that you print or take a picture of your confirmation page at the end of the application

Step 3 – Apply to Ventura College

Complete the Online Application for Ventura College during the application period as early as possible. (See the academic calendar for dates.) Note: You will first be guided to create a username and password for the California Community College District. Once completed, you will be directed to a secondary application to Ventura College.

• You will receive an acceptance email within 24 hours.
• Within 48 hours you will receive another email to set up your portal

Step 4 - Set up MyVCCCD portal and watch orientation video

• Setup your portal using the link you received in your acceptance email
• Make note of your 900#.
• Watch the orientation video (in portal under Student Resources)

Document Submission

Step 5 - Request Military Transcripts

Required for all active-duty, and veterans using benefits (including VR&E); not Chapter 35. These must be sent electronically from the branch of service to the campus.

• Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard
• Air Force

Step 6 - Request Official Transcripts from other Colleges/Universities

• These should be sent electronically. In the event your prior school does not offer this option, an official transcript must be mailed/brought directly to VC Admissions & Records.
• Upon notification that VC has received your transcripts (via portal email), you must request a formal evaluation of credits by emailing vchacon@vcccd.edu. Be sure to include your name, 900#, and intended major at VC.

Step 7 – Submit DD214 

• Submit in online via secure forms submission.
• Military family members using Chapter 35 or other must submit the Veteran’s DD214

Step 8 – Submit COE/Statement of Benefits 

• Obtain the Certificate of Eligibility through your Veteran Affairs or EBenefits websites.
• This will be mailed to your home within 30 days of VA benefit application.
• Veterans & dependents using Chapter 35 can submit their COE online via secure forms submission.

Meet with Academic Counselor and Register for Classes

Step 9 – Counseling meeting & Comprehensive Ed Plan

Required meeting with Academic Counselor to complete a Comprehensive Ed Plan *Call the VRC at 805-289-6060 to book an appointment.

If you are a veteran who is service connected or receiving compensation from the VA for injuries sustained in service, you are encouraged to connect with the EAC to apply for accommodation & services to meet with a counselor.

Step 10 – Register for Classes on your Educational Plan

• Check registration date, access you Ed Plan using Degree Works in portal and register. If you need registration support, follow the step-by-step info on our website or come into the VRC.
• Students are highly encouraged to see our counselor at least once per semester to ensure that an updated Ed Plan is on file.
• Residency: after registering for classes, please verify to ensure you were not charged out-of-state tuition. If you were, please immediately contact Admissions & Records. Important Reminder: Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill must register for at least one (1) in-person course (in-person hybrid is OK) to receive full monthly BAH.

Submit and Complete Application

Step 11 – Electronically complete and submit online the “Veterans Agreement & Request for Certification” form via Admissions & Records.

• This form must be completed by students planning to use any of the following benefits: Post 911/GI Bill, VR&E, and Chapter 35.
• If using Post 9/11, VA will reach of for monthly Enrollment Verification by text or email.
• Once certified by our School Certifying Official (SCO), you will receive an automated email from the VA to the email it has on file.
• If the student using benefits makes ANY changes to courses (adding/dropping) or is failing, they should communicate immediately with our VRC counselor to discuss how it may affect their Benefits and Ed Plan.

Step 12 – Complete Financial Aid Application 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Even if you think you might not qualify, please apply. One application is considered for All types of grants and aid, to include the California Promise, VC Promise, and our Jordana Ybarra Tellas Grant. Applying builds a safety net in the event or an emergency of unpredictable situations.

• The FAFSA and VA Educational Benefits are separate programs, and one does not affect or determine the other.

Included below is additional information regarding the above-referenced programs. Once your FAFSA is submitted you are considered for all of these. 

What is the Ventura Promise?

The Ventura College Promise covers the cost of the per unit Enrollment Fee, Health Fee, Student Center Fee, and Student Representative Fee for students who meet certain eligibility requirements. The program aims to reduce obstacles for incoming qualified first-year community college students who can now attend two consecutive years at Ventura College tuition-free.

What is the California College Promise Grant (CCPG)?

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The Board of Governors of the California Community College system offers a fee waiver program for low-income residents of California that are attending a community college. The CCPG will waive all per-unit enrollment fees ($46 per unit) for an eligible student.

What is the Jordana Ybarra-Telias Grant?

The Jordana Ybarra-Telias Emergency Grant is a grant used to support students facing temporary financial hardship because of an emergency or crisis.