Fees and Financial Aid

General

Expenses at James Sprunt Community College are held to a minimum because of support from local, state, and federal sources. These fees are payable each semester upon registration. These fees are set each year by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina and are subject to change.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition (Per Semester)

Note: For most purposes (financial aid, insurance coverage, etc.) 12 semester hours credit constitutes full-time attendance.

Student Activity Fee

(Per Semester, Fall and Spring Semesters Only)

Career and College Promise

High school students enrolled in the Career and College Promise program pay no tuition. Fees are paid by the Duplin County Board of Education. Some textbooks may need to be purchased by the student.

Continuing Education Fees

Continuing Education students are required to pay a registration fee for occupational course(s) based on the total hours for the course. Fees are established by the North Carolina General Assembly and are subject to change. Current fees are:

Students taking self-supporting courses will be charged a fee sufficient to cover instructional expenses. There is no registration fee for HSE (formerly GED) preparation, ABE students or Adult High School Diploma students unless the AHSD student is registered for a curriculum class. 

Residence Status of Tuition Payment

N. C. GENERAL STATUTE 116-143.1

Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes

Under North Carolina law, a person may qualify as a resident for tuition purposes in North Carolina, thereby being eligible for a tuition rate lower than that for non-residents. In essence, the controlling North Carolina Statute (G.S. 116-143.1) states, “To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his or her classification as a resident for tuition purposes.”

The State Education Assistance Authority is the primary and sole authority to conduct residency determination for the state of North Carolina. Session Law 2015-241 authorized the State Education Assistance Authority to perform all functions necessary to implement the coordinated and centralized process to apply the criteria in G.S. §116-143.1 and directed the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to take the necessary actions to facilitate an orderly transition from the campus-based residency determination system to the coordinated and centralized process. As a result, James Sprunt Community College now uses the Residency Determination Service (RDS) to determine residency status for all students. For additional information about the laws of North Carolina governing residency classification, students should visit www.ncresidency.org.

Curriculum Refunds

The College is authorized to refund tuition under the regulations set forth by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges (IE SBCCC900.1) which state that a refund shall not be made except under the following circumstances:

1. A 100% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws prior to the first day of class(es) of the academic semester as noted in the college calendar. Also, a student is eligible for a 100% refund if the class in which the student is officially registered fails to “make” due to insufficient enrollment. A 100% refund includes all tuition and fees paid.
2. A 75% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class(es) prior to or on the official 10% point of the semester. A 75% refund includes tuition only. Fees are not included in the 75% refund.
3. For classes that do not meet for the entire term, a 100% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to the first class meeting. A 75% refund shall be made if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the 10% point of the class.
4. Where a student, having paid the required tuition for a semester, dies during that semester (prior to or on the last day of examinations of the College the student was attending), all tuition and fees for that semester may be refunded to the estate of the deceased.

Student Financial Aid

Any person who desires to attend college should not be deprived of this privilege because of finances. Therefore, the College provides financial aid through scholarships, grants, student employment (FWS), and contributions from individuals and private agencies.

Title IV Financial Aid Programs Eligibility Requirements General Provisions:

In general, to be eligible for aid under any program, you must be enrolled as a regular student. A regular student is one who has a high school diploma or high school equivalency. To receive financial aid, students must:

1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov using 2 years prior tax information. Assistance in completing the application is available in the Financial Aid office.
2. Have a high school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate on file with the college.
3. Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a U.S. permanent resident who has I-151 (Alien Registration Receipt Card), or a foreign student with proper documentation from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These documents will be reviewed and eligibility determined on an individual basis.
4. Have a valid Social Security number.
5. Upon request, submit official transcripts of colleges previously attended.
6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP**) toward completion of a selected program.
7. Have a Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) of less than 600%, which is an equivalent of 6 yrs. See www.nslds.ed.gov for your status.
8. Not be in default on a loan received at JSCC or any other school previously attended. See www.nslds.ed.gov for your status.
9. Not owe an overpayment on a Federal Pell Grant at JSCC or any other school previously attended.
10. Register with Selective Service, if male and between the ages of 18 and 24.

**Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

To maintain eligibility for federal student assistance, students must maintain progress in their academic programs. Progress has both qualitative and quantitative aspects; the student must achieve acceptable grades over a limited time period in order to complete his or her academic objective. The school is responsible for establishing the specific requirements for satisfactory academic performance, tracking their students’ progress, and enforcing the consequences of unsatisfactory progress. Your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be monitored for all periods of enrollment whether you have received financial aid or not (Fall, Spring or Summer). This is applied to all student who received private, institutional, federal or state funds.

JSCC’s Federal Student Aid SAP policies are similar, but not identical, to the institution’s Academic Retention requirements. Students should review both sets of policies and ask for clarification as needed. Questions about federal student aid SAP policies should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

Conditions for Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

• Qualitative Measure (Cumulative GPA)
• Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (equivalent to C average).
• Passing grades are A, B, C, D, or P (Pass). Grades of I, W, D, F, or R (Repeat) may cause your grade point average to drop below a 2.0. Required remedial coursework will be counted toward your GPA.
• Quantitative Measure (PACE/completion)
• Students must complete 67% of semester hours attempted to remain compliant with SAP Policy. Semester hour progression will be based on a cumulative total of attempted hours to earned hours. For example, a full-time student who attempts 16 semester hours in a semester must complete at least 12 semester hours to meet the 67% requirement.
• Semester hours that are not completed with a passing grade will also count towards maximum units attempted towards degree objective. Grades of I, W, F, or R may cause your completion rate to drop. Required remedial coursework will be counted toward your completion rate.
• Maximum Timeframe to Complete a Degree
• The maximum allowable timeframe for receiving aid is equal to 150% of the length of your academic program. For example, if you are pursuing a Major that requires 64 semester hours for graduation, you would reach the maximum timeframe at 96 semester hours.
• If you are a transfer student, accepted transfer coursework will be counted in the maximum timeframe. You can repeat a course, but the credits will also be applied toward the maximum timeframe.
• Required remedial coursework will be counted toward your maximum timeframe.
• Grade change and incompletes: FA office is notified of grade changes and changes in incompletes and will calculate SAP again once changes are made.

Consequences of Failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Financial Aid Office measures SAP at the end of each academic semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). If the student meets the SAP Policy Criteria, they are eligible to receive federal student aid funds in the following semester of enrollment. If the student does not meet the SAP Policy, one of the following SAP Status designations will be assigned to the student.

Financial Aid Warning

If after the end of an academic semester a student’s SAP status fails to meet any or all SAP conditions, the student will enter Financial Aid Warning status for their next semester of enrollment. The student will be notified of this status via electronic communication from the Financial Aid Office. The student will continue to be eligible to receive federal student aid funds while in Financial Aid Warning status.

Probation

A student not meeting SAP after their warning period can appeal. If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Probation. Eligibility for aid will be reinstated for one payment period.

Appeal Process

Students can appeal their disqualification from financial aid by completing a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal. SAP emails are sent once all grades are posted. Students should complete the appeal within 5 business days of receiving their email notification. The student will be notified within 5 business days via their student email regarding the approval or denial of their appeal. If a student does not submit an appeal, or if the appeal is denied, he/she will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid. Financial Aid will be suspended until SAP is met and the student will be responsible for all tuition and fees out of pocket.

Reestablishing Aid Eligibility

A student who is not meeting SAP may regain his or her financial aid eligibility after any semester in which he or she meets the Satisfactory Academic Progress and regains good standing status (2.0 cumulative GPA, 67% completion rate).

Financial Aid Application Procedure

A student who wishes to apply for student financial aid should proceed as follows:

1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) online at www.fafsa.gov using 2 years prior federal tax information. The college will receive the electronic version to process. The student is responsible for completing the application. However, assistance in completing the application is available in the Financial Aid Office upon request. No processing fee is required.
2. In approximately a week, your application will be downloaded to our school’s system. Our school will notify you of what is needed to verify and process your financial aid via student e-mail. Once all documents have been submitted, please allow 2 weeks for processing.
3. After verification is complete you will be notified of your financial aid eligibility by your JSCC student e-mail account.
4. When you are awarded, you will receive notification via your official JSCC student e-mail informing you of your award status. To view or print your award letter, please go to Financial Aid Self Service.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have a current-year Federal Pell Grant must either edit their FASFA application and add James Sprunt Community College’s school code (007687) or contact the Federal Processing Center (800-433-3243) and have the school code added. Transfer students who are receiving other types of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office regarding eligibility for these funds at James Sprunt Community College.

Repeated Coursework

Federal financial aid guidelines for repeating a course are as follows:

1. A student may retake any previously passed course two times. For this purpose, passed means any grade higher than an “F”, regardless of any school or program policy requiring a higher qualitative grade or measure to have been considered to have passed the course. This retaken class may be counted towards a student’s enrollment status, and the student may be awarded Title IV aid for the enrollment status based on inclusion of the class.
2. There is no Federal regulatory limit on the number of times a student may repeat a course failed and be eligible to receive financial aid, unless the same course had previously been passed.

Simultaneous Enrollment (Consortium Agreements)

Occasionally a student wants to enroll simultaneously at James Sprunt Community College and another college, and the student will want to combine the hours at both institutions for financial aid purposes. It is possible to receive financial aid under these circumstances as long as certain requirements are met:

1. The course(s) you take at the other institution must be a requirement of your degree program and transferable to JSCC
2. You have to have prior permission from the Registrar to take the classes.

Procedures:

1. Speak to the Registrar to ensure that the courses you wish to take at the “host” institution will transfer to your degree program here. Remedial and vocational/technical courses will not transfer with very few exceptions. You may not use classes that you are auditing for the consortium agreement. Also, you may not repeat courses using the consortium agreement without first contacting both your advisor and the financial aid office.
2. Bring a PAID receipt and class schedule from the “host” institution to the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will then verify enrollment and attendance with the “host” institution. Once verified, the hours will be credited to Financial Aid.

Refund-Overpayment Policy

If a student is due a tuition refund, the tuition and activity fees charged are refunded to the Title IV aid program to which it was originally charged. In the event that a student received more than one type of aid (excluding Federal Work Study), the refund is prorated among funds. A refund is due when a student withdraws from classes on or before the 10% point of a semester. This refund is 75% of the tuition and activity fees charged for the semester. A total refund/ repayment is made to the appropriate account when a student registers for classes but never attends. Should enrollment status change prior to the 60% point of the semester, the final payment for the semester will be adjusted.

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

The law specifies how James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that a student earns if he/she withdraws from school. The Title IV programs that are covered by this law are Federal Pell Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, TEACH Grants, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).

Though a student’s aid is posted to his/her account at the start of each period, the student earns the funds as he/she completes the period. If a student withdraws during his/her payment period, the amount of Title IV program assistance that he/she has earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If a student received (or the school or parent received on the student’s behalf) less assistance than the amount earned, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. If a student received more assistance than was earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/or the student. The amount of assistance that a student has earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if a student completes 30% of his/her payment period or period of enrollment, the student earns 30% of the assistance he/she was originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, the student earns all the assistance that he/she was scheduled to receive for that period.

If a student did not receive all of the funds that was earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. IF the post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, JSCC must receive the student’s permissions before it can disburse them. The student may choose to decline some or all loan funds so that he/she does not incur additional debt. JSCC may automatically use all or a portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition and fees. JSCC needs the student’s permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other institutional charges. If the student does not give permission, JSCC will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the student’s best interest to allow JSCC to keep the funds to reduce the student’s debt at the school.

If a student receives excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, JSCC must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

• The charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the student’s funds, or
• The entire amount of excess funds.

JSCC must return this amount even if it did not keep this amount of the student’s Title IV program funds. If JSCC is not required to return all of the excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that the student must return is called an overpayment. The maximum amount of a grant overpayment that a student must repay is half of the grant funds the student receives or were scheduled to receive. The student does not have to repay a grant overpayment if the original amount of the overpayment is $50 or less. The student must make arrangements with JSCC or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds. The requirements for Title IV program funds that the student withdraws are separate from any refund policy that the school may have. Therefore, the student may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. JSCC may also charge the student for any Title IV program funds that that school was required to return.

Types of Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant Program

This program awards grants to students with payment through the institutions. Federal Pell Grants are the “foundation” of student aid to which aid from other sources may be added. A student’s eligibility is determined by using a formula established by Congress that takes into consideration family financial circumstances. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number that is used by the institution to determine the amount of Federal Pell Grant. Eligible students must be US citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled either part-time or full-time, and has not already earned a bachelor’s degree (four-year). Students apply for an FSEOG award by filing out the FAFSA. Award amounts are pre-determined by the Department of Education annually. Please see www.studentaid.ed.gov for award ranges per academic year.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

A student must be an undergraduate and have financial need as determined by FAFSA to qualify for an FSEOG award. Recipients must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Students apply for an FSEOG award by filing out the FAFSA. If awarded, the FSEOG will be included as part of the student’s total financial aid package developed by the college the student attends. Award amounts are pre-determined by the Department of Education annually.

North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)

Applicants must be a North Carolina resident, enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester in a curriculum program, meet SAP requirements for the institution. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for this grant based on their estimated family contribution as determined on the Student Aid Report (SAR). Students who have earned bachelor’s (four year) college degrees are ineligible. Award amounts are pre-determined by the State of NC annually.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)

Applicants must be a North Carolina resident, enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester in a curriculum program, meet SAP requirements for the institution. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant with one exception; students that are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant with an estimated family contribution of $5,000 or less will be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree (four-year) are ineligible. Award amounts are pre-determined by the State of NC annually.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

This program provides jobs to students who qualify for financial assistance and encourages them to participate in community service activities. Applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident, be enrolled at an approved postsecondary institution, demonstrate financial need. Eligible students may work up to the maximum number of hours per week set by the institution. Jobs usually range from 8 to 15 hours per week and pay at least minimum wage. Employment can be on or off campus. Students apply for an FWS program by filing out the FAFSA and completing an application annually. Recipients are selected by the Work Study representative on the JSCC campus.

Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Dislocated Worker Program is an established provision for assisting dislocated workers in training and/or employment for re-entering the workforce either by institutional training or OJT (onthe-job training). The program provides financial assistance for tuition, books, and other trainingrelated cost. Eligibility is required.

The Adult Program provides adults with various training opportunities that may include career exploration, OJT, and other services to assist individuals with joining the workforce. The program provides financial assistance for tuition, books, and other training-related cost. Eligibility is required.

Academic Need-Based Scholarships

A limited number of academic, need-based scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, students must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recommendations are made from the Financial Aid Office to the Scholarship Committee for review. Scholarship applications will be available each semester of the academic year in the financial aid office and online at http://www.jamessprunt.edu/financial-aid/scholarships. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships to help offset the rising cost of education. Inquiries regarding scholarships should be made at the Financial Aid Office. Scholarships available are:

1. Allen Ryan Todd Scholarship
2. Golden Leaf Scholars Program for North Carolina Community Colleges
3. North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation Scholarship for Health Career
4. North Carolina Community College Foundation Scholarship for Teacher Preparation
5. SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship Program for Community College Students
6. Wells Fargo Technical Scholarship Program

CFNC.org link is on the bottom of the Financial Aid Scholarships page. Here you can find additional scholarships outside of our campus for which you may be eligible.

Foundation Scholarships

A limited number of academic scholarships are awarded each year to students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a curriculum program at James Sprunt Community College. Awards range from $300 to $1,200. These awards are made based on scholarship criteria set forth by the donors.  The criteria include, but are not limited to academic record, community involvement, and program of study.  

Recipients are selected each July for the following academic year. Students interested in applying for scholarships should submit an application online.   All items below must be submitted to the James Sprunt Foundation by the deadline of the last Friday in April to be considered complete and eligible for consideration.

1. A completed application form for James Sprunt Community College Foundation Scholarships. (Application forms are available online generally by early January.)
2. An official high school and/or college transcript.
3. All applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible to apply.

Scholarships Available

• James and Mary Elizabeth Albertson Scholarship
• Garland Alphin Scholarship
• Beulaville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
• Charles F. Blanchard Memorial Scholarship
• Edward L. and Helen A. Boyette Scholarship
• Alan and Millie Ivey Brown Scholarship
• Lynn and Anthony Brown Memorial Scholarship
• James E. and Mary Z. Bryan Memorial Scholarship
• Addis P. Cates Scholarship
• Kirk Crisman/DCPC Educational Scholarship
• Judy Davis Memorial Scholarship
• Duplin County Farm Bureau, Inc. Scholarship
• Duplin County Retired School Personnel Scholarship
• Duplin General Hospital Medical Staff Endowed Scholarship
• Duplin Winery Scholarship
• Marion Louise Price Elkin Scholarship
• W.E. Foster Helping Hand Scholarship
• Four County EMC Scholarship
• Sheriff George Garner Memorial
• John B. Hall Memorial Scholarship
• Charles Forrest Hawes Scholarship
• Dr. Vernon Hawes Memorial Scholarship
• James G. and Sudie M. Henry Memorial Scholarship
• J. Willard Hoffler Scholarship
• Carolina East Home Care & Hospice Scholarship
• A.D. & Peggy Quinn Scholarship
• Margaret Marshall Holland Memorial Scholarship
• Evelyn “Jackie” Johnson Nursing Scholarship
• Mary Sue Cowan Johnson and Nash Johnson Memorial Scholarship
• Jackie Fussell Jones Scholarship
• JSCC Educational Office Professionals Scholarship
• JSCC Faculty Council Scholarship
• JSCC President’s Council Scholarship
• JSCC Scholarly Men of Success Academy Scholarship
• JSCC Trustee Scholarship
• Doug Judge Memorial Scholarship
• Vivian and Harry E. Kramer Memorial Scholarship
• George F. Landen Memorial Scholarship
• Lane-Taylor Memorial Scholarship
• William H. McLean Scholarship
• Edd Dudley and Marie A. Monk Memorial Scholarship
• Murphy Farms Scholarship
• OC, Olivia and Cherish Murray Scholarship
• Emmanuel Pickett Memorial Scholarship
• Piggly-Wiggly of Wallace Scholarship
• John F. Powers Memorial Scholarship
• Stacy R. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
• T. R. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
• Dr. Corbett Quinn Scholarship
• Lila Swinson Roberts Memorial Scholarship
• James R. Rose Memorial Scholarship
• Ada Williams Smith Memorial Scholarship
• Jesse Norman and Bertha Williams Smith Scholarship
• James F. Strickland Scholarship
• Geraldine and Russell Tucker Scholarship
• Tutor and Alphin Scholarship
• Wallace Rotary Club Scholarship
• Perry Whaley Memorial Scholarship
• B. Hertford and Ora Herring Wiggs Scholarship
• Daniel Allen Williams Scholarship
• Robert and Thelma Williams Scholarship
• Zettie Brinson Williams Scholarship
• William and Kathryn Wrenn Scholarship
• Charles H. Yelverton Scholarship
• Sammy Evans Memorial Scholarship
• Rawlinson Family Memorial Scholarship
• Lula S. Herring Memorial Scholarship
• Woody Brinson Scholarship

The Herring Scholarship

The Herring Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that is awarded each year to students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a curriculum program at JSCC, that reside in either Duplin County or the town of Mount Olive.

The awards are made by the Herring Scholarship Committee and members of the Herring Trustee Board, which reviews applications. The recipients are chosen based on financial need, letters or recommendation and personal essays.

Recipients are selected each July for the following year. Students interested in applying should submit or have forwarded to the Office of the Vice President of College Advancement the following items:

1. A completed application for the Herring Scholarship. Application forms are available from the Foundation Office, generally by January.
2. Three letters of recommendation from school, business, and/or leaders in the community attesting to your character and leadership potential.
3. A 300-500 word essay (double spaced) on the people and experiences that have shaped or influenced your values and your educational and/or life goals.
4. Completed the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
5. Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible to apply.

Vocational Rehabilitation

By act of Congress any physically handicapped student may be eligible for scholarship assistance. Application for this scholarship aid should be process through the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in Kenansville.

Veterans Education Assistance

Education assistance is available to the veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their eligible dependents. Veterans and dependents who wish to apply should contact the Veterans Affairs Office at James Sprunt Community College in person, by letter, or by phone at (910)275-6378. 

A brief description of veteran’s education assistance includes general provisions of the program are listed below. To receive specific information regarding application and eligibility for a specific program, the veteran should contact the JSCC Veterans Affairs Office.  

VA Education Benefit Programs

Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30) 

Eligibility for basic educational assistance can be established by individuals who first became  members of the Armed Forces of first entered on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces after June 30, 1985 or is voluntary active duty. 

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) 

The purpose of this program is to provide eligible veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities all services ad assistance necessary to enable them to achieve maximum independence, to become employable, and to obtain and maintain suitable employment. Basic entitlement and necessity for training and rehabilitation are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Regional Office in Winston-Salem, NC, Vocational Rehabilitation Department notifies the veterans and the college regarding approval for training. 

Post-Vietnam Era Veteran’s Education Assistance (Chapter 32) 

This program provides for a participatory program of educational assistance benefits to eligible veterans and service persons that entered the Armed Forces after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985. The veterans may contribute a maximum of $2700 to the program. The Department of Veterans Affairs will credit an individual with one month of entitlement for each month of contribution to the fund up to a maximum of 36 months or the equivalent in part-time training. 

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) 

This program provides VA Educational Benefits to eligible veterans for services that were performed after September 10, 2001. Members must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility. 

Survivor’s And Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) 

This program assists dependents and the spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or who has a service-connected total permanent disability. The child or spouse of a person who is on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces and who now is, and, for a period of 90 days, has been, listed by the Secretary as missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign power should be eligible for these benefits. 

Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) 

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. An eligible member signed a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve after June 30, 1985, completed initial active duty for training, HS Diploma/GED obtained, and in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit. Benefits generally ends 14 yrs. from the date that you become eligible or leave the Selected Reserves. 

Reserved Educational Assistance Program - REAP (Chapter 1606) 

This educational program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress.  

REAP beneficiaries not attending school – Veterans who applied for REAP but were not attending an educational institution on November 24, 2015, or during the last semester, quarter, or term ending prior to that date, are no longer eligible to receive REAP benefits. You may be eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. 

New REAP applicants - Veterans who have not enrolled in school and applied for REAP benefits prior to November 25, 2015, are no longer eligible for REAP benefits. However, in most cases, you will be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. 

You may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits depending on the dates of your periods of service. If we receive a new application for REAP on or after November 25, 2015, we will evaluate your eligibility for all programs, including Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and may award you benefits under a different program.  

VETERANS RETRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VRAP) 

This program provides eligible veterans with education benefits for up to 12 months of training. VRAP will provide training for programs of education that lead to a high demand occupation, as determined by the Department of Labor. 

NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM  (NC TAP) 

Active North Carolina National Guard members who have completed at least one year of satisfactory service in the North Carolina National Guard, and have a minimum of two years remaining as a member of the National Guard from the end of the academic period for which tuition assistance is requested may be eligible for tuition assistance.  Persons desiring information or applications for this assistance should contact the Office of the Adjutant General P.O. Box 2628, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 or call 1-800-621-4136. 

Post 9/11 GI Bill®: Transferability 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® allows service members (officer or enlisted, active duty or Selected Reserve), to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members (spouse and children). The service member must have at least six years of service, and commit to an additional four years of service in order to transfer benefits to a spouse or child. Because of the potential impact of this benefit on recruiting and retention, transferability policy is determined by the Department of Defense. 

Other Special Veterans Programs

Hostage Relief Act: For the Iranian hostage, spouses and children.

Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Anti-Terrorism Act of 1986: A permanent program for anyone held captive and their dependents.

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS) (Section 156) (formerly the Quayle Amendment) Eligibility: Payable to surviving spouses for the youngest child in their care, of the child is 16 but under 18 years of age. Also payable to an unmarried child who is 18, but under 22 years of age, and who attends an approved post-secondary school.

VA Education Application Process

1. Veterans must complete a specific VA application depending on the benefit requested. Persons desiring additional information concerning a particular phase of the programs described in this section should contact the Veterans Affairs Office, James Sprunt Community College, (910) 275-6378. Once approved, the VA will send the applicant a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - VA award letter. 
2. Chapter 31 benefits will be initiated through the Vocational Rehabilitation office at Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC). 

CERTIFICATION PROCESS  

The School Certifying Official (SCO) is responsible for maintaining and certifying files for students who receive Veterans benefits.  The students are entitled to VA benefits: Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606, or 1607. 

JSCC students are required to have a complete admissions file before the School Certifying Official (SCO) can certify their VA Benefits.  A complete admissions file means that an admissions application and placement/test scores are completed. In addition, an official HS and ALL college transcripts have been submitted. 

1. To be eligible for VA benefit certification, students must be enrolled in a curriculum program (special credit is ineligible). 
2. Once the student has received a Certificate of Eligibility (approval letter issued from the VA) and has registered for classes, they can provide both the Certificate of Eligibility and registration statement to the School Certifying Official in order to be certified.  

• All Chapters except Chapters 31 & 33 must pay their tuition before being certified. Chapter 31 & 33 students will have their in-state tuition paid for directly from VA. 
• For Chapter 31 benefits, the VA office at Camp Lejeune will send an Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Re-entrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status to the SCO.  When received, the Business Office and the Bookstore are notified that the VA student can charge tuition, fees and books. 
  • Students are certified on VA once and the VA counselor is notified of certification. 

3. After certification, the first benefit check will not be available until approximately 45 to 60 days.  
4. A file is maintained for each student.  This includes copies of all VA paperwork along with a copy of the student’s program of study.  to monitor classes taken each semester. 
5. The student needs to see the SCO each semester after they register to have their hours certified.  

 Please Note: VA benefits ARE NOT counted in the financial aid award package of students. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Veterans

VA students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward obtaining the degree, diploma, or certificate he/she has designated. At the end of each semester, the student’s file is checked for dropped classes not reported and the student’s GPA. In order to remain in good academic standing, a student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00. 

If the 2.0 GPA is not met, a warning letter is sent to the address we have on file with Admissions. A student who remains on academic probation for the second consecutive semester is considered making unsatisfactory progress for that semester. If after two (2) consecutive semesters of the Veteran student failing to maintain the minimum GPA requirements according to the academic progress scale as stated in the catalog, the VA education benefits will be terminated. Veteran students may continue to attend the institution but cannot receive VA educational benefits. When a veteran student’s GPA is back to scale, he/she may resume receipt of benefits.