Financial Information

Tuition and Fees*

*Students enrolled in the Pioneer Pack program will be charged an additional $27 per credit hour.

*Tuition and Fees subject to change by Alabama Community College Board of Trustees.

Students who plan to register for 20 or more hours must secure approval from their academic advisor and the Associate Dean of Enrollment Services or the Dean of Instruction or designee.

Fees are refundable unless designated.

Payment

Registration is not complete until tuition and fees are paid in full. Students will not be allowed to continue to attend class until registration is completed. Students registering during the early registration period must pay by the day after the end of the early registration period. Failure to pay by this date means that students may be dropped from their courses and must go through the entire registration process during the open registration and schedule adjustment period. Students registering during open registration, late registration, or regular schedule adjustments must pay the same day they register. Failure to do so will mean that the student is not registered.

Sponsored students’ expenses are paid by agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services, PACT, etc. Sponsored students must present written authorization from the sponsoring agency to register without personally paying tuition and fees at the time of registration. The student is responsible for amounts not paid by the sponsor.

Credit card and check payments are accepted online and on campus. Checks will not be accepted on accounts with a history of a returned check.

Library Fines

• A fine of ten cents a day is charged on each book.
• Special fines are charged for overdue reserve books.
• One week and two days reserve - fifty cents per day.

Withdrawals and Refunds

To withdraw after registering, students must submit the withdrawal form online. Students always can email enrollment services in regard to the withdrawal process if there is an issue with submitting the form online.

Refunds

Before the official first day of classes, students will receive a complete refund when withdrawing from the college.

During schedule adjustment when dropping and adding of individual classes are allowed, students may drop a course and receive a full refund for that course if the student has not completely withdrawn from school.

An administrative fee of 5 percent of tuition and other institutional charges will be assessed for withdrawal from college within the period beginning the first day of class and ending at the end of the third week of class. Students withdrawing from the college should refer to the prorated refund schedule listed below.

After the schedule adjustment period ends, students may receive a refund only if they completely withdraw from the college. For session 1 and 2, mini-terms and summer-term refer to class schedule for prorated refund schedule. Refer to the prorated refund schedule listed below for regular classes.

Students who are active members of the Alabama National Guard or reservists who are active-duty military and are called to active duty in the time of national crisis shall receive a full tuition refund at the time of withdrawal, if such students are unable to complete the term due to active-duty orders or assignment to another.

Withdrawal - Regular Classes

During first week: 75% of adjusted tuition & fees less 5% administrative fee.
During second week: 50% of adjusted tuition & fees less 5% administrative fee.
During third week: 25% of adjusted tuition & fees less 5% administrative fee.

Students who withdraw after the end of the third week of classes will not be eligible for any portion of a refund.

See our website for specific withdrawal dates.

Delinquent Accounts

Students who have delinquent accounts at the college for any chargeable fee or fine may not complete registration and may forfeit the privilege of attending class until their accounts have been satisfied.

Financial Assistance

Student Financial Aid Application Procedures

The philosophy of Enrollment Services is that no student should be denied access to postsecondary education because of financial barriers. While the primary responsibility of paying for college lies with the student and the student’s family, Jefferson State Community College offers a variety of aid, such as grants, loans, scholarships, and work study to assist as many qualified students as possible.

In order to be considered for federal student aid, students must be unconditionally admitted into an eligible degree- seeking program.

Most aid programs are based on the individual need of the applicant and/or parent. Demonstrated financial need is determined by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. When completing the FAFSA, be sure to list Jefferson State Community College (school code 001022) as a college to receive your FAFSA information.

We advise that you complete your Federal tax returns (student, parent, or spouse if applicable) before completing the FAFSA. Students and parents are cautioned to complete all forms as honestly and accurately as possible. Incomplete or estimated tax information on the FAFSA will result in corrections that will delay your application. The U.S. Department of Education takes approximately 3 to 5 days to process a submitted FAFSA. Jefferson State has established May 1 as the priority deadline. Please be advised that there are other deadlines and stipulations each semester that students must meet to have aid available for each semester.

How Awards are Determined

Once the student submits the FAFSA, it is processed by the U. S. Department of Education. In approximately 3 to 5 days, the student will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary and JSCC will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). Students can check the status of their Financial Aid on their my JSCC account. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office after receiving their FAFSA Submission Summary. Students are also reminded that they may be asked to substantiate information they submit on the FAFSA. Awards are determined using the “Student Aid Index” (SAI) found on the FAFSA Submission Summary; this is the amount that the student and their family should be able to contribute to educational expenses. The college has established cost of attendance estimates for various categories of students. A financial aid advisor will compare the student’s SAI to Jefferson State’s cost of attendance to determine the student’s eligibility for federal financial aid. 

Financial Aid funds can only be paid towards courses that are required for the student’s major on file in Admissions. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with an academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in courses that are required for their major. Financial aid students may receive Title IV aid for a previously passed course one time.

Transient Students

A transient student is a student who attends another college and will be in attendance at Jefferson State one semester and then return to their home institution. Transient students are not eligible to receive financial aid at Jefferson State.

Deadlines

The financial aid award year begins with the fall semester. May 1 is Jefferson State’s priority deadline for all students planning to enroll for fall. Although applications are processed on a rolling basis, students should be advised that each semester has a priority deadline. Students who have complete files on or before May 1 will receive priority consideration for financial aid funds. Certain funds are limited.

If a student requires financial funds to pay tuition and fees, their file must be complete in the Admission Office as well as the Financial Aid Office by the posted deadline. A completed financial aid file may include the student’s FAFSA Submission Summary, copy of tax transcript (students, parents, and spouse if applicable), in- house papers, official transcripts (from all previously attended colleges) and any other required forms, if applicable, by the deadline each semester. Deadlines are posted in the financial aid section on the JSCC website.

Return of Title IV Funds

A student earns their Title IV aid based on the period of time they are enrolled. Unearned Title IV funds, other than Federal College Work Study, must be returned. Unearned aid is the amount of Title IV aid disbursed that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned.

If a student completely withdraws during the first 60% of a semester, the student “may” have to repay a portion of financial aid funds to the college or the U. S. Department of Education. Each student who owes a repayment will be notified in writing by the Jefferson State Financial Aid Office. Failure to repay funds will result in the loss of eligibility for federal financial aid at any institution. If a student completely withdraws after 60% of the semester is complete, the student most likely will not owe a repayment. We highly recommend all students contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid

Federal regulations require that students receiving financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of a degree or certificate. A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the standards of progress policy. Satisfactory progress is not to be confused with “good standing”. A student can meet the Jefferson State Community College requirements of “good standing” and be allowed to enroll but not meet the minimum standards to receive financial aid while enrolled. All students will be monitored for compliance with Federal Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of each semester, whether or not the student received financial aid during those periods.

Jefferson State Community College will measure a student’s performance for satisfactory academic progress in three areas: completion rate, cumulative grade point average, and maximum time frame. The Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress apply for all Title IV financial assistance programs including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loan Program, as well as assistance from the state.

In addition, financial aid recipients must report to the Financial Aid Office when they withdraw from a course or withdraw from the college. Complete withdrawal from school before 60% of the term is completed “may” result in the student having to repay a percentage of aid that they have received. The formulas used to calculate the refunds and repayments may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Completion Rate

At the end of each semester, a student’s academic progress will be reviewed by comparing the cumulative number of attempted credit hours with the number of credit hours passed. When academic progress is measured, all work attempted at JSCC and all transferred credit hours from other institutions will be considered whether financial aid was received or not.

Effective Fall 2019

• Students who have attempted 0-21 semester credit hours must pass 58% or more of the cumulative number of attempted credit hours.
• Students who have attempted 22-32 semester credit hours must pass 62% or more of the cumulative number of attempted credit hours.
• Students who have attempted 33 or more semester credit hours must pass 67% or more of the cumulative number of attempted credit hours.

The following information is considered when evaluating a student’s satisfactory academic progress:

• Withdrawals (W and WP), incomplete (I), and failure (F) are considered attempted but not passed hours.
• Federal regulations limit the number of times a student may repeat a course and receive financial aid for that course.
• If a student gets a “W” or an “F” in a course, that student is allowed to repeat the course and receive financial aid (assuming they are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress) until they receive a “D” or better.
• Once the student has received a “D” grade or better, they can repeat the course a second time and still receive federal aid.
• The third time the student repeats a course in which they have earned a “D” or better, this course is no longer eligible for Title IV funds.

Audited courses are not considered credits attempted or passed. Students cannot use Title IV funds to pay for audited courses.

Transfer credits do not count in the calculation of the GPA, but they are included in the calculation of both attempted and passed hours.

Students who do not meet these requirements will become ineligible for financial aid.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

Financial aid recipients must maintain the following required grade point averages according to number of hours attempted. This includes all attempted hours, transfer hours, and developmental work taken, whether or not financial aid was received, or courses were successfully completed.

• Students who have attempted 0-21 semester credit hours must maintain a 1.5 cumulative grade point average GPA.
• Students who have attempted 22-32 semester credit hours must maintain a 1.75 cumulative GPA.
• Students who have attempted 33 or more semester credit hours must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

If the student has never attended Jefferson State, then the cumulative GPA from the last college attended will be used.  Once the student establishes a GPA at Jefferson State, that GPA will be used to determine eligibility. 

Maximum Time Frame

The maximum time frame for completing a program of study is 150% of the required length of the student’s specific program. This maximum time frame includes all attempted hours, transfer hours, and developmental work taken, whether or not financial aid was received, or courses were successfully completed. Students are no longer eligible for financial aid once they have attempted 150% of the number of hours required for their degree or certificate.

Examples:

• If your degree is a 60-hour degree: 60 x 150% = 90 hours maximum time frame. You are eligible for only the first 90 hours of attendance.
• If a student transfers into JSCC and has attempted 40 hours at another institution, these hours will go against the hours needed for the student’s degree. The student who has attempted the 40 hours at the first institution and is attempting to complete a 60-hour degree program at Jefferson State must consider the hours they have left to complete their degree: 60 x 150% = 90 - 40 = 50 hours maximum time allowed for degree funding.

A change in program of study will be allowed; however, aid will be granted only for additional required hours as determined by comparison of the two programs of study.

A financial aid recipient may not be paid for more than 30 credit hours of developmental courses.

In addition to the above procedures, the maximum length of a student’s program may not exceed 150% of the minimum length required to complete the program.

Suspension

When a student is suspended, whether the student serves the suspension or is readmitted upon appeal, the student is not eligible to receive financial aid. A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the standards of academic progress policy. If the student does not meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements, the student must follow the institution’s financial aid appeal policy to be considered for financial aid reinstatement.

Evaluation of Academic Progress

All students will be monitored for compliance with Federal Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of each semester whether or not the student received financial aid during those periods. At that time, a student will be in good standing or denied financial aid assistance for the following term. The student must meet all three requirements, completion rate, cumulative grade point average, and maximum time frame, to remain eligible for financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid will notify students if they are denied financial aid.

Complaints/Appeals

Financial aid recipients who have failed to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies may appeal to the Appeals Committee by submitting a Complaint/Appeal form to the Financial Aid office. The appeal must specifically address the extenuating circumstances that led the student to not achieve the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and must provide supporting documentation. Complaints/Appeals must be submitted by the due date on the Complaint/Appeal form for the term the student is appealing to be considered.

Students who are approved on appeal must follow their degree plan and earn grades of “C” or better in each class, with no withdrawals (grades of W, WP, and I calculate as hours attempted in Financial Aid SAP Policy). Appeals are continued on a semester-by-semester basis until the student is current with SAP. Students who fail to complete the terms of the appeal will be expected to meet the SAP requirements using their own means before they will be considered eligible to receive financial aid.

If, after exhausting all available institutional processes, a student’s complaint remains unresolved, the student may appeal to the Alabama Community College System using the System’s official Student Complaint Form. This form can be found at http://www.jeffersonstate.edu/about-jscc/complaint-appeal-process/under “State Student Complaint Process”.

Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell grant is considered to be the “foundation” of a student’s financial aid to which aid from other Federal and non-Federal sources may be added. The actual size of a grant award will depend upon the SAI and enrollment status. Pell Grant funds do not have to be repaid except in cases involving a student’s complete withdrawal. To apply students must complete a FAFSA Application online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Federal Pell Grant payments are prorated based on enrollment intensity each semester(the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled in equation with what is considered full time). Depending on the amount of Pell grant eligibility, the examples below may not apply to all students. Some students attending less than full time (12 credit hours) may not be eligible to receive a Pell grant award.

• Students receive 25% of award when taking less than 3 semester hours.
• Students generally receive 50% of award when taking 6 semester hours.
• Students generally receive 75% of award when taking 9 semester hours.
• Students generally receive 100% of award when taking 12 or more semester hours.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

SEOG is similar to the Federal Pell Grant in that it does not have to be repaid except in cases involving a student’s complete withdrawal. SEOG funds are extremely limited and are distributed to the students with the most need based on the student’s EFC. A student must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. There is no special application for these funds; completion of the FAFSA by the priority deadline is all that is required to be considered for SEOG.

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)

ASAP funds are awarded to eligible Alabama residents who demonstrate need and who are enrolled full time (12 credit hours). Students must be eligible for Federal Pell Grant to be considered for the ASAP grant. There is no special application for these funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is required to be apply. Students must complete a loan request form to request federal direct loan funds. Starting July 1, 2026, federal student loan limits will be prorated bases on annual enrollment intensity. This means students taking fewer credit hours will qualify for reduced loan amounts.

Federal Direct Loan Program

Although Jefferson State does not encourage students to borrow, there are loan programs to help those students who otherwise would be unable to attend school. Repayment normally begins six months after the student completes their program of study or ceases to be enrolled at least half time. There is no special application for these funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is required to apply.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: provides students the opportunity to borrow funds for education costs at low interest rates. For students with a defined need, the federal government subsidizes the interest during certain specified periods.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: is not awarded on the basis of need. The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If the interest is allowed to accumulate it will be added to the principal amount of your loan.

A student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours that are required for their major to be eligible for a loan. A first-time student cannot receive a loan disbursement until 30 days into the enrollment period. If a loan is awarded for one term only, the loan must be paid in two separate disbursements.

Students will be able to view their award notification and instructions to receive their funds on their myJSCC account under the Financial Aid tab once their award has been completed. If the student is receiving a loan, there are additional steps for students to complete. Once a student is awarded, they will receive an award notification email with instructions.

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans have a fixed rate of interest. Rates are subject to change by the Federal Government. Please refer to the student loan page at https://studentaid.gov for the most current rates.

Jefferson State does not participate in the Direct Parent Plus Loan Program.

Student borrowers of Direct Loans who are graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment are required to complete exit counseling. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure a student understands the student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment. Exit counseling can be completed at https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling

Scholarships

Jefferson State Community College scholarships are open to students entering as freshman, currently enrolled students, previously enrolled students, and to students who transfer to other colleges and universities. Either the donor or the student assistance and scholarship committee establish the selection criteria.

In order to apply for a JSCC academic scholarship, a student may complete a scholarship application on the JSCC website under Scholarships. The annual scholarship application along with any requested documentation must be submitted by the posted deadline. Scholarships are then awarded for the following fall semester.

JSCC offers numerous scholarships in the form of tuition waivers. The information for these scholarships is available on the JSCC website under Scholarships.

Senior Adult Scholarships

Alabama Community College Board of Trustees has made it possible for persons age sixty and over to attend class at Jefferson State on a space available basis without paying tuition. Senior adults pay only fees. Tuition can only be waived one time for each course taken.

Jobs

Federal Work Study Program

Students who qualify for financial aid may participate in the Federal Work Study Program to help pay indirect educational expenses. Students who participate in this program are paid at least minimum wage for hours worked; checks are issued on a monthly basis. An effort is made to place students in jobs that further their educational and career goals.

Students who are enrolled at least half-time may work a maximum of 24 hours a week, depending on their eligibility. Students are being encouraged nationwide to become involved in community service. Students eligible for the Federal College Work Study Program are encouraged to accept positions with selected off-campus agencies, which provide community services.

Veterans Educational Assistance Programs

• Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill®/Active (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill®/Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
• Veterans Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)

Students interested in applying for one of these benefits should contact the Veterans Affairs Coordinator located in the Financial Aid Office. Federal VA program funds can only be paid towards courses that are required for the student’s major on file in Admissions. It is the student’s responsibility to speak with an academic advisor to ensure they are enrolled in courses that are required for their major.

Certification of Courses

• Admission to the college must be completed before an enrollment certification can be submitted.
• Students must submit their official Certificate of Eligibility to Jefferson State Community College. If you are covered under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, your tuition and fees will be covered up to the percentage you are approved for based on the submission of your Certificate of Eligibility to JSCC. JSCC must certify your enrollment before you can get paid. (Title 38, CFR, 21.9720)
• Each student must submit a Request for Certification of Educational Benefits form to the Veterans Affairs Coordinator each semester that he or she wishes to receive VA benefits. Certifications will not be submitted until this form has been received.
• Students that have received college credit at other institutions are certified only for courses necessary to complete the declared program of study at Jefferson State Community College. Students are required to have an official transcript for all colleges attended and official military transcripts on file with Admissions/Records. The transcripts must be complete and evaluated by Admissions/Records. (Title 38, CFR, Sections 21.4253(d) (3) and 21.4254(c)(4))
• Certification is granted only for courses that are required by the declared program of study. Any deviation must be approved in writing by an academic advisor or Dean of Instruction.
• Certification is granted only for hours required to complete the selected program of study. However, certification may be granted for residential remedial and developmental course credit if such courses are necessary for the student to reach his or her objective.
• Courses that award audit credit, no credit, or are not required by the student’s declared program of study cannot be certified. Also, courses for which a student has already received a passing grade will not be certified unless a minimum grade requirement exists.
• Should a student receiving VA Educational Benefits register for a course that is not required by the declared program of study or a course for audit credit or no credit, his or her benefits may be reduced at any time during the semester. This action may occur without notification to the student.
• Students should allow 3-4 weeks from the start of term for certifications to be submitted. Students receiving Chapters 30 MGIB, 35 DEA, 1606 MGIB-SR or Chapter 33 Post 9/11 at less than the 100% rate are responsible for payment of tuition at the time of registration if applicable. Enrollment certifications will not be submitted until payment has been received.
• Forms for certification can be completed by going to the Jefferson State Community College’s VA webpage and selecting VA forms.

Benefits are paid on the following enrollment schedule:

Fall and Spring Credit Hour Requirements

Full benefits: 12 or more 
Three-fourths benefits: 9 to 11
Half benefits: 6 to 8
Less than half time benefits: 5 or fewer

(Reimbursement of tuition and fees only)
*Contact the JSCC VA Coordinator for summer and short session credit hour requirements.

Required Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress to Receive VA Educational Benefits

All students receiving VA Educational Benefits must meet the same Standards of Progress applicable to all students at the institution. Any student that has been terminated due to lack of academic progress must enroll at their own expense, with the exception of students receiving Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment. Students under these Chapters are required to meet with the Veterans Affairs Coordinator regarding payment for their tuition and fees.

Schedule Adjustment Policy

• It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Veterans Affairs Coordinator when an adjustment to his or her schedule is made. Failure to do so may result in an overpayment of educational benefits. If a veteran withdraws from a course that has been used in determining enrollment status the VA may require repayment of all benefits received for that course.
• Each student receiving VA educational benefits should be aware that it is the responsibility of the student to comply strictly with the policies and procedures which govern the receipt of these benefits. Any overpayment created through non-compliance with these policies is subject to repayment by the student.

Choice Act Compliance For In-State Tuition Rates

• The following individuals shall be charged the in-state/ in-district rate, or otherwise considered a resident, for tuition purposes:
• A Veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. §3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three- year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal State of residence),
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits (38 U.S.C. §3319) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
• Anyone using Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefits (38 U.S.C. §3679 (c) (1)) who lives in Alabama while attending a school located in Alabama (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
• Anyone using educational assistance under chapter 31, Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E), will also be charged the resident rate. Effective for courses and terms beginning after March 1, 2019, a public institution of higher learning must charge the resident rate to Chapter 31 participants, as well as the other categories of individuals described above. When an institution charges these individuals more than the rate for resident students, VA is required to disapprove programs of education sponsored by VA.
• This policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679 as amended.

Terms Beginning 8/1/2019 and Thereafter (PL 115-407 SEC. 103)

Students utilizing VA education benefits shall not be charged a penalty, including assessment of late fees, denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or be required to borrow additional funds because of the individual’s inability to meet their financial obligations due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

State of Alabama Veteran Programs

Alabama G.I Dependent Scholarship Program

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance to eligible dependent’s child, stepchild, spouse, or unmarried widow(er) of disabled veterans (living or deceased), who were permanent civilian residents of Alabama prior to entry into military service. The veteran must be rated 40% or more due to service-connected disabilities or have held the qualifying rating at the time of death. Special consideration is given to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans who are bona fide residents or were prior to their death. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required.

Other benefits may be available to eligible dependents of the following: former prisoners of war (POW), those declared missing in action (MIA), and those who died in service. 

Dependent children must file an application prior to age 26 (may be extended to age 30 in certain cases). A spouse or widow(er) does not have a filing deadline or age limitation. For additional information or assistance contact the Business Office at (205) 856-7760 or (205) 983-5256.

Tuition Assistance Program (TA)

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition and fees for college courses taken during off- duty hours. It is important to understand that the VA does not administer TA. 

Each branch of the service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. 

Additionally, active duty members may elect to use the MGIB “top-up” in addition to their service provided TA to cover high cost courses. 

TA is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you have earned just like your base pay.

Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP)

The Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP) is for tuition and educational fees for Alabama National Guard members to attend a postsecondary educational institution in Alabama. The award is based on financial need. This award is for students who are active members in good standing with a federally-recognized unit of the Alabama National Guard. Participants also may receive federal veterans benefits but must show a cost less aid amount of at least $100. Forms must be signed by a representative of the Alabama Military Department and the financial aid officer at the college or university the student plans to attend. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required.

Jefferson State Community College does not treat ANGEAP as a promise to pay. If a student has a tuition and fee balance not covered by grants, scholarships, or other VA benefits that make them eligible for the ANGEAP program, they will need to cover the balance upfront and will be reimbursed by ANGEAP at the end of the semester. Withdrawing from a course could also make a student ineligible to receive ANGEAP reimbursement for that course. Furthermore, ANGEAP is based on academic progress. To receive the benefits, a 2.0 or higher GPA is required.

Contact the Jefferson State Veterans Affairs Office for assistance at va@jeffersonstate.edu.

Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA) – General Information

• Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is exclusive to currently serving members of the Armed Forces. If your ETS date falls during the academic semester you will not get TA for that semester.
• TA is requested on a course-by-course basis, and each course must be part of an approved degree program.
• TA cannot be used for a lateral degree (you cannot use TA to earn a 2nd associate degree, certificate, or short-term certificate respectively).
• TA can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the course cost, year applies for Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Army cannot exceed $250 per credit hour; up to $4000 per fiscal year and Coast Guard cannot exceed $250 per credit hour; up to $2250 per fiscal year. (Fiscal year resets on October 1).
• TA may NOT cover all course fees.
• TA can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill®, but with some restrictions. Contact the Jefferson State Community College Office of Veterans Affairs for guidance at (205) 856-7951 or email va@jeffersonstate.edu.
• TA requests should be completed prior to the start of the semester. Each military service branch has its own deadline.
• You must clear all prior balances and holds with the college to confirm your schedule each term.
• TA is a tuition reimbursement program; you will not receive an up-front payment. Payments are made directly to the college and may be applied later in the semester. You must pay all tuition due on your account when viewable. Payments not made by the provided deadline may result in schedule cancellation.
• For additional information or assistance contact the Business Office at (205) 856-7778 or dafisher@jeffersonstate.edu. For more information, review your military service website for details on your eligibility and the process for requesting tuition assistance.

To Apply for Tuition Assistance:

1. Speak with your education officer, career counselor, or benefits incentive specialists with your respective branch of service to ensure you are eligible for Tuition Assistance.
2. Gain approval from your commander to attend classes at Jefferson State Community College prior to enrollment.
3. See your base Education Services Officer (ESO) prior to enrolling for classes at Jefferson State Community College.
4. Follow specific instructions for your military service branch regarding how to request Tuition Assistance for your course(s). Take note of the TA application instructions/deadlines specific to your branch and Jefferson State Community College academic calendar to ensure your request is processed in a timely manner.
5. Army service members must submit requests in the online ArmyIgnitED portal. All other branches of service must submit your approved TA request to the Business Office for processing.

Complaint Policy for Students Receiving VA Education Benefits

For students receiving VA education benefits, any complaint against the school should be routed through the VA GI Bill® Feedback System by going to the following link: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp. The VA will then follow up through the appropriate channels to investigate the complaint and resolve it satisfactorily.