Current Students

Veterans

Dawson Community College is dedicated to providing quality and affordable education to veterans and their families. We are not the VA but a liaison between the student, college and VA.

Benefits description by chapter:

  • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill ® Active Duty
  • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill ® (Includes Transfer of Eligibility) / Fry Scholarship
  • Chapter 35 Dependents Education Assistance
  • Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill ® Reservist or National Guard / 1607 - REAP

Applying for VA Education Benefits

For Veterans, family members, a candidate for the National Call to Service Program, or if you are changing schools apply for VA education benefits: www.vets.gov

  • Veterans will need to provide start and end dates for their military service and all applicants will need to provide their bank account and routing number for direct deposit.
  • Follow the directions on the website, if you have problems contact the VA Coordinator.
  • Complete the selected form. (Write down confirmation information)
  • After the application is completed, the VA will notify you of the status.
  • (Chapter 33 ONLY) You will need to provide a copy of the Certificate Of Eligibility (COE) to the VETS Office, and we need to have a copy on file dated within one year from the start of each semester; otherwise, we cannot give the VA estimated credit to help pay/finalize your bill. We recommend turning in a COE every time the VA sends a new one.

*YOUR BILL IS ULTIMATELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Submit your military transcripts: https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signIn.dod

  • Click “Register” under “Register to use this system” at the top of the page and complete registration.
  • At the top of the main page, click Transcript.
  • Click on Official Transcript Request. (Electronic)
  • Search “Montana.”
  • In the search results, find Dawson Community College.

Apply for Federal Financial Aid: www.studentaid.gov

  • We advise students to apply for FAFSA even if you are not planning to accept loans.
  • You will need your tax return information for the previous two tax years.
  • You are NOT required to accept federal financial aid if you apply. Keep in mind, if you accept a financial aid student loan package, you will still be required to pay it back later.

Tuition Assistance (TA):

In addition to VA Education Benefits, Dawson Community College recognizes Tuition Assistance (TA) as a source of financial aid for active-duty military students. TA is funded by the Department of Defense and administered through each branch's own portal (e.g., Army IgnitED, Air Force AI Portal, Navy/USMC MyNavy Education, Coast Guard). It is separate from VA education benefits and does not require veteran or dependent status — it's available to service members currently serving on active duty.

How TA works at DCC:

  1. Submit your TA request through your branch's education portal before the start of the term
  2. Bring an approved TA voucher to the Financial Aid Office.
  3. TA typically covers up to $250 per credit hour, capped at 16 semester hours per fiscal year 
  4. Contact Kristin Bilbrey at kbilbrey@dawson.edu with questions about applying TA to your account

If you are separating from active duty or are a veteran, spouse, or dependent, please see the VA Education Benefits section below instead.

Tuition Assistance (TA) for Active-Duty Service Members

Dawson Community College recognizes Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) as a source of financial aid for active-duty military students. TA is funded by the Department of War (DoW) and administered separately by each branch of service — it is not part of the VA/GI Bill benefit described above and does not require veteran status.

How to apply for TA at Dawson Community College:

  1. Before you register for any courses, you must receive approval from your unit's Education Service Officer (ESO), military counselor, or your branch's Voluntary Education office. TA authorization is required prior to enrollment — courses started without prior approval are not eligible for TA funding.
  2. Submit your TA request through your branch's education portal and wait for written authorization before registering for your class(es).
  3. Bring your approved TA voucher/authorization to the Financial Aid Office once it is issued. DCC will apply the authorized amount toward your tuition charges.

  4. Remaining balances — TA does not cover fees or books, and per-credit and annual caps are set by DoW policy. Any tuition costs above your authorization, and all fees, remain the student's responsibility.

    Because TA eligibility rules, funding caps, and application procedures are set by DoW and each individual branch — and can change — please visit your Service's official education portal for the most current, authoritative information:

    Army — ArmyIgnitED
    Navy — MyNavy Education / WebTA
    Air Force / Space Force — Air Force Virtual Education Center
    Marine Corps — Marine Corps Education Portal
    Coast Guard — Coast Guard Institute

    Questions about how TA is applied to your DCC account? Contact Kristin Bilbrey at kbilbrey@dawson.edu.

Readmission of Service Members

Dawson Community College will promptly readmit Service members and reservists whose studies are interrupted by military service, with the same academic status, program, and enrollment status they held when they left — no readmission essay, improvement plan, or fee required.

This applies if you:

  • Are unable to attend classes for more than 30 consecutive days due to military service, or
  • Are unable to attend classes for fewer than 30 days when that absence would otherwise result in a withdrawal

To notify DCC of your service: Contact the Registrar's Office (or an appropriate military officer/DoD official may do so on your behalf) as far in advance as reasonably possible. You do not need to state whether or when you intend to return.

To request readmission: Notify the Registrar's Office of your intent to return within 3 years after completing your period of service (within 2 years if you are recovering from a service-connected illness or injury). Total cumulative absences for uniformed service cannot exceed 5 years.

This policy is separate from DCC's general readmission process for suspended students — Service members are not required to submit an academic improvement plan.

Contact Information

You must complete the Education Benefit Certification Request form and initial and sign the Important Requirements and Guidelines every semester for which you intend to use VA education benefits.

Please refer to your "Summary of Educational Benefits" supplied by the VA or call the VA at (888) 442-4551 for a complete understanding of your educational benefits.

Contact the VA coordinator with any questions or concerns.

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