Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does CSU accept Military Tuition Assistance?
Yes, CSU does accept Tuition Assistance. For more information about using Tuition Assistance at CSU, visit Tuition Assistance - Columbus State University
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office told me I did not have to turn in my Post/911 Certificate of eligible to CSU, why does CSU require this?
CSU requires an updated award letter to apply a payment to the student’s account. Without the updated award letter, the student will be responsible for all tuition and fees up front until the VA sends payment for courses.
Where is the Military Connected Student Service Office located?
MCSS is located on Main Campus in the Schuster Building, Room 117. For those at Ft. Benning, you can visit the Education Center within the Soldier for Life Building.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has not sent me a copy of my updated Certificate of Eligibility. Where can I get a copy?
You can access your award letter on the VA webpage, https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage.
Why do I have to certify my schedule each semester?
It is the student's responsibility to certify their schedule each semester as part of the VA Educational Benefit requirements. Failure to do so means that your enrollment will not be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Who should I contact if I haven’t received my stipend or have questions about the amount of the stipend?
If you are concerned about a payment, you should first check with the Military-Connected Student Services Office to ensure the appropriate documents have been submitted to VA. Once confirmed and if there are questions, you will be directed to the VA Educational Hotline 1-888-442-4551.
I’m using Chapter 35 (DEA) or Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) why do I still need to pay the school for tuition and fees?
CH 35 (DEA) and CH 30 pay students directly based on enrollment hours. Students using these benefits are still responsible for tuition and fees. Current pay rates are available below.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp
Where can I find more information about GI Bill Benefits?
I am using a VA Ed Benefit to attend school, why am I being charged Out-of-State Tuition?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill will only cover the cost of the In-State tuition. CSU offers several Out of Stat Tuition Waivers that students may qualify for. More information can be found at Forms - Columbus State University
I am failing a class, what will happen if I drop that class?
If a student withdraws after the drop/add period, the Military-Connected Student Services Office must report the enrollment change to VA. Depending on the benefit type, the student may owe for the dropped course. For more info on withdrawals and attendance policies, click the link below.
https://catalog.columbusstate.edu/military-veterans-educational-benefits/
I am currently attending CSU and came up on orders, what will happen when I drop my courses?
The CSU VA office must report any course drops or withdrawals to the VA Regional Office. Contact the CSU VA office before dropping any courses. For more info on Military Withdrawals and attendance policies, click the link below.
The student will still be eligible to receive any Housing Allowance and Book Stipend owed through the GI Bill. I have 100% GI Bill, should I still apply for financial aid?
Applying for financial aid is encouraged but not required. Students can still receive Student Loans, Pell Grants, and other non-HOPE scholarships. Any overpayments to the account will result in a refund.
I am in the Reserves or National Guard and using the GI Bill. Why does it not cover my tuition and fees upfront?
The Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (CH 1606) pays students directly and is separate from the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Students must still pay tuition and fees. Current pay rates are available at the link below.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp
