Educational Benefits for Military-Affiliated Students

Apply for Financial Aid #

Students who are eligible to receive any of the federal veterans' educational benefits listed below may also apply for federal financial aid. Veterans' financial aid eligibility is determined by the same federal process applied to all students and therefore, they are eligible for the same awards.

Learn more about applying for financial aid and paying for college

Military Tuition Assistance #

For current servicemembers, Military Tuition Assistance (MTA) will cover the enrollment fees for classes you enroll in at Mesa College. In order to receive these funds, you must pass your class(es), otherwise, you will be responsible for paying the full amount. Once approved by your base education office, you will need to bring the MTA approval to Mesa College's Accounting Office to update your account. Learn more about how to start the process with your branch of service.

• You will find that most if not all the branches will require you to start the process of receiving MTA through an online portal (links below by branch). Once you have complete the online process to receive MTA and it has been approved by your base Educational Services Officer (ESO), you will need to bring the MTA Voucher to our Student Accounting Office. Once the Student Accounting Office has everything, your account will be updated showing you are receiving MTA.
• If you have any additional questions regarding how to get started with MTA, we highly encourage you to talk with your base education office.  You can also reach out to the Veteran Services Office at San Diego Mesa College via our general email at sdmesavets@sdccd.edu.

Student needs to see Counseling for an Education Plan.

• Navy College Program
• Marine Corps
• Army
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• MCAS Miramar MCCS
• Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD)

Educational Benefit Programs #

See what your GI Bill covers and learn how to avoid debt with the DVA.

Post-9/11 GI Bill #

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an educational benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or since September 11, 2001. Eligible students may receive benefits to help cover the costs of approved educational programs, housing, and supplies for up to 36 months.The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the only VA Education Benefit that does not affect your eligibility for a Subsidized Direct Loan.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) #

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) provides educational benefits for individuals who have served at least 2 years on Active Duty. Eligible students may receive up to 36 months of educational benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) #

The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve is an educational benefits program for members of the Selected Reserve that doesn't require active duty service. Eligible reservists from any branch may receive benefits for up to 36 months to cover their educational costs.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607) #

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is an educational benefits program that provided benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserves (IRR), and National Guard who were called to active service in response to a national emergency or war. The program ended on November 25, 2015 and some of those who were receiving benefits did so until November 25, 2019.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31) #

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) services help veterans with disabilities secure employment, build career skills, and seek independent living.

Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) #

The Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is a $2-to-$1 government-match program for educational assistance in which service members make contributions from their military pay to be doubled and applied toward paying for your degree, certificate, and or training.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35) #

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance provides benefits for children or spouses of a veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities.

Have Additional Questions About Receiving Benefits? #

If you have any questions, please get in contact with us through our email at SDMesaVets@sdccd.edu or by giving us a call at 619-388-2805.

Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to view the various benefit programs, determine your eligibility, and calculate your benefit.