Veterans Services

Veterans Services at CGCC

Support for setting up and using your VA education benefits at CGCC

Not sure if you're eligible? Check VA Education Eligibility →

Getting Started: Using Your VA Education Benefits at CGCC

  1.  Apply to CGCC — Apply Now
    Submit your application to become a CGCC Student.
  2.  Certify with the VA — Apply at VA.gov
    Apply for VA education benefits through the VA’s website.
  3.  Annual VA Benefits Form — Submit Benefits Form
    Confirm your education plans so CGCC can certify your classes each year.
  4.  Meet with an Academic Advisor — Schedule Advising
    Plan your schedule and make sure your courses align with VA rules.
  5.  Send JSTs & transcripts — Transcript Info
    Submit Joint Services Transcripts and official transcripts from prior colleges.
  6.  Begin classes; email registrar@cgcc.edu if you add/drop
    Starting classes activates your benefits; notify us of any changes right away.

Optional

  •  Complete FAFSA — Start FAFSA
    You may be qualified for both federal student aid and military or VA benefits. Complete the FAFSA to get started.
  •  Tuition Waiver for Dependents — Apply Here
    Eligible dependents of fallen or disabled service members may qualify for a tuition waiver. Oregon residents only.

Information

Columbia Gorge Community College is committed to providing financial support to assist you with your education. The registrar at CGCC certifies all veteran benefits for certificate and degree seeking students attending both in-person and online programs. To begin using benefits, fill out the Annual VA Benefits at CGCC form. You may be qualified for both federal student aid and military or VA benefits. To be considered for federal financial aid, please visit Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA).

In order to receive VA benefits, you must submit a Certificate of Eligibility, obtained through Department of Veteran Affairs GI Bill, which should be sent to the Registrar. Veterans may be able to transfer their benefits to a spouse, one or more children, or a combination of a spouse and child. For faster processing, the VA strongly encourages veterans to apply for benefits online, rather than by mail.

Columbia Gorge Community College does not impose any penalties due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33. Students with payment delays will not be charged late fees, prevented from enrolling, or denied access to courses, libraries, or other institutional facilities, nor are students required to borrow additional funds due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33.

Annual Requirement
Each school year, all students using Veterans Benefits must complete the Annual VA Benefits at CGCC form. This keeps your certification going at CGCC and ensures there are no delays in processing.

Already Submitted Your Documentation?
If you’ve already turned in your DD-214, Certificate of Eligibility, JSTs, and other required documents, you don’t need to resubmit them. Just indicate this when completing the form.

Need Help?
Contact registrar@cgcc.edu if you’re unsure what’s required, or if your service or enrollment status has changed.

All students using VA education benefits must request an Official JST be sent directly to CGCC. These transcripts help us evaluate your prior military training for possible college credit.

Order Your JST Here →

Army / National Guard

Login to JST Online using your CAC or DoD ID. Select “Official Transcript Request” and have it sent to Columbia Gorge Community College.

If unable to order using the link above:

  1. Log in to your JST account via https://jst.doded.mil and open a case.
  2. Click “MY Inquiries.”
  3. Click the green button “+Create an inquiry.”
  4. Click the gray button “I still need assistance.”
  5. Type that you need your Official Transcript sent to Columbia Gorge Community College (registrar@cgcc.edu).
  6. Where it says “add attachments,” click and upload the special request form.

This inquiry will go to the Army JST Office, where they can process your request.

Can’t log in? Email a JST Request Form:

  1. Complete the Official Transcript Request Form (Army).
  2. Email your completed form to: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-aarts@mail.mil
  3. Need to call? 1-888-276-9472

Need help? Call 1-888-276-9472 or email usarmy.knox.tradoc.mbx.armyu-access-jst@army.mil

Navy / Marine Corps / Coast Guard

Access JST Online with your CAC or username/password. Choose “Official Transcript Request” and designate CGCC as the recipient.

If unable to order online:

Contact for Navy & Marine Corps:
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: 850-473-6013 (Comm) or 753-6013 (DSN)

Contact for Coast Guard:
Email: ETQC-SMB-RO@USCG.MIL
Fax: (757) 366-6575

Air Force (CCAF)

The Air Force uses the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Request transcripts through CCAF Transcript Services.

  • If you are Air Force and have NOT taken courses with other branches, request directly through CCAF.
  • If you are Air Force and HAVE taken courses with other branches, contact: jst@doded.mil

Mailing Address:
Columbia Gorge Community College
Registrar’s Office
400 E Scenic Dr
The Dalles, OR 97058

Veterans FAQs

Quick answers to common questions about VA education benefits at CGCC.

Q1. How do I get my CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE)?
Q2. Am I eligible for IN-STATE TUITION as a veteran or dependent?

Under 38 U.S.C. § 3679(c), IN-STATE TUITION applies if you live in Oregon and meet one of these:

  • Veterans using CH. 30 or CH. 33, enrolling within 3 years of discharge (90+ days active duty).
  • Transferred Post-9/11 benefits (CH. 33), enrolling within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge.
  • Continuously enrolled students who qualified initially (excludes normal breaks).
  • Fry Scholarship recipients living in Oregon while attending school here.

  • Active-duty transferors’ dependents using transferred Post-9/11 benefits.

    38 U.S.C. 3679(c) – Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014

Q3. Do veterans and dependents get PRIORITY REGISTRATION?

Yes. You can register 1 hour before general registration opens (usually 8 AM).

Trouble registering? Email your course list to registrar@cgcc.edu during your PRIORITY REGISTRATION window. We’ll enroll you before waitlists begin (requests after that may be subject to waitlists).

Q4. How can I check that my ENROLLMENT INFORMATION is correct?

Use the VA tool: Verify School Enrollment.

If anything looks wrong, email registrar@cgcc.edu.

Q5. Do I need to complete ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION each month?

Yes — if you’re in 6+ credits, verify at the end of each month of the term (e.g., a fall term that starts late September → verify on/after Oct 1).

  • CH. 33 (POST-9/11): Benefits pause after 2 consecutive months without verification.
  • CH. 30 (MONTGOMERY): Benefits aren’t sent until you verify.

Important: If the VA texts you the wrong credit number, don’t reply “No.” Email registrar@cgcc.edu so we can fix your credits, then reply “Yes.”

If you already replied “No,” call the GI Bill hotline: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Q6. What if my ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION is wrong and I want to reject it?

Please contact the SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL (SCO) at registrar@cgcc.edu before you reject the verification. Rejecting it directly can cause significant delays in receiving your benefits.

Q7. When will I receive my monthly benefit PAYMENT?
  • CH. 33 (POST-9/11): Processed on the 1st of each month; allow up to 5 days to arrive.
  • CH. 30 (MONTGOMERY): Sent after you verify enrollment; allow up to 5 days.
Q8. How does my credit load affect my MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE (MHA)?

Your MHA is based on your RATE OF PURSUIT (credits ÷ full-time load). The VA pays at the nearest 10% increment. You must be more than 50% to receive MHA.

Credits

Rate of Pursuit

VA PAYMENT

12 ÷ 12

100%

100% MHA

11 ÷ 12

92%

90% MHA

9 ÷ 12

75%

80% MHA

7 ÷ 12

58%

60% MHA

6 ÷ 12

50%

Not eligible

Note: The VA rounds your rate of pursuit to the nearest 10% (e.g., 92% → 90%).

Q9. How are CH. 35 (DEA) PAYMENTS calculated?

CH. 35 (DEA) does not include a housing allowance. Instead, it pays a FLAT MONTHLY STIPEND based on your enrollment level at CGCC:

Credits at CGCC

Training Time

VA PAYMENT Rate

12+ credits

Full-time

100% monthly PAYMENT

9–11 credits

¾-time

75% monthly PAYMENT

6–8 credits

½-time

50% monthly PAYMENT

< 6 credits

Less than half-time

Tuition/fees only (capped at ½-time PAYMENT)

Note: The exact $ amount is set by the VA each year and paid directly to you. See the VA’s DEA rates for current figures.

Need Assistance? Important Phone Numbers

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1
24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans and their families.

GI Bill® Hotline: 888-442-4551
General questions about GI Bill eligibility, payments, and benefits.

VA Benefits: 800-827-1000
Disability claims, pensions, health care, and other VA benefits.

MyVA411 (24/7): 800-698-2411
General VA help line that routes you to the right office.

Local & Campus Contacts

Wasco County Veterans Services: (541) 506-2502 • chelseap@co.wasco.or.us
Assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and referrals.

CGCC Student Services: (541) 506-6011 (Option 2) • studentservices@cgcc.edu
Advising, tutoring, counseling, and general student support.

CGCC School Certifying Official: (541) 506-6012 • registrar@cgcc.edu
Certification of VA education benefits and enrollment updates.