Dec 04, 2024  
Catalog/Handbook 2017-18 
    
Catalog/Handbook 2017-18 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Veterans


Information and advising are available for those veterans eligible for educational benefits under the various laws aiding veterans and their dependents. Veterans eligible under Chapters 30, 106, 32, and 35 of Title 38, U.S. Code, and the Post 9/11 GI Bill are required to be degree seeking, but they may attend college part time. It is important for veterans to meet with an academic advisor prior to registration each term.

The Financial Aid Office completes the Veteran’s Certification for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefits are paid on a sliding scale:

  • Full-time Benefits: 12 or more credit hours
  • 3/4 Benefits: 9 to 11 credit hours
  • 1/2 Benefits: 6 to 8 credit hours
  • Tuition only: 1 to 5 credit hours

All veterans and dependents (except those on vocational rehabilitation) are responsible for paying all College fees within the appropriate deadlines. Registration fees may be deferred, when necessary, up to sixty days. If the term is less than sixty days long, the deferment is ten days less than the length of the term, whichever is earlier.  Fees may be deferred only once per academic year.

Veterans and their spouses and dependents qualify for a waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition at Polk State College.  Students must submit the appropriate DD214 showing the veteran was honorably discharged to the Admission and Registrar’s office prior to the drop deadline post for the student’s classes.  Note that students who do not successfully pass the first two attempts of a course, will be charged the full cost of instruction at the third attempt. Read further details in the section “Defining a Florida Resident for Residency Fee Purposes.”

VA regulations require veterans to progress at a regular rate toward graduation. Veterans are expected to maintain the same academic standards of progress as students who receive federal financial aid. Details regarding the current Polk State College policy for meeting these requirements are available in the Financial Aid Office on the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses. Veterans should contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance with completing the appropriate paperwork.