I am attempting to enroll in college classes to earn my Bachelors Degree. What is the correct process to ensure that my benefits kick in?

2016-11-10T06:40:14-05:00

I am attempting to enroll in the University of Phoenix to study as a Family and Child Care Counselor but mostly focusing in Child. Do I enroll first or contact someone in my unit prior to enrolling? I have heard it both ways but I am attempting to find the one to where my college benefits would kick in immediately. I have attempted to discuss this among my Unit but the answers always differ.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2016 6:58 AM

2016-11-10T06:58:26-05:00

First off, don't go to University of Phoenix. That is a for-profit school with quite a negative reputation amongst employers, who will likely view this school as a diploma mill. If you are set on an online degree program, many brick and mortar schools offer 100% online degrees and your diploma would be indistinguishable from a diploma offered by a resident program.

Beyond that, visit goarmyed.com, choose your school and degree program, sign your statement of understanding, upload your course planner, and you are set. You can also do this in person at the Education Center.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 10 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-11-10T11:33:39-05:00

There are good online institutions out there. Just make sure your degree program will match up with appropriate credentialing and the units are transferable. Many programs are credentialed by a recognized regional authority. Others like engineering must be from a singular national authority to be any good.

Response by PO3 Derek "Doc Potter" Wilson made Nov 10 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-11-10T11:43:59-05:00

University of Phoenix has such a bad reputation to my understanding Navy wouldn't pay TA for them anymore. Try somewhere else. I go to American Military University online and they are very accepting of military experience, particularly in the area of electives. I've also heard Kaplan was really good.

The process depends on if you are active, reserve or veteran and what benefits you are trying to use. If you are active then use TA. DO NOT USE YOUR GI BILL WHEN ACTIVE DUTY!! I cannot stress that enough! If you qualify for TA then use that. TA usually starts with enrolling in college and then routing a request chit, your CoC should help you with that.

If you are using GI bill it matters which you are using. Personally, Post 9/11 is far superior to the Montgomery. If you are using the MGIB then you must enroll, get accepted, fill out the appropriate paperwork on ebenefits website and don't forget to WAVE in every month ( WAVE tracks your attendance at school )

If using the post 9/11 then enroll, get accepted, do the ebenefits paperwork, and supply a direct deposit information. Your school pretty much takes care of your attendance.

Something to keep in mind. Your GI bill benefits are laid out in 36 months so do as much schooling as you can in that time. If you only go half-time for the entire 36 months then you will be left with a bill to finish your degree. If you are active and/or eligible for any form of TA than use that first and reserve your GI bill till you get out. If you need help or have questions I can always be reached here. ( I guided many people through the process when I was active duty, but your CoC should be help to help as well )

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 10 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-11-10T13:56:14-05:00

I would go to another school and check it out. Phoenix has harassment techniques and seriously overcharges for the quality and credits received. I chose a local community college to build baseline classes, then stepped up to a State school to finish out the concentration. Just be careful dealing with schools looking for you and not vice versa!

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 11 at 2016 1:01 AM

2016-11-11T01:01:28-05:00

CHECK WITH THE UNIVERSITY THAT YOUR GOING TO ATTEND AND HAVE THEM CHECK ON CREDITS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS BEFORE YOU START SO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU STAND. GOOD LUCK
SSG MARK FRANZEN
US ARMY VET

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Nov 12 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-11-12T11:29:03-05:00

You should call VA and ask these questions. Many schools have a VA liason. Also, make sure you understand the requirements of using your VA benefits. Usually, a certain percentage of classes must be taken online to get the full benefit.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp

Education and Training Home

The GI Bill provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-11-15T16:14:49-05:00

Contact the VA. I tried to fill in the paperwork by myself and I was denied. Bureaucracy is tough, but you have to ask for help.