Looking to complete my Bachelors Degree - What resources are out there for Veterans and Federal Employees?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:54:33 -0400

I’m looking this program for my Bachelor's Degree in Science.

https://www.gwu.edu/undergraduate-programs-bachelors-degree-completion-program-integrated-information-science-and-technology?searched=y

I think this is the one for me but is very expensive, I’d be able to finish quicker with having my A.S. degree and real life experience credit.

My question is this? What resources are out there for tuition assistance for Federal Employees and Veterans? I had a GI bill but had used that for my A.S. I'm a service-disabled veteran, and I'm checking into the possibility of the VA. I keep hearing from people how the govt paid for federal employees to finish their degrees for promotion potential, but I can't seem to get a straight answer as to what is available to me here at USDA. My goal with getting this degree is to consider SES in Federal Service so a Bachelor's Degree at a minimum is required.

I appreciate any advice that any of you could give me on this.

1SG Michael Blount, CW3 Private RallyPoint Member, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, SGM Private RallyPoint Member, COL Private RallyPoint Member SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"

Bachelor's Degree Completion Program in Integrated Information, Science, and Technology | The...

Developed by GW’s College of Professional Studies, this bachelor’s degree completion program is for the individual who currently holds an associate's degree or has earned at least 60 credit hours toward their undergraduate degree. The remaining 60 credit hours of study required for bachelor’s degree completion at GW, consist of 32 credit hours of foundational courses which are taken during the first three semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer) or...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 3 at 2015 12:13 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:13:27 -0400

CLEP, DANTE, Excelsior exams. Most schools will take 30~ credits (1 year). Dante include Upper Level courses. As a vet you can take tests on base. Tests cost $100~ each but net you 3-6 credits. Can end up saving you 6-12 months and LOTS of money.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Aug 3 at 2015 12:16 PM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:16:13 -0400

Check with the finance office at the school. I went to Linfield College for my BA and received an scholarship (not much) from a foundation started by an alumni. Both husband and wife were Navy veterans and started the scholarship to help veterans. The real help may come afterword. If you are employed in public service you can have the balance of loans forgiven after 10 years.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 3 at 2015 12:19 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:19:36 -0400

Lisa, check with the DAV or other veterans organizations. They may have something too

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 12:19 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:19:51 -0400

There are a few different thought processes for this and it depends on what you want out of your degree:

1. Get a degree related to what your job is or will be. This would be how you get the "most" out of the courses you end up taking.

2. Get a degree you can get the most credit to start with. This would be how you get the most degree out of your life experiences already. This can include service related schools, credit for jobs you've held etc. One thing to be VERY wary of if you choose this method is how much you are paying to get credit for what you've done. Sometimes it actually ends up being more expensive than taking courses. The other thing to consider with this is actual graduation rates from whatever school you choose. Some online schools (online only not brick and mortar that offer online) have extremely low graduation rates. "For Profit" schools can be good, but you need to know what you're getting into, and what you are getting out of it.

3. Get a degree that is completely covered by Tuition Assistance (or whatever education benefit you have, including GI bill). In this situation you probably want a school that has a low tuition cost and if you are doing courses online, the cost is usually higher. This all depends on your schedule.

4. Get a degree from the school you "want" it from. There are programs at lots of universities that are overlooked and if you wanted a "name brand" degree (which may or may not be important or even valuable) make sure you look into programs (your GWU one is a good example).

Overall just be careful. There are a lot of stories of universities taking advantage of veterans. Whether intentional or not, all the programs aren't that great. My wife ended up using up all her benefits and has half of two different degrees at Ashford. She was very disappointed. At the same time I know someone else who got everything they needed there and was very happy with it. Just do your research and be careful!

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/gi-bill-benefitting-profit-colleges-instead-helping-veterans/

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/09/gi-bill-for-profit-colleges

http://cironline.org/reports/gi-bill-funds-flow-profit-colleges-fail-state-aid-standards-6477

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/28/degree-mills-are-exploiting-veterans-and-making-millions-off-the-gi-bill.html

Who’s really benefiting from the GI Bill?

Veterans can receive the full cost of a college education under the GI Bill, but recently funds from the bill have flowed mostly to for-profit schools, even though veterans’ prospects are often not appreciably better after attending them. Aaron Glantz of the Center for Investigative Reporting explores the growing scrutiny on the destination of this federal funding.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 3 at 2015 12:22 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:22:09 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, MSG Kevin Henry is in WA but very knowledgable about the resources out there. Perhaps he can point you in the right direction.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 3 at 2015 12:25 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:25:31 -0400

Depending on your VA rating you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. Find a local VA rep for the program and you might not need to worry about financing the education.

Response by SFC Steven Evans Sr, PhD made Aug 3 at 2015 12:31 PM

SFC Steven Evans Sr, PhD — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:31:46 -0400

Hi Lisa, there are many ways or programs to assist Veterans and Federal Employees. I am considering going back for a specialized Masters and I will likely use student loans and organization tuition assistance-because I am a Ferdal Employee as well. Research is the key and finding programs is challenging but I am seeking information as well: scholarships are out there, but as with anything free or almost free, you'll need to traverse some rough ground. Talk to your HR department as most organztions have SLRP and TA. Good luck.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 3 at 2015 1:00 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:00:54 -0400

I would check with the Veterans Administration. And, PV2 Private RallyPoint Member. (Their toll-free phone number is: [login to see] .)
If you are 100% service-connected disabled; then everything at the VA Hospital-at least-is available. Look into what is available for disabled veterans. There must be an office for that at the VA Hospital.
Also, you can always Google what you are looking for.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Aug 3 at 2015 1:12 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:12:08 -0400

Look for a school that will give you credit for practical experience in the military. Don't know how many credits you have left but to save money take online courses or courses at the local community college. When you have one year or less credits to obtaining a degree attend a full-time college. If you are a federal employee, apply for training finds for individual courses.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 3 at 2015 1:12 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:12:55 -0400

Lisa, you may be able to qualify for Vocational Rehab, which is a great program, if they will accept you. The rub is that while the specifications are liberal, because of tight dollars, it's often very difficult to get it. Nonetheless, talk to them at your local VA center...

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 3 at 2015 2:11 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:11:42 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member There is a program for Federal Employees so that once you have completed 10 years of Federal Service your student loans are forgiven. There are more details at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
I hope you find this helpful.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid

You may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on your eligible federal student loans based on your employment in a public service job.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 3 at 2015 2:12 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:12:05 -0400

Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid

You may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on your eligible federal student loans based on your employment in a public service job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 2:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 14:42:22 -0400

PV2 Wilcox, you could also inquire into tuition assistance through goarmyed.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 3 at 2015 3:42 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 15:42:30 -0400

The VA is one avenue, but I'd also encourage you to do a search for scholarships at universities. People set them up for reasons known only to them, like any red headed girl from Xberg. Who knows - but there are hundreds of millions in scholarships. I'd also encourage you to check in with so many of the other groups -- Wounded Warriors, Gary Sinese Foundation and so on. The people who create scholarships want the best candidates who will do the most good with their education -- giving back in some form or fashion. You can also look within the USDA website itself if you haven't:
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=BENEFITS
and that will tell you about The USDA Graduate School offers career-related and continuing education courses to professionals and federal, state, and local employees throughout the country." It will send you there and you can research grant options there. Note: They are a for profit institution, so they should have the grant thing worked out since they affiliate with USDA>
http://www.graduateschool.edu/
Hope this can help

Graduate School USA

Graduate School USA is a leader in meeting public sector education, development, and training needs - browse course offerings today!

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Aug 3 at 2015 7:27 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:27:32 -0400

I used Voc Rehab with the VA for my AS and BA. It was a great program! My wife worked at Trevecca Nazarene University, so I received my Masters free also (employee perk).

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 3 at 2015 10:27 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 22:27:42 -0400

The only things to ask:
1. Is this an accredited college and accredited program?
2. Is it relevant to an industry or particular skill or knowledge base that will get you a job?
3. Is the cost reasonable (not higher than average college costs). You may be doing this on GI bill, but think about where you go and what you study. Some schools are known for great technology programs and having their paper means something to industries and employers. Make sure the program or institution is worth it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 11:39 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 11:39:03 -0400

Lisa, check out Excelsior College at excelsior.edu
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Response by SGT Shontae Patsaricas made Aug 4 at 2015 3:11 PM

SGT Shontae Patsaricas — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:11:43 -0400

Hi Lisa. I am an admission representative at American Military University. Have you considered any degrees through AMU? You can see a list of the Bachelor degrees we offer at the following link: http://www.amu.apus.edu/academic/programs/bachelors We have a Bachelor's in Information System Security, Information Technology, and Information Technology Management.

For veterans, we charge $250 a credit hour. We can evaluate your previous college and military transcripts towards 2 degrees you are interested in to see how much would transfer. This will help you determine how much would be left of the program, therefore leading to a total cost for your Bachelor's degree.

If you are interested in receiving more information, please reach out to me. I would be glad to assist you!

AMU Bachelors Programs

AMU offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees that require between 120 and 124 semester hours (39-40 courses and 1-4 labs) depending on the program. Students must have a high school degree or its equivalent to be admitted to a bachelor's degree program.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 4 at 2015 7:20 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:20:15 -0400

I once heard someone say something like, "doctor, lawyer, engineer, all other degrees are useless". I was young at the time and thought it was a very narrow thing to say. Now, after 40 years of experience and observation, I agree, be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, or you are just wasting your money and time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 9:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:07:36 -0400

See your education center. They can give you the best info based on your needs

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 7 at 2015 11:54 PM

SFC John Birks — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 23:54:00 -0400

Good luck to you! Great to see people out there getting their education on!

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 8 at 2015 12:05 AM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 00:05:18 -0400

Look for a school who has people dedicated to helping veterans and know the GI Bill.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 1:31 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:31:15 -0400

Its great that you are finishing college. I am finishing mine as well. You still have some options on the table for higher education. If you are using the VA then I assume you have gone online and registered in ebenefits.va.gov. If you haven't start there. On that website you will find a drop box for education benefits. VA offeres education continuation benefits under chapter 31 and 33. If you qualify under these benefits they will pay for your school up to a bachalors and pay you a stiphen for living expenses. This does not depend on wheter you have a job of not. So check out those benefits and see if they can help.

Response by PO1 Tharin Young made Aug 21 at 2015 6:28 AM

PO1 Tharin Young — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 06:28:13 -0400

I recently completed my BSIT at Kaplan University. I thought the process was made very easy for me administratively by their veteran's staff, my service covered 45 of the 180 required credits and the post-911 GI bill meant that the education cost me nothing and I was paid a monthely cost of living allowance with a stipend every quarter. Overall, I was pleased with the experience.

Response by 1SG Christian Chenard made Dec 1 at 2016 2:09 PM

1SG Christian Chenard — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:09:09 -0500

Look at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. If you get selected there, it could e free.