Credit for Training

As a service member, you may be eligible to receive Champlain College credit for prior college-level learning, military training and experience, applicable course work and/or national testing program examinations. This can greatly accelerate the time toward completing your undergraduate degree. Please follow the directions below for requesting official transcripts from your specific branch of service. Champlain will then evaluate your transcript for any transferable credit.

Air Force

The U.S. Air Force uses the Community College of Air Force (CCAF) transcript for documenting ACE-certified military training and experience, course work and CLEP or DSST exams worthy of academic credit. Champlain College uses the CCAF transcript to determine whether specific training or previous course work qualifies for credit toward a Champlain degree program.

For information on how to request your official transcript, visit the CCAF Web site. Designate that your official CCAF transcript be mailed to Champlain College.

Army/National Guard

The U.S. Army uses the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript Service (AARTS) for documenting ACE-certified military training for academic credit purposes. Champlain College uses the AARTS form to determine whether military training and experience, course work and CLEP or DSST exams qualifies for credit toward a Champlain degree program.

Visit the AARTS Web site or call toll-free (866) 297-4427. Enter your Social Security Number, birth date and Basic Active Service Date (BASD) or Pay Entry Basic Date (PEBD) and click "continue." (Note: BASD is for active duty soldiers and PEBD is primarily used by guards and reservists. When in doubt, use your BASD.) And request that transcripts be sent to Champlain College.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard uses the U.S. Coast Guard Transcript for documenting all training and experience worthy of academic credit. Champlain College uses the transcript to determine whether specific ACE-certified training or previous course work qualifies for credit toward a Champlain degree program.

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Institute Web site. Visit 'Official Transcripts' for instructions about how to submit a written request for your transcripts. A copy of your DD-214 (discharge papers) and copies of course completion letters or certificates must also be attached to your request. And designate that the official Coast Guard transcript be mailed to Champlain College.

Marine Corps/Navy

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps use the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) for documenting ACE-certified military training and experience, course work, and CLEP or DSST exams worthy of academic credit. Champlain College uses the SMART to determine whether specific training on your military transcript qualifies for credit toward a Champlain degree program.

Visit the SMART Web site for more information on how to request your transcripts or call toll-free (877) 253-7122. Designate that your official SMART transcript be mailed to Champlain College.

Financial Aid

Champlain College is approved for veterans by the State Board of Education. In addition to state or federal aid, you may be eligible to receive a variety of tuition assistance and veterans’ education benefits. Eligible veterans should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to registration.

DANTES Affiliate:

Champlain College is a Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) affiliate. Military personnel wishing to be reimbursed via DANTES must submit DANTES form 1562/31 with their registration http://www.dantes.doded.mil.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for financial aid at Champlain College. Unless otherwise noted, no additional applications are required to be considered for federal or institutional scholarship or grant programs. The Financial Aid process is exactly the same for online students as for students who physically attend the campus. The students must meet the eligibility requirements and maintain satisfactory academic progress (information can be found in Student Handbook) to be eligible for financial aid.

You may complete your FAFSA online or you may request a paper version from the Champlain College Financial Aid Office at finaid@champlain.edu.

Grants/Scholarships

Federal Grants

Federal grants are available for students in undergraduate programs who have a demonstrated financial need. This need is determined by the government based on the information you include in your FAFSA. Pell Grants are the most common grant awarded. For more information about grants, please visit the following sites:

• Grants.gov
• Benefits.gov
• Studentaid.ed.gov

State Grants

State grants may be available from your home state. Vermont residents should apply for the Vermont state grant at: www.vsac.org. Students from outside the state of Vermont should contact your state grant agency for further information and application procedures.

Scholarships

While grants are awarded based upon financial need, scholarships are awarded based upon criteria determined by the granting organization/committee. Scholarships have been created based on geographic location, grades, field of study, membership within an organization, the list is endless. To begin your scholarship search we recommend utilizing the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation scholarships page, as their resources are legitimate and up to date. To avoid scholarship scams please visit the Federal Trade Commission site before giving out any personal information.

VA Education Benefits

Champlain College is an approved institution for veterans’ educational benefits. To determine if you are eligible to receive benefits, visit the G.I. Bill Web site or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

VA benefit programs include:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
• Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve
• Montgomery GI Bill Kicker
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

You can access all the pamphlets and fact sheets from the Veteran’s Administration.

For personal assistance, please contact the Veteran Services Office at sco@champlain.edu or (802) 865-5777, or call the Veterans Administration toll-free number at (888) 442-4551.

Yellow Ribbon

Champlain College is proud to be a 100% participant with the GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program. This education benefit is available for all military personnel that are eligible for 100% tuition under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. By becoming a 100% participant in this program, Champlain College has agreed to provide additional tuition assistance to then be matched by the VA resulting in potentially free tuition for qualifying veterans. Please speak with one of our admissions counselors or email the Veteran Services Office for more details.

The Veterans Administration has produced a pamphlet describing the Post 9/11 GI Bill in detail, including how to determine eligibility. Please contact our Veteran Services Office or the Veteran’s Administration office nearest you for additional assistance.

For more information regarding the Yellow Ribbon program and other GI Bill programs visit the Veterans Administration website