Military Connected Families

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Tuition Assistance rules vary by branch of service and each branch has its own TA application form and procedures.

The Department of Defense requires that Hastings College verify successful completion of coursework when the Tuition Assistance Program funding is paid. Hastings College is required to return unearned TA funds for failing the course or for withdrawing (either officially or unofficially).

To comply with the U.S. Department of Defense Policy, Hastings College is required to return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through the 60% portion of the course for which the funds were provided. If the withdrawal is due to a military service obligation, Hastings College will provide institutional funding that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

Official Withdrawal: A student who completes the withdrawal form and clearly states their intent to withdraw from the college is considered to have officially withdrawn. The DATE OF WITHDRAW is the date that the student completed the withdrawal process, unless the student indicates that the withdrawal is to be effective at the completion of the current academic session.

Unofficial Withdrawal: Students who enroll in a class and never participate, or remain enrolled in a class but at some point cease participation, are potential risks for an unofficial withdrawal. Such students may receive a grade of “F” for the course, or, per Class Attendance Policy in the Hastings College Catalog, may be removed from the class by request of the course instructor. If a student never participates or ceases to participate in all classes in which they are enrolled for an academic session, that student is considered to be unofficially withdrawn. THE DATE OF WITHDRAW is the last day the student participated in an “academically-related activity.

If a student withdraws prior to completing at least 60% of the course, 100% of the TA funds are returned. This may create a balance due on the student’s account.

After the 60% of the course, the student is considered to have earned 100% of the TA funds.

The following schedule will be used to determine the number of days when a course is 60% or more completed:

2-week Course Withdraw
Before or during days 1-6 = 100% TA returned (60% of course completed)
During or after day 7 = 0% return

7-week Course Withdraw
Before or during days 1-22 = 100% TA returned (60% of course completed)
During or after day 23 = 0% return

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 Policy for Veteran Students
Utilizing VA GI Bill® Education Benefits

Consistent with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, Section 103, Hastings College will not impose any penalties due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs on recipients of Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 VA Benefits. Hastings College will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides Hastings College a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33, and ending on the earlier of the following dates: 1) The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution or 2) 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the COE (Certificate of Eligibility).

Additionally, Hastings College will not require that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Hastings College due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapter 31 or 33. A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation, or chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, and has
been verified by the school certifying official as benefit eligible.  This requirement is limited to the portion of funds paid by VA.