Veterans Services

Educational Assistance for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

Blue Ridge Community College is committed to serving veterans and their families. It is our mission to provide exceptional guidance and support in helping student veterans reach their educational goals and making the transition from military life to college life easier. We accomplish this by offering one-on-one registration assistance, financial aid counseling, referrals to local resources, faculty mentoring and support, and a student veterans club to connect you with other veterans on campus. Review the links below for more information or contact Max Mauney, VA School Certifying Official by calling or texting (828) 600-4955, or emailing m.mauney@blueridge.edu.

Applying for and Using Your VA Education Benefit

Blue Ridge wants to make reaching your next summit—college life—a smooth journey. Review the Veterans Checklist for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for and use your VA education benefit.

Veterans Education Benefits Program Certifications includes: 

Approved Programs of Study

Below are listed the programs of study approved for VA education benefits.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

In order to receive veterans’ assistance, a student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress according to the college policy. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA. If the student’s GPA drops below a 2.0, then the student will be placed on academic probation.

Change of Status

Benefit recipients must immediately notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes that may affect their pay status. Such changes include changes of program, changes of hours, or changes of address. All necessary forms, instructions and assistance for notifying the Department of Veterans Affairs of changes in your status may be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships for Veterans

Blue Ridge Community College offers scholarships that are specifically for veterans. To apply for one of these scholarships and more through the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, please complete a short application at the following link:
Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation Scholarship Application

Tuition Assistance for Active Duty Military

Active duty personnel serving in the Armed Forces may be eligible for Tuition Assistance (“TA”) administered through the U.S. Department of Defense. TA is awarded to a student based on the assumption that the student will attend the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of the TA funds originally awarded. To comply with the U.S. Department of Defense policy, the College will return any unearned TA funds on a proportional basis up to sixty percent (60%) of the period for which the funds were provided. Funds will be returned to the military service agency (e.g. army, Navy, etc.), not to the service member. If a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the College will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.

TA eligibility will be recalculated for students who withdraw prior to completing sixty percent (60%) of the term. The official last date of attendance, as determined by the College’s attendance records, is used to determine the percentage amount to be returned. Recalculation of eligibility is based on the percentage of TA benefits earned using the following chart:

For 16 week courses, amount to be returned if withdrawal occurs:

• During weeks 1-2: 100% returned
• During weeks 3-4: 75% returned
• During weeks 5-8: 50% returned
• During week 9: 40% returned
• During weeks 10-16: 0% returned

For 8 week courses, amount to be returned if withdrawal occurs:

• Before or during weeks 1: 100% returned
• During week 2: 75% returned
• During weeks 3-4: 50% returned
• During week 5: 40% returned
• During weeks 6-8: 0% returned

TA funds will be returned to the military service agency within forty-five (45) days of determination of the withdrawal.

Resources for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

• GI Bill Comparison Tool
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
• NC Serves — NCCARE360
• Veterans Crisis Line

Contact Us

Max Mauney
VA Certifying Official
Blue Ridge Community College
180 W. Campus Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Call or Text: (828) 600-4955
m.mauney@blueridge.edu
Sink Building, Henderson County Campus

Additional Contact Information

Veterans Affairs Office
(800) 827-1000

US Department of Veterans Affairs
Customer Services Representative
(888) 442-4551 or 888-GIBILL1
Please note that on-hold wait times can sometimes be long.
Website: www.va.gov

NC Division of Veterans Affairs
(844) 624-8387

Veterans Crisis Line
To speak with a crisis responder:
988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net/