If you are a military, veteran or dependent student, please follow the instructions below to receive Veteran's Educational Benefits at GCC.

The first concern most veterans, military members and dependents have is how much financial help is available for their education. Find out your options with the GI BILL Comparison Tool. ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."

Please note that GCC does NOT participate in the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). If you are eligible for TAP, please call our Veterans Services Office  so we can discuss other financial aid options that may be available to you.

Your next step is to apply for your benefits: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/

Create an account with your basic information and in about a week you will get access to your Certificate of Basic Eligibility (COBE). This document will tell you the amount of aid you have earned through your military service.

There is a new law regarding student veterans who have been regarded as "Out of State" students: The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. The new law makes it possible for many of these students to pay tuition and fees at the "In State" rates in many cases beginning July 1, 2015. To see if you qualify, call GCC's certifying Official (413) 775-1885.

(Public Law 113-146) changed the amount of tuition and fee charges which can be reported to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Effective July 1, 2015, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans and dependents tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.

UPDATE: Public Law 116-315, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which modifies 38 U.S.C. 3679(c). The amendment requires that for all courses, semesters, or terms beginning after August 1, 2021, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents.

Also, the VA has several rules regarding your acceptance of student aid. We highly recommend reading the following guidelines to prevent the many situations where you could be required to reimburse the VA. Guidelines for Using VA Aid

The process of applying to college, registering for courses and preparing to transition to your new life as a college student can be daunting for many new student veterans. This handy checklist should make the process less overwhelming: Enrollment Checklist

If you live in Massachusetts, are not in default of federal student loans and do not already have a BA degree, fill out this form and bring it to N215 so GCC can waive your tuition: Tuition Waiver

Also, the VA REQUIRES that all students receiving VA Aid sign and submit a Request to Certify Form. This must be submitted every semester before the SCO can certify you because your aid chapter may change. The School Certifying Official will email this form to you.

You may have earned college credit during your military service. It is well worth your time to request a military transcript because it could save you a significant amount of both money and time. For all branches of military service, go to https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signIn.do

GCC participates in the VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy regarding military transfer credit. Learn more about the VALOR Act »

Interested in earning college credits FREE? You are encouraged to explore CLEP testing to earn college credit by exam. The VA will pay for this testing! Learn more about CLEP exams »