Military & Veterans Educational Benefits

Can I enroll in any course I want?

No. All courses you take during a semester in which you receive benefits must count toward your approved or certificate program. If you’re unsure whether a course is required for your program, review your degree plan or contact your academic advisor or the Veterans & Military Education office right away, as it may impact your VA benefits.

Why did I receive an email saying my courses will be dropped if I don't pay my tuition, when I’ve already submitted my certification request?

This is a standard notification sent to all students with an outstanding balance on their account. As long as you've submitted your certification request, your account will be marked with a Do Not Drop (DND) status. However, if you are only receiving Chapter 35 benefits, you’ll need to make prior arrangements for your tuition and fees, as the stipend you receive goes directly to you.

The VA has informed me that Brightpoint has not yet submitted my tuition and fees. Could you please clarify what is causing the delay?

Certifications consist of two components: credits and tuition. We can certify credit hours earlier in the term, which will trigger Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments for students receiving the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Tuition and fees are certified after the last day to drop with a refund in each semester, which can be found on the academic calendar.

When will I receive my VMSDEP stipend?

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEVE) administers the stipend benefit in conjunction with DVS and participating Virginia public institutions of higher education. The stipend funds cannot be requested until attendance is confirmed for all students in the VMSDEP portal. Learn more about the VMSDEP stipend.

Am I eligible for retroactive payment if I’m using VMSDEP benefits?

It is important that this application process is completed and approved prior to enrolling in courses. Brightpoint Community College does not apply for waivers retroactively. Eligible waivers are applied to current and or future terms only.

1. Log into myBrightpoint.
2. Click on the SIS tile. 
3. Select "Forms" under the Resource tile.   
4. Select the Student Records eForms tile. 
5. On the left, click the tab for “Military Benefit Certify eForm.” 

• 12 credits or more = full time
• 9-11 credits = ¾ time
• 6-8 credits = ½ time
• 4-5 credits = less than ½ time (<½-time)
• 1-3 credits = ¼ time or less (<¼-time) 

Please note: Your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) can be impacted if you are enrolled in accelerated sessions, such as the 7WK1, 7WK2, and 5WK courses. 

We consider full time to be 12 credits. As a result: 

• 6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6 ¸ 12 = 50%)
• 7 credits (or credit equivalents) is 58% (7 ¸ 12 = 58%) 

The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is paid if the student’s RoP is more than 50%. Rate of pursuit determines whether a student receives or doesn’t receive the housing allowance. If pursuit is more than 50%, the student receives the housing allowance. If the RoP is 50% or less, then the student doesn’t receive the housing allowance. 

If a student is enrolled at another institution and takes courses at Brightpoint to fulfill degree requirements at their home school, Brightpoint is considered the “guest school,” and the student’s home institution is the “parent school.” In this case, the student is classified as a “Guest Student.” 

The parent school must provide a letter known as a “Parent School Letter” addressed to the VA Certifying Official at the guest school (Brightpoint). Please contact the School Certifying Official at your home institution to request this letter and have it emailed to the Military and Veterans Education Office (MVEO). 

1. Declare a major.
2. Submit official transcripts to the Admissions & Records Office. (Transcripts can be sent electronically via email or by mail from the issuing institution, in person, or through Parchment.)
3. Submit a Transfer Credit Request Form.

Note: If you decide to deliver the transcript in person, please make sure the envelope is sealed.

You must submit a verification of enrollment if:

• You are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

or 

• You are using the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), 
• Selective Reserve (Chapter 1606), or
• Chapter 35 benefit, particularly those enrolled in a certificate or career studies certification (CSC) program

Note: You must verify enrollment at the end of each month to continue receiving your housing allowance or stipend.

Verification can be completed by responding to a text message from the VA, by email, online through Ask VA, or by calling 888-442-4551.