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Veterans at Sussex

We are deeply committed to providing veterans with quality assistance and guidance throughout their academic careers.

Change of Mission Program

The Change of Mission Program actively supports a veteran's transition from military service to a college setting. Sussex has proudly assisted veterans, activity duty personnel, and dependents personnel with their education since 1982. 

Sussex offers a network of support for our veterans!

The Veterans Services Office has a dedicated staff member who works with veterans to help them navigate and maximize VA benefits.

  • The Veterans Resource Center and Lounge, located next to the Veterans Services Office, provides a quiet place to study, light refreshments, and entertainment. It is also a resource for job postings, campus events and services information (including Student Accessibility Services and FREE tutoring), as well as Department of Veterans Affairs policies.
  • Our Student Success Center provides a range of services from academic advising to free personal counseling.
  • The Student Veteran Emergency Relief fund offers short-term financial assistance to veterans and their families who experience financial hardship as a result of an emergency. Grants are provided on behalf of applicants who qualify. To apply to the SVER, or to find out more, please fill out an Application and contact the Veteran Services Office.
  • Our Financial Aid Office helps all students take advantage of resources that may be available. We encourage our veterans, as well as the dependents of deceased or disabled veterans, to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to veteran benefits, veterans may be eligible for federal student aid – Federal Pell Grant and Direct Student loan.
  • We are also introducing the new Veteran Service Organization Club on campus; providing additional opportunities to connect and get involved.

Other Veteran Benefits:

  • Housing Allowance (BAH): A monthly payment for eligible veterans. Sussex County Community College has one of the highest BAH rates in NJ.
  • Book Stipend: Up to $1,000 per year is sent to eligible veterans with their first BAH payment.

In addition to veterans, we also assist our Active Duty Military, Reservists, and National Guard students - both in person and online!

What's my next Step?

If you are a veteran, dependent of a deceased or disabled veteran, or active duty military member, you may be eligible to receive monthly educational assistance from the Veterans Administration while enrolled at Sussex. In addition to assistance with military benefits, we take pride in providing special personalized attention to all veterans and their families.

Step 1:  Apply for Admissions

On the Application under Admission Status, please choose Veteran Student. Once your application is processed, you will be issued a student ID number. For questions, contact Admissions at 973-300-2223.

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense determines eligibility for Education Benefits for activity duty services members. If you have not yet applied, see if you are eligible for education benefits and learn how to apply.

How to avoid scams when applying for VA pension benefits.

Step 3: Get your transcripts

Official copies of military transcripts or transcripts from prior institutions students have attended can be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Sussex for evaluation. For VA Education Benefits to be certified, all prior transcripts must be on file at Sussex.

Step 4: Contact the Veteran Services Coordinator

The Veteran Services Coordinator provides support and guidance for veterans, dependents, and active duty service members to ensure students receive essential information and connect with other offices and services on campus. 

In addition, the Veteran Services Coordinator serves as the Primary School Certifying Official for VA Education Benefits and the primary POC for Army Tuition Assistance. To use their VA/DOD education benefits, students must connect with this office.

  • Email: SCCCVeteran@sussex.edu
  • Call: 973-300-2109

Step 5: Seek Advisement and Registration

To discuss your academic plan and register for classes, visit the Student Success Center in the Administration Building (B), Room B206.

If you meet ANY of the below criteria, be sure to bring this documentation with you when you visit the Center:

  • A cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above
  • SAT - Scored a 450 in Critical Reading and/or 500 in Math
  • ACT - Scored a 23 in Math and/or a 23 in English
  • Transferring in with courses from another college showing proficiency
  • Accuplacer (Placement) Test Information

Step 6: Apply for Financial Aid (if needed)

If you receive partial tuition reimbursement from the VA, visit www.fafsa.gov to apply for financial aid. The Sussex School Code is 025688. Once you complete your FAFSA and register for classes, contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the status of your aid, 973-300-2225.

Need help filling out your FAFSA? Visit one of our FAFSA Workshops.

Step 7: Pay your Tuition (if needed)

If you need to make any payments to Sussex, tuition payments can be made online or in person. Pay-as-you-go Payment Plans are also available. Contact the Bursar’s Office, bursar@sussex.edu, 973-300-2106.

View all of our Student Support Resources that will help you succeed at Sussex!

Get Your Student Photo ID: Stop by the Security Office in the Student Center (D) Building during business hours to have your photograph taken and get your Student ID, which will also act as your key to the Veterans Resource Center and Lounge. Be sure to bring a photo ID and proof of registration for verification.

Activate your Sussex Online Tools: Once you register, you will be issued a student email account and My Sussex login. Set up your student email immediately to receive important college-related information.

My Sussex is the online student portal which will give you easy access to your:

  • schedule
  • grades
  • transcripts
  • financial aid and more

Attend New Student Orientation: Orientation will help you begin your education at Sussex! This event includes speakers who will acquaint you with our campus, games, food, and the opportunity to meet your classmates before classes begin.

Quick Links for New Veteran Students:

How to Apply for Education Benefits:
https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

Current* Information about benefits at Sussex, including Housing Allowance (*updated quarterly):
https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/institution/14920130

Veteran Benefit Pamphlets:
https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Benefits_Summary_Materials.asp

If you have a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for VR&E Benefits, which include assistance with job placement:
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility/