Veterans

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 helps veterans transition from military service to a college setting. Sussex has proudly assisted veterans, activity duty personnel, and dependents personnel with their education since 1982. 

We offer 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.

  • Our Student Success Center provides a range of services from academic advising to free personal counseling.
  • The Bursar's Office provides professional and quality service to the students, faculty, staff, parents, and our community. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The Veterans Resource Center, located next to the Veterans Services Office, provides a quiet place to study and a one-stop shop for information. Job postings, information about campus events and services such as Student Accessibility Services and FREE tutoring, as well as Department of Veterans Affairs policies, can all be found here.

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 GI 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, 973-300-2223.

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits

To apply for the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 MGIB-SR or Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance-Education and Training, or to update your current education benefits, visit https://www.va.gov

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 Unique Populations Coordinator

The Unique Populations Coordinator provides service 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 Unique Populations Coordinator serves as the Primary School Certifying Official for VA Education Benefits, and the primary POC for Army Tuition Assistance. For a student to use their VA/DOD education benefits, they must connect with this office! 

Step 5: Seek Advisement and Registration

To discuss your academic plan and to register for classes, visit the Student Success Center, located 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

Visit www.fafsa.gov to apply. 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.

Step 7: Pay your Tuition (if needed)

If you have any additional payments to make, 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.

Get Your Student Photo ID: Stop by the Security Office in the Student Center (D) Building during regular hours to have your photograph taken and get your Student ID. 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: Connect to our campus! Students are required to participate in the Fall/Spring Orientation that will help you begin your education at Sussex. This half-day event is filled with a motivational speaker, meeting new classmates and getting to know our campus! Don’t miss it!

Veterans are honored at a ceremony and inducted into the Salute National Honor Society.
Veterans are honored at the annual Veterans Day service on campus.
The Military Appreciation game brings out fans to Skylands Stadium to cheer on the Skylanders.
Veterans are able to connect on campus and share a common bond.
Senator Cory Booker comes to campus to discuss veteran issues.
The annual Fish and Chips dinner supports the Veterans Emergency Relief Fund.