Military & Veteran Students
Veteran Services
Benjamin Fries
Director of Advising & VA Academic Advisor
bfries@glenoaks.edu
269-294-4271
Your Next Mission: College Starts at 51¶¯Âþ
Whether you’re transitioning out of active duty, serving in the reserves, or supporting a military family member, 51¶¯Âþ Community College makes it simple to start—or continue—your education.
We’re proud to be a Veteran-Friendly School and part of the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP), supporting military students from enlistment through graduation. Our admissions process is designed to maximize your military experience and minimize red tape.
Who Should Use This Page?
You should follow these steps if you are:
- A veteran using VA education benefits for the first time
- An active-duty service member starting or continuing your education
- A reservist or National Guard member eligible for military education benefits
- A military-dependent using transferred benefits
- A student enrolling through the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)
How to Apply as a Military-Affiliated Student
Step 1: Apply to 51¶¯Âþ
Complete the . Choose your program of interest and indicate your military status on the form.
Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits
Submit the appropriate form at :
- First-time benefit user:
- Transferring benefits to 51¶¯Âþ:
- Dependents using transferred benefits:
You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA—send it to our School Certifying Official.
Step 3: Submit Your Military & College Transcripts
-
Military Transcripts:
- Joint Services Transcript (JST):
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF):
-
Prior College Transcripts:
Send official transcripts to:
Registrar’s Office
51¶¯Âþ Community College
62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032
Step 4: Meet with Your VA Academic Advisor
Schedule an advising appointment to:
- Plan your classes
- Understand how to use your benefits
- Ensure your schedule meets VA requirements
Tip: Do this before registering for classes to avoid delays in certification.
Note: Classes that are not required for your program of study cannot be certified.
Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP)
If you're enlisting in the U.S. Army or Army Reserve, you can apply to 51¶¯Âþ at the same time through ConAP. Your admission will remain active for up to two years after active duty service ends.
Talk to your recruiter or contact our admissions office for help getting started.
What Counts Toward Your Degree?
You may be eligible for credit for prior military training, CLEP exams, or previous college coursework. We evaluate all official transcripts to help you save time and money.
Learn how we evaluate military training for college credit
What You Need to Know About Benefits at 51¶¯Âþ
- Only courses required for your declared program of study can be certified for VA benefits.
- Students using benefits must submit a class schedule to the VA Certifying Official each semester.
- Benefits are certified after the refund period unless early certification is requested in writing.
- Some VA benefits pay you directly—it’s your responsibility to pay your 51¶¯Âþ tuition by the due date or enroll in a payment plan.
Paying for College as a Military Student
Deferred Payment Plan (Nelnet)
If your benefits are delayed, enroll in our Veteran Deferred Payment Plan to hold your classes and avoid being dropped.
You’ll need:
- 51¶¯Âþ Student ID
- Your date of birth
- Semester info
- Payment method (checking/savings or credit card)
Learn more about Nelnet payment plans
FAQs
Q: I used VA benefits at another college. What do I need to do to transfer to Glen
Oaks?
A: Submit VA Form 22-1995 and request your official transcripts be sent to 51¶¯Âþ.
Q: Can I receive college credit for my military training?
A: Yes. Submit your JST or CCAF transcript. We’ll evaluate it for credit toward your
program.
Q: Do I need to reapply if I’m called to active duty?
A: No. You can request readmission within 3 years of completing service or 2 years
after recovery from a service-connected injury or illness.
Q: Does 51¶¯Âþ participate in ConAP?
A: Yes! You can apply as a 51¶¯Âþ student when you enlist in the Army or Army Reserve.
Talk to Us — We’re Here to Help