Admissions
Veteran Advising
SCF Veteran Services is here to help you with scheduling one-on-one student advising sessions. Whether you prefer to meet in person, over the phone, or online, we've got you covered. Our one-stop shop is designed to provide comprehensive support to veterans, military members, and their families as you navigate your college experience.
Email Us!Thank you for your service.
At SCF, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the service and dedication of our veterans. Your commitment means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.
The mission of the SVA is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.
Veterans
Veteran Services at State College of Florida helps to bridge the transition from military life to college life and beyond for our student veterans and dependents. In connection with the mission of SCF, Veteran Service Centers on the Bradenton and Venice campuses work to provide caring, engaging, and quality services through accessible learning environments resulting in student success and community prosperity.
Getting Started
The fastest way to get started is by connecting with Veteran Services by email: Veterans@SCF.edu. Be sure to identify which campus you are attending, or would like to attend. SCF cannot certify your enrollment with VA until you register for classes and submit your VA Request for Certification.
VA Request for Certification Forms:
The first step in enrolling into SCF is to complete our online application.
- Complete the online application
- Submit your high school transcript or GED transcript
- Request official transcripts of all previous college or university coursework (regardless of grades) NOTE: VA will not allow certification of coursework past two semesters if the College has not received all prior credit (including military credit
Information to consider: The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 requires educational institutions to make certain disclosures to students using federal military and/or VA educational benefits. You can access a personalized cost of attendance data sheet by viewing your Student Finance tab and selecting “FINANCIAL AID AWARDS” in your MYSCF portal. Additional financial information can be found at the NCES College Navigator site.
Transfer Students
If you have previously used your VA educational benefits at another school you will need to complete the VA From 22-1995 (for student Veterans) or 22-5495 (for dependents). This Request for Change of Program or Place of Training form can be completed with the Veteran Advisor on your campus.
Transfer students must have their transcripts sent to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota from ALL previously attended colleges and universities. The Office of the Registrar will evaluate all transfer credits. Please note that any transcripts mailed to the SCF Venice campus will automatically be forwarded to the Bradenton campus.
Many credits transferred to SCF often satisfy elective requirements in A.A. degree programs. Additionally, all student Veterans using VA Educational Benefits must have their official military transcripts submitted to SCF.
How to Access your Military Transcripts
Veterans of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard must use the Joint Service Transcript system to access their military transcripts. Only official JST transcripts will be accepted by SCF.
Veterans of the Air Force must have their official transcripts sent from Air University (AU). The website may be accessed via: http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Academic-Affairs/Registrar// .
We encourage you to not register for classes similar to ones previously taken until your transcripts have been fully evaluated. If transfer credit is granted, regardless of whether you used VA Education Benefits, coursework cannot be repeated. If you are unsure about transfer credit you should schedule an appointment with your Veteran Advisor before registering for classes.
Transient Students
A transient student is one whose primary school is an institution other than SCF, but who wishes to attend classes at SCF with the intention of transferring the credit hours back to the primary school.
Transient students seeking to be certified for VA benefits while attending SCF must present a letter from the primary school stating that the courses to be taken at SCF are applicable and transferable to their intended degree program. The courses must be explicitly listed in the letter on the primary institution’s letterhead, with an authorized signature.
Students may opt to utilize the “Transient Student Admission Application,” via the Florida Virtual Campus website. This is an automated process designed to enhance the transient student process. Once this application is approved by the Primary and Secondary schools you will be able to download and print a copy of the approval letter, which you must submit to the office of Veterans Services on your campus.
Veterans Tuition Waivers and Education Benefits
Florida House Bill 799 waives out-of-state tuition and fees for a person who is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States residing or stationed outside of this state.
To qualify for this waiver an individual must complete and submit the SCF Active Duty Out-of-State Tuition Wavier application*. The submission of an application expresses consent of the applicant to allow SCF to verify the applicant’s active duty status. In order to verify the applicant’s active duty status their date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) must be provided.
If the applicant chooses they may upload a copy of their military ID or most current Leave and Earning Statement (LES) using the Document Upload section of the online application. The application may be accessed by clicking the blue button below. You will be required to login with your MYSCF credentials. Link to Online Application
*This application does not satisfy requirements necessary to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes.
The C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program (Chapter 1009.26, Section (13)(a) Florida Statues) waives out-of-state fees for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Reserve Forces, the National Guard, or any individual entitled to and using VA educational benefits who physically reside within the state of Florida while enrolled at SCF.
Application Requirements*
- DD-214 showing Honorable Discharge, and
- Proof of residency within the state of Florida in the form of one of the following:
- Florida driver’s license or State ID Card
- Florida vehicle registration
- Florida voter’s registration
- Proof of homestead exemption in Florida
- Proof of permanent employment in Florida (letter on company letterhead stating that the claimant will be employed at least 20 hours per week)
- A declaration of domicile in Florida
- Proof of water, electric, or natural gas bill or payment
- Proof of lease agreement
* This application does not satisfy requirements necessary to establish Florida residency for tuition purposes
Honorably discharged Veteran students should refer to the C.W. Young Tuition Waiver Program.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, an institution of higher learning can contribute a specified dollar amount towards the amount not covered by Chapter 33, and VA will match up to 50% of the contributed amount. Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program is strictly limited to veterans receiving Chapter 33 educational benefits payable at the maximum award amount of 100%. Dependents (excluding spouses) entitled to Chapter 33 Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) benefits are also eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Eligibility Requirements:
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- Must be a veteran or TOE dependent awarded Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% benefit level
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- Must have a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on file with Veteran Service
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- Must be in good academic standing (as calculated for VA purposes and defined in the SCF catalog) and must remain in accordance with the SCF Student Code of Conduct
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- Must maintain a minimum cumulative overall GPA of 2.0
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- Must be classified as a non-Florida resident
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- Must be a degree seeking student at State College of Florida
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- Served at least 36 months or more on active duty
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- Served at least 30 continuous days on active duty, and were discharged due to a service-connected disability
Individuals not Eligible for Yellow Ribbon:
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- Active Duty Personnel
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- Spouses of Active Duty personnel using Transferred Entitlement (TOE)
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- Fry Scholarship recipients
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- Non-degree seeking students
How it works:
The maximum number of students per VA academic year (August 1st – July 31st) will be 2 students: 1 from Bradenton and 1 from Venice. Applications will be accepted on an annual basis, beginning on July 1st. The applications will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students who remain continuously enrolled (two semesters per academic year) will remain eligible for consecutive years of which SCF maintains an approved Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA. The maximum SCF contribution per student will be limited to $5000 per academic year.
VA will match each dollar SCF contributes up to 50% of the difference between the basic tuition and fees amount payable by VA and the tuition and fee amount charged the student. The combined school and VA contribution can’t exceed the tuition and fee amount charged to the student.
Example:
Student is enrolled in 12 credit hours, and is classified as a non-resident (figures are not actual cost):
| Non-Resident Tuition and Fees | $4500.00 |
| Post 9/11 GI Bill® Covers (instate cost) | $1500.00 |
| Amount Not Covered | $3000.00 |
| SCF Contribution | $1500.00 |
| Yellow Ribbon Contribution | $1500.00 |
| Student Cost | $0* |
The student above has used $1500.00 of the maximum $4166.00 (SCF contribution) allotted for the academic year. The student has a remaining $2666.00 that may be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
Applications are received on a first-come first-serve basis.
If you wish to use Chapter 35 benefits for thefirst time you must complete the VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance. It is best to complete this form on-line via the Vets.gov website. You will need the VA file number of the veteran when applying for this benefit.
If you have used Chapter 35 VA educational benefits at another institution you will need to complete the VA Form 22-5495, this form may be completed with the Veteran Advisor on your campus.
Eligibility Requirements for the VA Dependent and Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled (100%) as the result of a service-connected disability; the spouse or child of an individual on active duty who has been listed for a total of more than 90 days as missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power, or; the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or who died while a service-connected disability was rated permanent an total in nature.
Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (Chapter 30)
You may be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill® benefits (eligibility based on active duty), if you served on active duty and meet certain conditions. You were voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive or the Special Separation Benefit programs and had your military pay reduced by $1,200. You must also provide a copy of your final DD-214.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
You may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (eligibility based on active duty time after September 11, 2001), if you served on active duty for at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or you were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. You must also provide a copy of your final DD-214. More information may be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Post-911.htm or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1.
Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
You may be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve benefits, also referred to as “MGIB-SR” or “Chapter 1606,” if you are a member of the Selected Reserve or National Guard and meet certain requirements, including having a 6-year commitment. (Eligibility for this program is determined by your Reserve or National Guard component.)
To expedite processing, you must attach a copy of your DD 2384, Notice of Basic Eligibility. This form is also called a “NOBE.” Your reserve unit should have issued this notice to you when you became eligible for Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve benefits. If you do not have a copy or were not issued a copy, request another copy from your reserve unit.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
This program is designed to assist disabled veterans to return to gainful employment or to achieve maximum independence in daily living. The VA Vocational Rehabilitation program provides training to enable the disabled veteran to develop marketable job skills. Authorization for benefits is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (28-1905) to SCF’s Financial Aid Services office.
Survivor’s and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled (100%) as the result of a service-connected disability; the spouse or child of an individual on active duty who has been listed for a total of more than 90 days as missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power, or; the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or who died while a service-connected disability was rated permanent an total in nature.
VA Work-Study
To be eligible to work as a VA Work-Study a student must be actively using VA Educational Benefits (certified) at a rate of full or 3/4 time, and they must be currently using one of the following programs:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
- REAP (Chapter 1607)
- Select Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program (Chapter 31)
Applying for VA Work-Study
- Talk to Veteran Advisor at desired campus.
- If approved, complete application and turn-in to Veteran Advisor.
- Upon approval VA will send Contract to Advisor for signature.
- Setup appointment for fingerprints when applicable.
Additional VA Work-Study Locations
- CareerSource Suncoast
897 East Venice Avenue
Venice, FL 34285 (941) 486-2682 Ext. 4120 - Vet Center
4801 Swift Road, Suite A
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941)927-8285
Resources
Request a DD 214
- You may request an official copy of your DD 214/Separation Documents via an ONLINE request from the NATIONAL ARCHIVES website. You will be required to print and sign a request document, which must then be mailed to the address indicated on the signature request form. Click here to access the website.
Florida Military License Plates
- There are many license plates you may be eligible for in the state of Florida. For more information visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Click here to access the website.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, FDVA
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, FDVA, is the gateway for Florida Veterans to learn of numerous local and federal benefit resources. By example, eligible resident ex-service members with a VA certified service-connected disability of 10 percent or greater shall be entitled to a $5,000 property tax exemption. The ex-service member must establish this exemption with the county tax official in the county in which he or she resides by providing documentation of this disability. To learn of more benefits in the state of Florida, visit the FDVA website. Click here to access the website.
eBenefits
- eBenefits is the VA portal that allows you to manage many of your VA benefits. Use this website to file VA claims, apply for and manage your VA healthcare benefits, follow the status of your VA claims, and much more. Click here to access the website. You will need to establish an account, so click on the “Register” tab in upper right corner.
Sarasota Vet Center
- Readjustment counseling services are available at the Sarasota Vet Center. If you served in a combat theatre then you are eligible for Vet Center Services. They offer groups and workshops, to include Individual, Family, Bereavement, and Military Sexual Trauma counseling. There is no cost for any services. The telephone number is (941) 927-8285 or (877) 927-8387. Click here to access the VA website.
SCF Veterans Emergency Assistance Grant
- The Veterans Emergency Assistance Grant, sponsored by the Venice American Legion NO-VEL Post 159 and other generous donors was initiated as an effort to provide emergency interventions for student Veterans enrolled at SCF. Specifically, this loan (with a maximum request of $500) would be used if the student Veteran were to encounter any unexpected financial hardship that would jeopardize their educational endeavor. Inquire with the Veteran Advisor on your campus for more detailed information regarding application requirements and procedures.
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
- The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) provides an award to dependent children or un-remarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans. Students must submit a completed Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by April 1 for priority consideration on and an initial award (available October 1). To learn more about application requirements and restrictions please visit the Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs Website by clicking this link.