Military & Veteran Student Enrollment and VA Certification Process
The Military-Affiliated Student Services Office supports active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and eligible family members.
We encourage all military-affiliated students to disclose their military affiliation—regardless of whether they plan to use educational benefits. This helps ensure you receive appropriate support, resources, and guidance throughout your time at Northampton Community College.
This step-by-step guide outlines the required process for students seeking to use VA Education Benefits at Northampton Community College. All steps must be completed to ensure timely and accurate certification of benefits, in compliance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations and institutional policy.
How To Apply
Start by completing your application for admission to NCC. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be notified of your acceptance within 24 hours. Apply to NCC.
Note: Admission to NCC does not automatically initiate VA certification.
VA Education Benefits: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits is available at:
Students must apply online for VA educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once the VA processes your application and determines your eligibility, the VA will issues a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). VA Education Benefits.
Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP): The Pennsylvania EAP is a state-funded program administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for eligible members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
- Apply for EAP funding each term through their PHEAA account PHEAA: EAP
- Ensure all required approvals are completed prior to the term deadline.
Federal Tuition Assistance (TA):
Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense (DoD) benefit available to eligible active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members.
- Request TA through their respective military branch education portal (e.g., ArmyIgnitED, Air Force Virtual Education Center, Navy College Program, etc.).
- Obtain approved TA authorization prior to the start of the course or term.
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial assistance. Be sure to use the NCC school code: 007191. studentaid.gov.
Note: VA benefits are not considered federal financial aid; however, FAFSA completion may impact overall aid packaging and institutional compliance.
To initiate VA certification, students must submit all required documentation through the NCC Workday Student Portal. For assistance, watch the How To Video For Workday on-document submission.
Required Documents:
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and DD Form 214 (Member Copy 4 preferred)
- Completion of the NCC VA Certification Policy acknowledgment in Workday
Students must complete both orientations.
- All Student Orientation - All Student Orientation
- Military-Affiliated Student Orientation - Military Orientation
To set you up for academic success, we need to review your educational history. Please submit official transcripts from any high schools or colleges you have attended. Additionally, if you’ve taken AP exams, request your score report through your College Board account. If you’ve earned a GED or state high school equivalency diploma, please submit a copy of that as well. Finally, students must complete a placement test for MATH and ENGL.
Placement Testing: Placement Test
Submit the following (as applicable):
- High school transcript or GED/equivalency
- College transcripts (all prior institutions) - Parchment: Transcripts
- Military transcripts:
- Joint Services Transcript JST: Joint Service Transcripts
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcripts
Note: Only courses that apply toward a student’s declared program of study can be certified to the VA. Students who do not meet placement criteria based on prior academic history may be required to complete placement testing.
If you require accommodation, please make an appointment with the Office of Accessibility Resources. Their primary mission is to ensure access for students with disabilities to all opportunities at NCC. You can contact them via email at disabilityservices@northampton.edu, by phone at 610.861.5342, or send disability documentation to:
Accessibility Resource Center
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020
FAX: 610.861.5351
Accommodation services are coordinated separately from VA benefits and must be requested by the student.
Military-affiliated students are eligible for priority registration.
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Register for courses through the Workday Student Portal
VA Compliance Notes:
- Only courses required for the declared program of study will be certified
- Changes to enrollment (add/drop/withdrawal/non-attendance) must be reported to the VA and may result in:
- Adjustments to benefits
- Potential student debt to the VA
After registering for classes and submitting all required documentation, students must ensure their enrollment is reviewed for certification.
VA Compliance Notes: VA certification is not automatic and is processed by NCC’s School Certifying Official (SCO) after all requirements are met.
Processing times may vary based on volume and completeness of student records.
If you'd like personalized support or have questions about your benefits, enrollment steps, or navigating NCC as a military-affiliated student, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with Alexis Sullivan, M.A., Director of Military-Affiliated Student Services.
Book a Meeting with Alexis Sullivan
Alexis Sullivan, M.A.
Director, One-Stop and Military-Affiliated Student Services
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020
610.332.6097
Questions? If you have any questions or need assistance with any of the steps outlined above, feel free to reach out. We are happy to guide you through the process or offer a tour of our campus.
Phone: 610.332.6097
Email: veterans@northampton.edu
