Veterans

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is located in proximity of a reserves forces training area and two USAF bases. The college works closely with numerous veteran organizations that serve thousands of veterans in the region. MWCC provides service and support to up to 200 Military Service Members, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans and their families.

As soon as priority registration opens for any semester, veterans can register for classes even if they are not returning students.

In 2010, the college established the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success to address the unique academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veterans transitioning to college. Today, Veterans Services provides outreach, referrals, admissions and transfer assistance, veterans’ benefits and financial aid assistance, veteran orientation, close coordination with student advisors regarding veteran benefits, a faculty mentoring program, and a textbook loan program.  In addition, Veteran Services is working to educate all service providers at the college on the unique needs of its veteran student population. MWCC officially endorses the Department of Education’s “8 Keys to Veteran Success”. Mount Wachusett Community College complies with Public Law 117-68 (regarding in-state tuition) for public IHL's. MWCC also complies with Section 103, PL115-407 and the requirements of 38 USC 3679(e). Veteran students are given priority registration status and will be permitted to register as soon as enrollment opens.

As a result of these efforts, Mount Wachusett Community College has officially been named a Military Friendly College for several years in a row and has often placed in the top ten nationally among two-year Military Friendly schools. Moreover, MWCC pledges not to engage in predatory marketing/recruiting of our veteran population. 

The Center can be reached at 978-630-9408 or 978-630-9855.

To be eligible for veteran tuition waivers:

  • Student must be enrolled in an associate’s degree or certificate program.

  • Student must be taking credit courses.

  • Must have an honorable discharge from Military Service.

  • Provide a copy of your DD214.

    The Massachusetts Veteran waiver will apply to state and non-state supported tuition. All appropriate fees must be paid.  
    The Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Fee Assistance Program will apply to state and non-state supported tuition and appropriate fees.

Semester Requirements for Ch33/Post 911 GI Bill® and Ch31 veterans due prior to the start of classes. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

  1. Ch33 and Ch31 veterans must give us a current version of your DD214.

  2. Ch33 veterans (and dependents using Ch33 benefits) must bring us a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. A print-out of your e-Benefits statement is acceptable.

  3. Ch31 veterans must provide us a copy of VAF 22-1905 or electronic equivalent from their case manager.

  4. Ch33 students with less than 100% benefits are responsible for whatever portion of tuition and fees their benefits do not cover. Applying for financial aid is encouraged.

  5. Ch33 and Ch31 students must bring Veteran Services a copy of their schedule for evaluation and to initiate the certification process. If certification is not requested, be sure to bring us the student schedule with a note requesting us not to certify. When signing up for classes, be sure to choose classes that apply to the student’s major.  GI Bill® benefits can only be used for classes that apply to a specific program/major the student is enrolled in.

  6. Massachusetts veterans should fill out and sign a Mass Tuition Waiver: http://mwcc.edu/admissions/files/2013/01/Categorical-Tuition-Waiver-Approval-Form.pdf.  If the form is not completed, $25 for every credit taken will be applied to the student’s invoice.  (i.e. 3-credit course: $75). 

  7. All students must fill out Health Insurance Waiver (unless you already have this current school year): https://www.gallagherstudent.com/students/user-login.php?idField=1198.  If the student does not, approximately $3600- will be added to the student’s invoice for college health insurance.

If the above steps are accomplished prior to the start of classes for the semester, Ch33 and Ch31 students will be able to attend classes for the term.  Moreover, Ch33 and Ch31 students will not incur any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33. 
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Valor Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy

Mount Wachusett Community College demonstrates its commitment to veterans seeking to pursue postsecondary through its policies, practices and services.  Consistent with the Massachusetts Valor Act signed into law on May 31, 2012, the college has established the following policies to support veteran students in their educational and professional endeavors:

MWCC will award academic credit for matriculated students for prior learning based on students’ previous military occupation, military training, coursework and experiences as these credits apply to their declared program of study.

MWCC will determine the award of academic credit during the admissions process through a preliminary review and a final conclusive and comprehensive credit evaluation upon the submission of official transcripts, official standardized test score reports and other relevant documentation prior to a student's enrollment. 
The required procedures for determining awarding credit for military occupation, experience, training and coursework shall be clearly described and published to provide transparency to prospective students.

Procedures

Prospective or currently enrolled students seeking to receive college credit for prior learning based on past military occupation, training, experience or coursework should begin the process by the timely submission of official transcripts and documentation to the Records Office in advance of the start of classes. 

Once official documentation is received, the college will use the following methodologies to assess, evaluate and award academic credit for prior military-related experiences:

 

Mount Wachusett Community College complies with Public Law 116-315, Section 1020 and does not engage in aggressive or deceptive marketing to Veterans, Veteran dependents or Active Duty Service Members.

  • ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services

  • CLEP Examinations

  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests

  • Credit for prior learning evaluation as described in the MWCC Prior Learning Policy

    Credits awarded by the college for prior learning based on military experiences will be recorded on the native MWCC academic transcript and applied towards degree or certificate requirements consistent with all other MWCC academic policies.  Credits transferred as part of the MassTransfer Block will be honored consistent with the terms of this agreement.

    When certifying a transferring or graduating student for purposes of MassTransfer, these credits shall be included in this review and submitted to the receiving institution for its use in facilitating the transfer process.

    Campus Contact

    The Director of Veterans Services (978-630-9408) shall serve as the initial point of contact for purposes of the Valor Act Credit Evaluation Policy.  The Veteran’s Services department can provide initial consultations regarding the student’s admission to the college.  The Records Office will complete the credit evaluation process once official documents are received and consistent with the process described herein.

    The Valor Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy is published on the college’s website as well as the college’s print publications including the College Catalog and Student Handbook and other Veteran Services publications.

  • Deployment Policy

    Amended:  December 31, 2019