Veteran Students, Spouses, Survivors & Dependents

Thank you for your service. The Columbia State Community College Career, Veteran, and Transition (CVT) Center is here to support Veteran students and their families in their educational journey with tailored resources, networking, and guidance."

Enrollment and VA Benefits

• Enrollment Steps

  1. Apply: Submit your application to the college Admissions Link.

  2. Schedule Appointment: Contact the VetSuccess On-Campus Certifying Official (VSOC) for guidance on VA benefits.

     • Contact: Denise Holman, School Certifying Official

       • Email: dholman1@columbiastate.edu

       • Phone: 615-591-4180

  3. Class Registration: Register via myCN ChargerNet using your Academic Plan.

  4. Certification and Deferment Forms: Complete the forms each semester in your student portal.

• VA Education Benefits

  1. Post-9/11 GI Bill®: Covers tuition and fees up to 36 months.

  2. Yellow Ribbon Program: Provides additional funding for eligible students.

  3. Montgomery GI Bill®: Available for Active Duty and Selected Reserve members.

  4. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): Financial aid for dependents of eligible veterans.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Available Scholarships

  • Helping Heroes Grant: Up to $1,000 for veterans Apply Here.

  • Student Veterans of America (SVA) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships available SVA Scholarships.

  • Federal Work-Study: Work opportunities on campus Work-Study Link.

• Additional Aid Programs

  • Tennessee Reconnect: For adult learners Reconnect Program.

  • Tennessee Department of Military Scholarships: Supports National Guard members Scholarship Info.

Veteran Support Services

• Career, Veteran, and Transfer (CVT) Center

  • Primary Contact: Freda Leslie Pillow, CVT Coordinator

    • Email: fpillow@columbiastate.edu

    • Phone: 931-540-2862

• On-Campus Resources

  • Veteran Student Study Lounges: Dedicated spaces on Columbia and Williamson campuses.

  • Counseling and Disability Services: Counseling Center, Disability Resource Center.

• Student Veteran Organization (SVO)

  • Join the SVO for networking, resources, and access to study lounges SVO Information.

Career and Employment Resources

• Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

  • Assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities VR&E Information.

• Job Search Tools

  • CareerOneStop: Veteran job resources CareerOneStop Link.

  • Military-to-Civilian Resume Translation: Support for converting military experience into civilian job terms.

Contact and Support Information

• General Inquiries

  • VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000

  • GI Bill Hotline: 888-442-4551

  • Homeless Veterans Hotline: 877-424-3838

• Local VA Services

  • VA Health Care | Mental Health Support

For additional assistance, reach out to the CVT Center or visit our campus Veteran Student Services Resource Office.