VA Standards of Progress

Standards of Progress

All students receiving VA education benefits through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs are required to maintain academic progress according to the standards established by The Citadel. Students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress will have their benefits discounted and the Certifying Official will inform the VA of this action. The VA determines conditions for reinstatement of benefits.  

VA Education Benefits interruption may occur by:

  • The student registers for classes that are not specified as necessary for the declared program of study. Depending on circumstances, deficiency or remedial course may be certified for benefits.
  • The failure to submit all previous college transcripts for evaluation.
  • The student registers for two or more courses and received “F” (fail), “NC” (no credit)/”NP” (no pass), or “IP” (in progress) grades for all courses for one semester.
  • The failure to convert an “I” (incomplete) grade to a letter grade within one year from receipt of the “I” grade.
  • The student doesn’t attend class for the semester paid for by VA benefits.

Audits, Withdrawals, Non-required Courses and Repeating Courses

The VA Education Benefits exclude any course not required for graduation. This includes repeated courses of a “D” or better. There is an exception for a required higher grade. In addition, the VA will not pay for withdrawals or excessive electives. This excludes courses that have failing grades and are required for graduation. If you are a veteran and have any questions, please contact out office at 843-953-9824 or va_benefits@citadel.edu

Requirements

Veteran students using VA Education Benefits are required by law to keep The Citadel’s Certifying Official informed of all of the following:

  • Enrollment
  • Audits and/or withdrawals
  • Change of major
  • Course substitutions
  • Address change
  • Student called to active duty

Dropping below your initial enrollment with the VA may result in a reduction in benefits and a debt to the VA.  If a student has mitigating circumstances, they may need to provide documentation to the Dep. of Veterans Affairs. The following are examples of possible mitigating circumstances:

  • Serious illness of the veteran
  • Serious illness or death in a veteran’s immediate family
  • Unavoidable change in employment or geographical employment transfer
  • Financial obligations beyond the control of the claimant that require suspending education to obtain employment
  • Unanticipated active military service, including active duty training
  • Unanticipated difficulties with childcare arrangement