Veterans Services
Welcome Veteran and Military Connected Students!
The Cuesta College Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is here to assist all veterans and family members with a smooth transition from military to college. It also serves as a space to decompress and network with your fellow veterans, active duty service members, and reservists. The VRC is committed to assisting and providing the resources and tools necessary for achieving academic and vocational success.
The VRC offers personalized services to veterans, active-duty military and eligible veteran family members in a welcoming environment. These services include:
- Application Assistance for VC Admission and course registration
- Academic Counseling for JST/transcript evaluation and develop your SEP (Student Education Plan)
- Information on accessing and applying for VA and CalVet educational benefits
- Liaison with all other VC Support Services including & Community Referrals
- Employment, mentorship and networking opportunities
- Wellness Groups
- Study area, lounge space, restrooms and kitchenette.
- Computers and free printing
Steps for NEW Student Veteran Enrollment
If you are utilizing your veterans or dependent of a veteran education benefits for the first time, you must submit your application for benefits to the VA. You will receive a certificate of eligibility in the mail from the VA once your application has been processed (approximately 30 days).
- Complete the online application to apply to Cuesta College
- Please check with Admissions and Records if your residency is determined to be out of state. With AB 540 and/or AB13 VACA, you may be eligible for in state tuition. There are deadlines for residency. For more information visit our Residency information page. If you have questions, please email Admissions & Records: admit@cuesta.edu
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Complete the online orientation
- See if you are eligible for priority registration, submit a copy of your DD-214 form to veterans@cuesta.edu
- To view your priority date/time to register, login to myCuesta - go to the Student tab, Steps to Success channel, and click on "Check Registration Status".
Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Military Members
To request nonresident tuition exemption, complete Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit with a copy of Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Chapter 30, 31, 33 or 35 and a copy of the military member's DD214. Update California address in myCuesta portal
MILITARY TRANSCRIPTS:
Request official military transcripts to be sent to the Cuesta College Admissions and Records Office via the following sites:
- Air Force: Complete the USAF Transcript Request Form and mail it to the address shown on the form.
- Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy: Submit your request electronically
(Note: if you get the message "Your connection is not private", click on the link that says "ADVANCED" and then click on "proceed to jst.doded.mil/smart/welcome.do")
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS:
Request official transcripts of all previous college enrollment to be sent to the Cuesta College Admissions and Records office.
SEE A COUNSELOR TO COMPLETE YOUR SEP
Make an appointment to see Counselor Andrea Devitt, who will help you create a Student Education Plan (SEP).
Contact information:
Andrea Devitt, Veterans Counselor
Book an inperson or virtual appointment or email adevitt@cuesta.edu
If you have any questions or need assistance please call Counseling at 805-546-3138 or by email at counsel@cuesta.edu
Be sure to follow your Student Education Plan (SEP)
To register, use the student login to the myCuesta web portal, then open the Student Registration Services portlet.
Please visit our Registration page for more detailed instructions on how to register for classes at Cuesta College.
Fill out your Request for Certification Form.
Request for Certification is required with each term that you want to use your GI
Bill® Benefits.
CONTINUING/RETURNING Student Veteran Enrollment
1. If you changed your major or are registered in courses not listed on your Student Education Plan, you will need to make an appointment with Counselor Andrea Devitt, who will help you update SEP.
Contact information:
Andrea Devitt, Veterans Counselor
Book an inperson or virtual appointment or email adevitt@cuesta.edu
If you have any questions or need assistance please call Counseling at 805-546-3138 or by email at counsel@cuesta.edu
2. Recertification Request for Certification is required for each term that you want to use your GI Bill Benefits. Complete your Request for Certification Form.
CalVet Fee Waiver
CalVet Fee Waiver (also known as the College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents) waives mandatory system-wide tuition at Cuesta for eligible dependents of veterans. All applicants must meet California residency requirements to receive benefits.
Where to apply: Apply for the CalVet Fee Waiver at their local California Veterans Service Office.
Submit a copy of your current Academic Year Fee Waiver Approval Letter from the California Veterans Services Office directly to us via email at veterans@cuesta.edu.
In the email please be sure to include the your Student ID number.
Note: The fee waiver must be applied for every academic year. If you have not applied for the waiver for the current academic year, please refer to Cal Vet Fee Waiver section above.
Nonresident Tuition Exemption for Military Members
To request nonresident tuition exemption, complete Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit with a copy of Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Chapter 30, 31, 33 or 35 and a copy of the military member's DD214. Update California address in myCuesta portal
Priority Registration
- Priority registration is available for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- Email a copy of your or your veterans DD-214 and COE to veterans@cuesta.edu.
- Priority registration windows are automatically assigned to all eligible.
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 website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
