Veterans

Support for veterans, service members, and their families

Using military education benefits at COA

College of the Atlantic deeply values the commitment, experience, and perspective that veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents bring to our community. Whether you’re using VA education benefits, tuition assistance, or a combination of aid sources, we’re here to ensure your path to a purpose-driven, interdisciplinary education is accessible and fully supported.

Below, you’ll find a guide to using military benefits at COA, including eligibility, next steps, and where to get help.

Military and veteran benefits at COA

COA proudly supports a range of military education benefits, including:

Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA)
COA is approved to participate in the TA program for eligible service members and their dependents.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®
This benefit can be used toward tuition and mandatory fees. Learn more and check eligibility using the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Yellow Ribbon Program
COA partners with the VA to cover any remaining tuition costs not met by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Available to veterans or their transferees who qualify.

Note: If you plan to use Tuition Assistance (TA), you must receive prior approval from your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or military counselor before enrolling.

How to get started

Steps for service members, veterans, and dependents

1. Confirm your eligibility
Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool or speak with your ESO or military counselor to determine which benefits apply.

2. Reach out for financial aid guidance
Contact Amy McIntire, Director of Financial Aid, at amcintire@coa.edu or 207-801-5645 to talk through your options. She can help you understand how VA benefits may work alongside COA scholarships and need-based aid.

3. Submit required documents
Provide your Certificate of Eligibility, TA authorization, or any relevant paperwork to the COA Financial Aid Office.

4. Review your award package
Once your documents are received and benefits are verified, you’ll get an updated financial aid package. Watch your COA email and applicant portal for notifications.

Tuition Assistance (TA) refund policy

In the event that a military-connected student is unable to complete a course, funds will be returned to the appropriate branch using the following methodology (aligned with College of the Atlantic’s approach to Department of Education Title-IV financial aid returns):

The student earns the tuition benefits based on a prorated calculation according to the number of days they have completed, divided by the number of course days (not including weekends) in the term (50).

By the end of Week 1 (Add/Drop Deadline): 100% TA refund
By 60% of the term (approx. 30 days): 40% TA refund
After 60% of the term (31+ days): No refund (you’ve earned the full TA benefit)

Should a student’s withdrawal be due to a military service obligation, the College will work with the affected student to identify solutions that will not result in student debt due to the return itself.