Many students have asked us…what is “full-time” during the summer term according to the VA? This is a tricky question due to multiple available sessions and VA’s evaluation of credit based on start/end dates. Missouri State typically offers 4 standard terms and several non-standard short courses/workshops during the summer. It’s important to note that the VA only pays for the days you are actually enrolled in classes.
VA has a somewhat confusing chart available which can help you determine your rate of pursuit during the summer. I’m pasting it below for your reference.
Here’s an example. Let’s say Sally Benefit Recipient is enrolled for summer classes 2013. She wants to know whether she’ll be full-time. Her class schedule looks like this:
REC 490 3 credits 06/10/2013-08/02/2013
REC 360 3 credits 06/10/2013-07/11/2013
According to Sally’s academic advisor she is considered “full-time” for the summer session because the University and the Financial Aid office look solely at term (Summer 2013) and total credits (6). The VA is a little different and they evaluate start/end dates for her courses. When we certify her enrollment to VA and report the start/end dates the VA will consider Sally “full time” only between 06/10/2013 and 07/11/2013. After her Session 2 course ends she will drop to “half-time” for VA monthly payments. Sally must be continuously enrolled in 6 credit hours to maintain her full-time pay. Her option would be to add a Session 4 course which would begin on 07/08/2013-08/03/2013 in order to maintain her full-time status.
Summer benefits can be very confusing. Our office in Carrington Hall 314 is open M-F 8am-5pm and can help you determine your rate of pursuit for VA educational benefits.