Transition to Technical

Our goal is to make your transition from military to student life a seamless one. You’ve served our country let us help serve you in your career transition. Fortunately, as a qualified veteran and service member, you’ve earned a host of state and federal benefits. There’s also student clubs and veterans centers across the state that can help you make the move from active military to using your skills in a great paying job.

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) takes pride in providing the best career training for our veterans and is a strong advocate for veterans to get hired after graduation.

But before you can walk into class on the first day, there are a few things you need to complete.

The following is a step-by-step guide created to assist veterans, service members and their dependents in getting through the admissions process and obtaining your GI Bill® benefits.

Get Started

Step 1: Apply for Admissions and complete the required admissions process. 

(Admissions Checklist) Veterans are recommended to check their residency status with the Admissions Office.

If your HOME OF RECORD is Texas and you have been discharged within 12 months, please submit a copy of your DD214 (member 4) to the Admission Office. Please visit www.collegforalltexans.com to view other residency waivers available for Service members, Veterans and their dependents.

An acceptance letter containing your student ID will be mailed to you.

NOTE: Service members, Reservist and National Guard are recommended to speak to their Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling at TSTC.

Step 2: Apply for your GI Bill® and/or Texas Hazelwood Act.

Apply for your VA Educational (GI Bill®) Benefits online using VA.GOV

Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment Education Benefits at VA.GOV

You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility letter from the Veterans Administration in 4-6 weeks. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the Veterans Office.

Texas Veterans may apply for the Hazlewood Tuition Exemption, if eligible for less than 100% of Post 9/11 benefit or using another GI Bill® benefit that is not dedicated to payment of tuition and fees. Submit the Hazlewood application to your Veteran Services Office.

Transfer students with prior use of VA Education Benefits must submit VA Form 22-1995 (Veterans) or VA Form 22-5495 (dependent) at VA.GOV.

Step 3: Submit all required documentation. 

Veterans are required to submit the following documentation to the Veterans Center.

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• DD Form 214 (member 4) for non-active duty service members
• Official military transcripts and university/college transcripts:
• Joint Service Transcript System, (U.S Army, U.S Navy or USMC)
• Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

• Valid State ID

Dependents using GI Bill® Chapter 35 or Chapter 33 transfer of entitlements must submit the following documents:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• DD Form 214 (member) Non-Active Duty Service Members
• University/College transcripts (Submit to the Admissions & Records Office) 

Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid.

Service Members, Veterans and their dependents are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. To learn more about financial assistance, please visit our Financial Aid Office website.

Step 5: Register with VA eBenefits.

Create an eBenefits PREMIUM account to check your deposits from VA along with the history of your enrollment certification status and months of benefits remaining. You can set up a direct deposit or update your address with VA.

Contact Veteran Services in Your Area