Reservists and National Guard

National Guard members and Reservists may be eligible for more than one military education benefit. Read about each benefit below and select the appropriate Enrollment Checklist to get started:

FCC Enrollment Checklists

Checklist for Maryland National Guard Members
 
*Please submit any documents containing personally identifiable information using the Secure Document Submission form or you may bring documents with you to an in-person intake appointment.
 

1. Refer to the Maryland National Guard State Tuition Programs page for information about the 
following education benefits:

  1. State Tuition Waiver (STW)
  2. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
  3. Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
  4. Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
  5. State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR)
 

2. Fill out FCC’s free online application for admission.

 
3. Submit official transcripts to FCC’s Registrar’s Office to be evaluated for credit and determine if you are exempt from the reading, writing, and/or math placement tests. 
  1. Submit official transcripts from any colleges and/or universities where you earned credit. For more information visit our incoming transfer students page.
  2. Submit SAT, ACT, AP, or CLEP score reports if they exempt you from taking the placement tests or yield credit [AP and CLEP score reports must be official to be awarded transfer credit].
  3. Submit official military transcripts for evaluation
    1. Joint Services Transcript (JST) (All branches EXCEPT Air Force): create an account and request to have your official JST sent to FCC electronically.
    2. Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript: see how to request an official copy.
4. Submit unofficial copies of college/university transcripts to VMS for advising purposes if possible
 
5. Take the placement tests if you are not exempt. Visit our Testing Center for more information about placement tests. Also review the placement test study guide. 
 
6. Optional: Apply for federal student aid to see if you are eligible to receive a need-based Pell Grant. 
 
For more information visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) page. 
 
7. Schedule an intake appointment. Please complete any required placement testing AND provide copies of unofficial college transcripts to VMS prior to your appointment (or bring copies with you to an in-person appointment).
 
Please note - we do not need to have your benefit documentation on file before you register for classes.
 
8. Once registered for classes and if using, submit the following documents:
  1. State Tuition Waiver (STW) to StudentAccounts@frederick.edu
  2. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) TA Authorization to StudentAccounts@frederick.edu
  3. Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) OR Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
    1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) OR current VA Statement of Education Benefits to Veteran and Military Services using the Secure Document Submission form.
  4. State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR) documents to MDNGEducation@ARMY.MIL 

Checklist for Members of the Reserves
 
*Please submit any documents containing personally identifiable information using the Secure Document Submission form or you may bring documents with you to an in-person intake appointment.
 

1. For information and instructions regarding Federal Tuition Assistance, select your service branch below:

2. Fill out FCC’s free online application for admission.

3. Submit official transcripts to FCC’s Registrar’s Office to be evaluated for credit and determine if you are exempt from the reading, writing, and/or math placement tests. 
  1. Submit official transcripts from any colleges and/or universities where you earned credit. For more information visit our incoming transfer students page.
  2. Submit SAT, ACT, AP, or CLEP score reports if they exempt you from taking the placement tests or yield credit [AP and CLEP score reports must be official to be awarded transfer credit].
  3. Submit official military transcripts for evaluation
    1. Joint Services Transcript (JST) (All branches EXCEPT Air Force): create an account and request to have your official JST sent to FCC electronically.
    2. Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript: see how to request an official copy.
4. Submit unofficial copies of college/university transcripts to VMS for advising purposes if possible
 
5. Take the placement tests if you are not exempt. Visit our Testing Center for more information about placement tests. Also review the placement test study guide. 
 
6. Optional: Apply for federal student aid to see if you are eligible to receive a need-based Pell Grant. 
 
For more information visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) page. 
 
7. Schedule an intake appointment here. Please complete any required placement testing AND provide copies of unofficial college transcripts to VMS prior to your appointment (or bring copies with you to an in-person appointment).
 
We do NOT need to have your benefit documentation on file before you register for classes.
 
8. Once registered for classes and if using, submit the following documents:

  1. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) TA Authorization to StudentAccounts@frederick.edu
  2. Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) OR Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
    1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) OR current VA Statement of Education Benefits to Veteran and Military Services using the Secure Document Submission form.

FCC Benefits

  • Military Priority Registration is available to members of the National Guard and Reserves. To participate in Priority Registration, students must submit the Priority Registration for Military and Veteran Students form and include documentation of their military service.
  • In-County Tuition – Members of the National Guard and Reserves who live outside Frederick County should refer to FCC’s Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes Policy and Procedures to check their eligibility for in-county tuition. Contact VMS with questions.
  • Recognition at Commencement – Members of the National Guard and Reserves receive a military cord that can be worn at the spring commencement ceremony when graduating with a credit certificate or degree. Contact VMS for more information.
  • Senior Waiver – Students ages 60 and older who are Maryland residents may take classes tuition-free if they register on or after a specified date each registration cycle. Students are required to pay course fees. See the credit class schedule for more information.

Additional Resources

  • The Veteran & Military Student Center in Annapolis Hall, room 109, is a campus space that welcomes all veterans, service members, and military-affiliated students. The Center includes a lounge, student computers, free coffee and snacks, and proximity to VMS staff.
  • The FCC Veterans Club is a student-run club recognized by FCC’s Student Government Association. Contact VMS for more information.
  • Financial Aid - Students may use VA education benefits and financial aid simultaneously. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid programs. Students may also be eligible for state and institutional grants or scholarships. 

Contact Us

All new students are required to submit the electronic VMS intake form prior to scheduling an appointment. Once you submit the intake form, we will email you a checklist of “next steps” to complete along with the link to schedule an intake appointment with a VMS staff member.

Current and continuing students may schedule an appointment using Navigate360.
Career & Academic Planning Services

VMS Office - Annapolis Hall (A-109)

Amy Coldren, Veteran and Military Services Coordinator
Office Hours: Monday 8:30 - 6:00; Tues-Friday 8:30 - 4:30
 acoldren@frederick.edu
 301.624.2838

VMS Office - Annapolis Hall (A-109)

Amy Coldren, Veteran and Military Services Coordinator
Office Hours: Monday 8:30 - 6:00; Tues-Friday 8:30 - 4:30
 acoldren@frederick.edu
 301.624.2838