How do I get my school, apprenticeship, or other educational facility approved for veteran benefits in CT?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approves programs using a State Approving Agency (SAA). The SAA in Connecticut is the Office of Higher Education (OHE). CT's SAA will do the following:
- Check a school's compliance with VA criteria.
- Ensure compliance by using federal regulations, state laws, and current practices.
What is the role of the certifying official?
A school or college names a Certifying Official (CO, or SCO). This person is the school’s liaison with CT’s OHE and has VA Enrollment Certification duties.
For guidance on required training for new and existing School Certifying Officials:
For officials who certify students under Veterans laws:
Certifying officials FAQ:
Does my school or program have to be approved for veteran benefits?
Yes, since veterans need to attend approved schools to use VA benefits for tuition. VA approval ensures the following:
- VA can track a veteran’s progress and credits earned.
- Programs lead to a formal degree or career certification.
- VA can determine which benefits a veteran can receive and for how long.
What types of programs and schools need approval?
CT SAA approves these types of schools and programs for veterans:
- Colleges and universities
- Private occupational schools
- Hairdressing and cosmetology schools
- Hospital training and residency programs
- Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training Programs
- High school diploma, G.E.D., or post-diploma certificate programs
- College entrance exam preparatory programs
- Organizations or agencies that provide licensing or certification tests
What specifics need to be approved?
CT OHE reviews publications, policies, and programs. The school reports all changes to avoid a suspension of approval which could stop the flow of benefits to veterans.
Publications
- Catalogs
- Student handbooks
- Class schedules
Programs that lead to an educational or immediate vocational goal
- Degree
- Certificate
- Postgraduate residency
- Non-collegiate technical or trade programs
Programs offered at branch campuses or other locations need separate approval.
Institution policies
- Attendance
- Academic progress
- Evaluation of credit for prior education and training such as practicums
- Student conduct
- Specific types of instruction such as hybrid programs, independent study, distance learning, practicums or internships, or other developmental programs.
Advise CT SAA if you change your school's programs, rules, or materials. If not, your school might lose its approval, and veterans won't be able to get their benefits.
What does approval cover?
Learn more about CFR 21 federal guidelines (PDF).
Do accredited colleges need approval?
Both accredited and non-accredited schools need approval.
Read what approval entails on the VA’s website.
On-the-job training (OJT) and apprenticeship training
An OJT program has to follow certain criteria.
Visit the VA’s Education and Training section to learn more.
Foreign school and distance learning approval
A foreign school also has to apply for approval.
Find forms and learn how to apply for foreign school approval on the VA website.
Types of approval and how to apply
To get approval for your school, follow these steps based on whether it's your first time, a renewal, or a change.
If you're unsure which type you need, please contact us.
- Initial approval
First-time approval of a program, school, or college.
- Submit an initial inquiry through the CT SAA website: New SAA Facility Request for Veteran Benefits (Non-OHE Approved Schools) - Veoci.
Please note the following:
- Regarding the Accreditation question, the accreditor needs U.S. Department of Education approval.
- Regarding the 24 continuous months, only private schools without degrees, new branch campuses, and contract courses need to have been open for at least two years.
- 36-month re-approval
CT SAA will send a notification to a school requesting an application and copies of their publications as part of a re-approval process.
- Revised approval
Any time a school makes a change, they need to apply for a revised approval. Changes include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Adding new programs.
- Printing revised catalogs, handbooks, or schedules.
- Changes to a program’s name or curriculum. For-profit schools have to report changes to the length of their programs and the number of clock hours.
- Naming new certifying officials.
- Adding new facilities, branch campuses, or changing an address.
- Changing ownership.
- Revisions in accreditation or state licensure status.
- Altering currently approved policies.
What are supervisory visits?
An inspection site visit occurs for an initial approval request. But CT SAA conducts a Supervisory Visit to review compliance with veterans' criteria.
For this type of visit, the CT SAA will review:
- Files for each veteran.
- Information about attendance, transfer credits, transcripts, and enrollment.
CT SAA may also request meetings with other staff, faculty, and students.
What are the conditions for continued approval?
Continued approval means a school keeps meeting the conditions and terms.
The catalog, bulletin, or addendum has to include an institution’s:
- Standards of progress
- Attendance policy
- Conduct policy
- Progress records furnished to students
The school has to keep:
- A veteran's education records. These should show credits earned and training.
- Records of each enrollment period. Including all courses and grades.
- Progress records of each veteran. Including course withdrawals and attendance dates.
- Attendance records of veterans enrolled in courses not leading to standard college degrees.
- Proof that veterans' tuition and fees are the same as those of other students.
- Full records and copies of all ads, sales, and enrollment materials used by or for the school in the past 12 months.
- Veteran certification files for three years after the veteran leaves the school.
The school agrees to:
Make all records available to CT SAA during business hours and visits. Enforce policies and notify:
- The VA when veterans do not make satisfactory academic progress.
- The VA within 30 days of all changes in hours of credit or attendance. This includes a pause or end in the student’s attendance.
- CT SAA of any changes made to policies, programs, publications, etc.
More resources for schools, administrators, and certifying officials
- For schools that do not have CT OHE approval: Fill out a New SAA Facility Request for Veteran Benefits (Non-OHE Approved Schools).
- For school administrators and certifying officials: Find VA training, resources, guides, and information on GI Bill® programs.
- To learn about the role of the CT SAA: Read the Connecticut Office of Higher Education State Approving Agency (PDF).
- For Freedom of Information (FOIA) requests for CT’s OHE: Visit GovQA.
Who to contact:
For questions on program or institutional approval:
Office of Higher Education
State Approving Agency
450 Columbus Boulevard
Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
Phone: 860-947-1821, Giancarlo Fusco
Ask VA (Specific Questions): 888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Find more resources on the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) website.