FTCC - It's not just an education, it's your future!

Military Student FAQ

Table of Contents

1. What costs are associated with college enrollment?

The North Carolina Community College system provides quality education at affordable prices. Based on current tuition rates, in-state residents pay $42.00 per semester hour. Additionally, you will need to purchase the appropriate books for your courses.  Effective October 1, 2002, Army Tuition Assistance pays 100% of the tuition.
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2. Where do I get Tuition Assistance?

Tuition Assistance is provided and monitored through the GoArmyEd portal.  Additional questions for assistance may also be addressed to the the Army Education Center that serves you. All soldiers wanting to use Tuition Assistance must go through the GoArmyEd portal. This is a recommended site:  http://www.bragg.army.mil/www-aces/fbindex.htm
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3. Am I eligible for Tuition Assistance?

Most active duty military members are eligible for Military Tuition Assistance. However, the Department of Defense has placed certain requirements and restrictions on TA, such as: You cannot get TA for a course that you have previously taken If you have an Associate Degree they do not pay for other courses at that level unless it's job related Ask your Education Center Counselor for new details. [ Back to TOC ]

4. Can my family members use my Tuition Assistance or VA?

No.  However, if you are a family member of a deceased Active Duty Service Member or Retired Veteran you may be eligible for certain dependent benefits.... If you fall into this category you should contact the Veterans Office nearest you to make a claim. http://www.va.gov/benefits/Education/C35.htm
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5. Can I use Tuition Assistance and Federal Financial Aid at the same time?

Yes.  However keep in mind that both are Federal Programs and neither program is designed to cover all of your expenses. Each quarter we provide the Army Education Center a list of students using both TA and Pell Grant funds.  After a review by the Army Education Center, it is possible that you could be asked to pay back Tuition Assistance if they feel it is in excess of schooling costs.
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6. How do I convert my military training to College Credit?

Evaluators are available at the FTCC Fort Bragg Center to assist you. Please call our office for the days and times that Evaluators are available. All evaluations are done on a walk-in basis. During registration periods we are not able to do evaluations because of time constraints and space.  Please call (910) 678-1050 to confirm an appropriate time for you. 
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7. When is converted military training added to a transcript?

After completing an evaluation, non-traditional work that has been earned may be converted and entered onto a college transcript once you: Select a major Complete the admissions process and complete one course with FTCC
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8. How do I drop a Tuition Assistance class?

If you need to withdraw from a class, the withdrawal must be done online through the GoArmyEd portal. If you withdraw for military reasons, TA recoupment is waived. All information and transactions occur online through GoArmyEd. If you withdraw for personal reasons, GoArmyEd will initiate appropriate recoupment procedures.
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9. How do CLEP and DANTES Exams help in reaching my Educational goal?

DANTES and CLEP exams are offered free to Active Duty Soldiers. You may take these tests and college credit will be considered.  Ask for the pamphlet which will show you the test and equivalent credits with FTCC. These tests are free, there is no penalty if you do not pass them, and it is a good opportunity to save time and money. If you do not pass, you will have to wait six months before you can take them again. You may contact DANTES and find out more. http://voled.doded.mil/dantes/DL/index.htm  
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10.If I have not decided on an educational goal or objective, whom do I contact?

The Fort Bragg Center has qualified personnel who can help you determine your educational goals (910) 678-1050 or FTCC has a Career Center with a full time staff to assist you in your career planning. This service is free of charge.  Call (910) 678-8205 and ask for an appointment.
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11. What is the difference between an Official and Unofficial Military Evaluation?

An Unofficial Evaluation is one that is completed without supporting documentation. This is just to give you an idea of courses that you might be awarded in your college degree. To change from an Unofficial to Official evaluation, you must select a goal (degree track or major) and meet all admissions requirements of the program and college; additionally, you must complete one course with  FTCC.
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12. What is a SOCAD agreement and how do I get one? Can family members participate?

SOCAD is the acronym for Servicemembers Opportunity College Army Degree. This program was developed to assist Active Duty Military and their family members in their quest for a college degree. Prior to the inception of this program soldiers were continually having to meet admissions and residency requirements with different schools. The requirements for graduation were all different and the soldier ended up taking course work needed at one school that would not be needed or would not transfer to another school. This program allows service members to select ONE college as his/her home school to: (a) meet the admissions requirements; (b) meet the residency requirements of that school; (c) then be transferred around the world and continue to work on the degree with that home school.  A consortium of schools offer courses that are transferable with guarantees in certain programs. Once a soldier has been approved, he/she can take course work around the world with other SOCAD schools and transfer the work back to the home school.  The student can  graduate from the home college once all course work has been completed.  At each visiting college the student can determine appropriate classes needed by looking in the SOCAD handbook to determine equivalent college courses.
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