Priority Registration

Priority registration is available to every veteran and anyone receiving VA educational benefits.

As a veteran or dependent of a veteran, you don't need to do anything to qualify for this privilege. Have questions? Stop by your campus to speak with Veteran and Military-Connected Services staff.

VA educational benefits.

Veteran and Military Connected Services

Since 1963, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) has provided veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with access to affordable education and workforce training programs that allow them to transition successfully from military to civilian life. To date, more than 30,000 veterans and service members have attended Tri-C.  

Northeast Ohio businesses seek employees with the discipline and maturity that military service accrues. However, these same entities have seen positions go unfilled due to a lack of skilled workers. This regional need makes Tri-C an ideal option for individuals moving toward their next career.   

Tri-C stands ready to meet the needs of veterans and military families through high-quality educational opportunities, both through traditional classroom delivery as well as online learning. Online offerings make classes accessible to individuals who may be still serving while stationed outside of our region. Educational options at Tri-C include short-term certification programs, classes leading to associate degrees and opportunities to transfer to four-year degree programs.  

Tri-C's Veteran and Military Connected Services differ from other area colleges' veteran programs because:

  • Tri-C offers a variety of fast-track certification and degree programs that align with Northeast Ohio workforce needs (e.g., manufacturing and applied technologies, skilled trades training, health care). 
  • Tri-C’s Veterans Education Access Program (VEAP) has a 45+ year history of providing support services to eligible veterans not yet ready for college to complete preparatory coursework, develop academic skills and remain enrolled in and graduate from postsecondary education. These support services are available to dependent family members as well as military service members who may still be serving, such as reservists and National Guard members. 
  • Tri-C is committed to professional development that provides faculty, staff and administrators with tools to better serve those who have served. 
  • Tri-C is also committed to serving veterans' families. The College has received national recognition for its veteran services as well as its support of military spouses. We recognize that everyone in the family plays an important role in service. 
  • Through its Veteran and Military Connected Services office, Tri-C continues its commitment to veterans, military service members and their families. Education and support services include: 
    • Benefits acquisition (GI Bill®) 
    • Veterans Education Access Program 
    • Tutoring services
    • Veterans Today Club 
    • Registration and enrollment support 
    • Assessment and counseling 
    • Special classroom needs (Student Accessibility Services) 
    • Occupational career programs 
    • Baccalaureate transfer/liberal arts curriculum 
    • Bachelor’s degree completion 
    • Post-degree professional certificates 
    • Apprenticeship Programs/Applied Industrial Technology 
    • Career planning 
    • Scholarship opportunities 
    • Student life outreach and activities 
    • Distance learning/E-learning opportunities 
    • Access to community resources 
    • Access to employment opportunities 

Whether a discharged veteran, still serving on active duty or a member of the Guard or Reserve, you and your family are welcome at Tri-C.

Learn more at tri-c.edu/veterans.

Military/Veteran Attendance and Participation

The following is Tri-C policy, developed in accordance with the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) – Education Policy Manual Section 103, PL 115-407, regarding student veteran status while awaiting VA Tuition and Fee Payments. Those affected are student veterans using CH 33 of the GI Bill® (Post 9-11 GI Bill®) or CH 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation Benefit).

The College will not: 

  • Penalize the student while waiting for the VA to make tuition and fee payments 
  • Deny a student access to classrooms, libraries or other institutional facilities
  • Make the student borrow money to cover the cost while waiting for payment
  • Charge a student a late fee or penalty

The period of coverage begins when a student provides the school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Statement of Benefit: 

  • The College can require the student to submit the COE or Statement of Benefit no later than the first day of the program. 
  • The College can also require the student to submit a written request to use benefits or other necessary certifications. 

The period of coverage ends when the VA makes payment or 90 days after the date when the school certifies tuition and fees. 

Veterans Education Access Program (VEAP)

VEAP provides a variety of support services to assist veteran students in the successful pursuit and completion of their educational and career goals. VEAP offers academic enrichment courses in math, English and basic computer skills. Individual sessions are available within the program. Other services include general advising, tutoring, VA benefits information, college transfer assistance, scholarship opportunities and peer mentoring. All services are free. Verification of military status is required. Visit tri-c.edu/veap or call 216-987-4938 to learn more.