How to Use Your VA Education Benefits At CNM

Using VA Education Benefits at CNM? Follow these steps to apply for benefits, enroll in classes, submit certification paperwork, and receive funding on time.

Steps to Using Your VA Educational Benefits 

Step 1: Apply for Your VA Education Benefit
  • Check your eligibility for benefits. Visit our Understanding Your Benefits webpage to learn more. 
  • Submit your VA Education Benefits application. To receive your VA Education Benefits, you must apply through the VA website.  
  • After approval, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) within about 30 days. The COE is required for CNM VRC to certify benefits.  
Step 2: Apply to CNM
  • Submit an application to be admitted to CNM.
    • CNM eCollege hosts specialty programs with accelerated (half-term courses) and are fully online. Please note that tuition is higher than standard CNM tuition.
    • CNM Ingenuity is currently not approved for VA Education Benefits.
  • Complete your FAFSA for Financial Aid. 
Step 3: Request Official Transcripts
  • Request an official transcript to be sent to CNM if you previously attended another college.
  • Request Joint Service Transcripts (JST) or other official military transcripts if applicable. 

Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. 

Step 4: Meet with an Advisor

Courses Eligible for Certification

  • Courses required for your declared CNM degree
  • In-person developmental courses
  • Prerequisite courses
  • Courses part of CNM Learning Community 

Courses Ineligible for Certification

  • Courses previously completed with a passing grade
  • Online developmental courses 

Courses that are not certified will not be included in your monthly stipend calculation, and you will be responsible for any tuition or fees not covered by your benefit. 

Step 5: Register for Classes

Register for classes. Learn how to register, check registration deadlines, and view helpful tutorials on our Register for Classes webpage. 

Step 6: Create a Payment Plan

Create a payment plan with the Cashier’s Office or through my.CNM.edu if using Chapters 30, 35, or 1606 at any percentage, or Chapter 33 with less than 100% benefits.  

Step 7: Submit a Certification Request Form

Read the Requirements for Payments and Enrollment for your chapter benefit(s), then submit a Certification Request Form to the VRC each term.

What happens after you submit paperwork? 

  • VRC staff will review your classes.
  • Your request will be placed in the certification queue.
  • Students are certified in the order paperwork is received. Processing may take up to 30 days.
  • Notify the VRC immediately if you make any schedule or program changes.  
Step 8: Verify Your Enrollment

Students using VA education benefits must verify enrollment with the VA at the end of each month. Verification can be completed through the VA website, text message, email, or phone. If you do not verify your enrollment after two months, your education benefits will stop until verified. 

Reminders for Next Term

Students using VA education benefits receive early registration access, typically three days before continuing registration. 

To receive your benefits on time: 

  • Register and submit your Certification Request paperwork early.
  • Notify the VRC immediately if you make any schedule or program changes. 

If you are experiencing difficulties that affect your education or have questions about your certification, please talk to one of the members of the VRC team. We are here as a resource and want to make sure you have everything you need to achieve your academic and career goals. 

VRC Contact Information VA Contact Information

Call us at 505-224-4000 ext. 20456 

Email us at [email protected]

Fill out the VRC Contact Form

Education Toll-Free Number: 1-888-442-4551 

Enrollment Verification: 1-877-823-2378 

Debt Management: 1-800-827-0648