If a student receives a failing or non-passing grade, do they have to pay back the VA?
Chapters 30, 33, 35, and 1606: An “F” grade is considered a failing or non-passing, or punitive grade. Students under these chapters do not have to pay back the VA.
Chapter 31: An “F” grade is considered a failing or non-passing or punitive grade. Walsh will report “F” grades to the VA for Chapter 31 students, but only if the student did not attend class until the last day of the term. VA will determine if the Last Day of Attendance reported (for Chapter 31 students) created an overpayment of allowance benefits. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student if this occurs.
If a student is placed on Academic Probation, do they have to pay back the VA?
No, students placed on Academic Probation do not have to pay back the VA or hold them from future certifications. Walsh strongly recommends that students reach out to tutoring services available to them at the school and tutorial assistance benefits available through VA.
If a student is placed on Suspension, do they have to pay back the VA?
Yes, students placed on Academic Suspension are required to pay back the VA. Unsatisfactory Progress (Academic Suspension) must be reported to VA as a termination. Walsh will terminate the semester the student is suspended and include “Unsatisfactory Attendance, Conduct, or Progress” as the reason.
VA will mail out a debt letter to students placed on Suspension or Termination for unsatisfactory progress. Students are required to pay back benefits received during the semester, this includes allowance benefits and book stipends.
If a student received an Incomplete grade, do they have to pay back the VA?
It depends. An Incomplete Grade is given for passable work that could not be completed during the term. The instructor assigning an Incomplete Grade must indicate the steps necessary to complete the remaining coursework and receive an earned grade. VA will allow students to complete the remaining coursework within one year. If the Incomplete grade is not replaced by an earned grade within one year, then Walsh will report the student’s Incomplete Grade as non-punitive to the VA. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student.
Chapters 31 and 33: All incomplete grades will be reported.
Chapters 30, 35, and 1606: An incomplete grade doesn’t need to be reported if training time isn’t affected. Example: A student takes 15 credit hours, completes 12 credit hours, and receives 3 credit hours incomplete. Training time isn’t affected because the incomplete doesn’t change the student’s full-time training time. If training time is affected, then incomplete grades will be reported.
What are punitive and non-punitive grades? How do they impact VA benefits?
A punitive grade is earned credit that counts toward degree requirements and is calculated into the grade point average (i.e. “A” grade). An “F” grade is also considered a punitive grade. Walsh will report “F” grades to the VA for Chapter 31 students, but only if the student did not attend class until the last day of the term. VA will determine if the Last Day of Attendance reported (for Chapter 31 students) created an overpayment of allowance benefits. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student if this occurs.
A non-punitive grade does not count as earned credit and is not calculated into the grade point average (i.e. “W” grade). Non-punitive grades get reported to the VA. The Last Day of Attendance or Withdrawal Date is also reported. VA will determine if this action created an overpayment of benefits. VA will mail out a debt letter to the student if this occurs.
Does VA benefits pay for National Testing Programs? or Licensing and Certification tests?
Students seeking reimbursement for test costs must complete the Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees. Reimbursement is issued after the student submits proof of payment to the VA. In addition to including proof of payment, make sure to include documentation supporting your request for test reimbursement. Please call VA TOLL-FREE at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) for assistance.
See U.S. Veteran Affairs Licensing and Certification Tests and National Testing Programs information.