Getting prepared for college is the first step to being successful. Whether you're receiving benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs or through your Service's Tuition Assistance program we're here to help.
Printable versions:
If you're receiving Tuition Assistance, click here.
If you're receiving benefits through the VA, click here.
- APPLY FOR ADMISSION: Online - click here. Staff is available in the CCA Enrollment Services and Lowry One-Stop Offices to help you through the application. Remember your login ID and go back to this site and click Finish your application when you’re ready.
- SIGN UP FOR COF (College Opportunity Fund): COF will subsidize state tuition for Colorado residents and qualifying veterans and their dependents. You only need to apply one time. Click here to sign up for COF. Click on Stipend Application (English - 192KB), print the form, complete it and bring it to Enrollment Services with your Tuition Classification Waiver form (if needed). Be sure to authorize the COF when you sign-up for your classes each semester.
- TUITION CLASSIFICATION (“IN STATE”)-WAIVER: Active duty military members and their dependents who are not Colorado residents need to submit in-state waiver paperwork to CCA's Enrollment Services. ***NOTE: The Buckley AFB Education Office requires the following in order to sign your In-State waiver form:
USAF: Valid Military ID (Active Duty member must be assigned to Buckley AFB); Dependents must bring in military ID or a copy of DEERS printout from the Military Personnel Flight confirming they are dependents.
ANG/AGR/AFRES: Valid Military ID; Copy or orders indicating activation during the term of enrollment; Dependents must bring in their military ID or a copy of DEERS printout from the Military Personnel Flight confirming they are dependents and a copy of spouses orders reflecting Buckley assignment.
Army, Navy, and Marine Corps: Valid Military ID; Copy of orders reflecting Buckley assignment; Dependents must bring in military ID or a copy of DEERS printout from the Military Personnel Flight confirming they are dependents and a copy of spouses order reflecting Buckley assignment.
- FINANCIAL AID: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you plan to apply for any kind of aid (grants, loans, and scholarships). The application process can take 6-8 weeks to complete, so apply early! Use CCA's school code: 016058.
- ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES: All new degree or certificate seeking students are required to provide evidence of starting levels in English, Reading & Math. Students can provide ACT or SAT or prior college transcripts for placement. If ACT or SAT scores aren’t available, the Accuplacer can be taken at the Buckley One Stop or CCA. The free tests take from 1.5 to 3 hours.
- ORDER YOUR MILITARY TRANSCRIPTS.
- NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (Starting Fall 2012 for new students): If you have never attended college after high school graduation you must attend a new student orientation. Sign up for New Student Orientation coming soon. You must attend the orientation before you can register for classes. Please not you will NOT be able to sign up for orientation until you have taken the Accuplacer of provided ACT/SAT scores less than 5 years old with appropriate minimum scores.
If you are a student who has attended college or CCA previously it is strongly suggested that you go through the online orientation by registering for the AAA 075 online orientation class through your MyCCA account.
- ACADEMIC ADVISING: Students who have never attended college after high school graduation will see an academic advisor during orientation. If you are a returning student or a new student to CCA but have taken classes at another college it is highly recommended that you contact an advisor who will help select the correct courses for placement, prerequisite and program requirements. They will be able to guide you in selecting the right courses to complete a degree or certificate at CCA and/or to transfer to the 4-year institution of your choice. A part-time advisor is also available in the Military/Veteran Services Office or you may contact us through email at VeteransAdvisor@CCAurora.edu.
- REGISTER: Online at though MyCCA. Staff are available in the CCA Enrollment Services and Lowry One-Stop Offices to help you through the registration process. Classes are added to the semester schedule throughout the registration period. Use the Look Up Classes option under the Student tab in your MyCCA account to select course options, whiere you can see which classes are open, closed, or have been added. Although we can't register you over the phone or via email, staff is happy to help you. Please contact us in person, via e-mail at HelpCenter@CCAurora.edu or 303 360-4797 if you need any assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students using VA benefits (GI Bill) must complete a Request for Certification each semester they wish to use their benefits. Only courses that apply toward your degree on record with CCA will be reported to the VA. Complete the Request for Certification (available through the Student tab on MyCCA under Advising Connections, Military/Veteran Services) each semester as soon as your schedule is set to ensure timely reporting to the VA.
- VA BENEFITS: To apply for benefits: Apply online at www.gibill.va.gov and click on Apply for Benefits. Follow the instructions on the web page for further guidance (Click on the VONAPP link-->Apply for Veterans Benefits Online (VONAPP) on the right side). Choose from the following forms:
22-1990 if you have served in the military and are applying for education benefits for the first time.
22-1995 veterans changing schools
22-5490 if you are a dependent of a deceased or 100% disabled Veteran (spouse or child) applying for education benefits for the first time.
22-5495 dependents changing schools
Bring the printed application and appropriate documentation to the Veterans Service Office. (DD214, Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate) If you have any questions, please contact the Military/Veterans Service Office at 303-360-4768. Those of you who paid an additional $600 need to provide proof of the (kicker) payment. If you are Selective Reserves or National Guard you need to supply a NOBE. You get the NOBE from your unit.
VETERAN INTAKE SHEET: All veterans using benefits will be required to fill out a veteran intake sheet so we can establish a file for you.
- TUITION ASSITANCE: Once you’re registered for classes, you need to submit your Tuition Assistance request to your respective Education Office. When you receive the approved TA request, you must turn it into the Cashier’s Office. Approved TA forms should be submitted by the tuition deadline listed in the schedule booklet or your registration may be cancelled.
DEGREE PLANS: Students who are required to provide degree plans to receive approved TA can obtain them by logging on to the MyCCA portal. Once logged in using your student ID and password, go to the Student tab, Steps to Graduate box and click on "Degree Check". Print the degree document and bring to your education office/representative. Remember, you must provide official transcripts if you are a degree seeking student and would like previous colleges courses evaluated for possible transfer credit.
- ACTIVATE YOUR HIGHER ONE DEBIT CARD: The Community College of Aurora partners with Higher One, a financial services company focused solely on higher education, to provide a method for receiving tuition refunds through the CCCS Refund Card. CCA does not mail paper refund checks. You will need this card to receive your refund for canceled and/or dropped courses, credit balances, and financial aid refunds. Once you receive your card, activate it immediately (follow the instructions in the mailing).
- ACTIVATE YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT: Access your MyCCA account. Click on the Student Email link at the top. If this is your first time logging in your password is your date of birth spelled out with no spaces (ex: if you date of birth is February 14, 1982, your initial password is February141984). Follow the directionson the screen to activate your account (you'll need to activate only once). Student email is the official method of communication at CCA; it is extremely important that you activate your account and check it regularly.
- PAY TUITION: For students not receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, tuition arrangements must be made by the payment deadline listed in the schedule booklet or your registration may be canceled. If you are unable to attend the classes you registered for you must drop by the add/drop deadline to avoid being financially responsible for your classes. Deadline dates to drop are available in the printed schedule each semester, in MyCCA on the Student Finance tab, or in the Enrollment Services Office. If you have applied for but have not yet been awarded financial aid you will need to make full payment or set up a FACTS payment plan before the published payment deadline. To make a FACT Payment plan, access your MyCCA account, Student Finance Tab, Payment Options.
- BOOKS: Take your schedule to the bookstore to purchase your books. If you are a financial aid student, check with the financial aid office to see when you can get your books. It’s always best to get your books before class starts.
- STUDENT ID CARD Photo ID cards are available during posted hours in Enrollment Services and at Lowry One-Stop Student Services Center. ID cards are required for some services at the college.
