As a university defined by the Volunteer spirit, we are committed to working with all veteran and military-connected students to support their educational success and financial health. Please see the information below regarding payment plans (deferments).
VA Education Benefits (Chapter 33, 35, 1606, 30 and Chapter 31 VR&E)
To use your VA education benefits and to be placed on the Veterans Payment Plan (Veterans Deferment) for the Fall 2026 semester, you must submit your enrollment certification form to the Veterans Benefits Office – Veteran Success Center by August 3rd, 2026.
Once our office receives your paperwork, the Bursar’s Office will place students who use these benefits for fall on the veterans payment plan by the close of business on August 6th. Please be patient and allow time for the veterans’ payment plan to appear on your account. The Bursar’s office will NOT drop schedules on the 7th if you are not on the veterans payment plan. If you have turned in your paperwork for the fall and do not see the payment plan on August 7th, please check with our office by email at [email protected] or call at 865-974-5420
The payment plan is designed to help all students track charges for the fall term. You are encouraged to make payments on your account on the payment dates, but if you are on the Veterans Payment Plan, there is no charge for this payment plan, and no penalty for a missed payment. The two payment dates are September 25th, 2026, and October 26, 2026. Your balance is due by the last day of the term, December 02, 2026. Students who have not settled their balances by the last day of the term may have a hold placed on their accounts or incur late fees.
TN Strong Act – Veterans Payment Plan (Deferment) information
To use your TN Strong Act Reimbursement and to be placed on the Veterans Payment Plan (Veterans Deferment) for the Fall 2026 semester, you must submit your packet electronically to [email protected] by August 3rd, 2026. We no longer accept paper Strong Act packets, and your packet must be signed. Unsigned packets will be returned for your signature.
Once our office receives your paperwork, the Bursar’s Office will place students who use these benefits for fall on the veterans payment plan bythe close of business on August 6th. Please be patient and allow time for the veterans’ payment plan to appear on your account. The Bursar’s office will NOT drop schedules on the 7th if you are not on the veterans payment plan. If you have turned in your paperwork for the fall and do not see the payment plan on August 7th, please check with our office by email at [email protected] or call at 865-974-5420
The payment plan is designed to help all students track charges for the fall term. You are encouraged to make payments on your account on the payment dates, but if you are on the Veterans Payment Plan, there is no charge for this payment plan, and no penalty for a missed payment. The two payment dates are September 25, 2026, and October 26, 2026. Your balance is due by the last day of the term, December 02, 2026. Students who have not settled their balances by the last day of the term may have a hold placed on their accounts or incur late fees.
For students choosing not to use benefits for the fall 2026 semester.
If you plan to use a regular deferment plan or pay a partial balance and not use your benefits, the payment deadline to either make a payment or be enrolled in a payment plan is August 7th.
How can you tell if you have turned your enrollment form in to our office?
You will receive an email after you have submitted your enrollment form online. You will receive a second email after our office submits your enrollment to the VA. The emails will come from “NG WEB SOLUTIONS”. Our office is processing fall enrollments now. Once we have submitted your enrollment to the VA, you will receive a third email from the VA Enrollment Manager confirming receipt.
Contact Information:
For any questions regarding your benefits, please contact the Veterans Benefits Office- Veterans Success Center at 865-974-5420 or email us at [email protected]
We deeply appreciate our veteran and military-connected students
and value the contributions you bring to Rocky Top.
GO VOLS!
Kevin Rushing, University Bursar
Jayetta Rogers, Chief Veterans Benefits Officer
Legislation Regarding Use of Veteran Education Benefits
TN legislation regarding veteran education benefits TCA 49-7-104
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-49/chapter-7/part-1/section-49-7-104/
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018
38 USC 3679(e)(1) and Section 103 Public Law
A)A policy that permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31, 33, or 35 of this title and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
(i)The date on which the Secretary provides payment for such course of education to such institution.
(ii) The date that is 90 days after the date on which the educational institution certifies for tuition and fees following receipt from the student such certificate of eligibility.
(B) A policy that ensures that the educational institution will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment to be provided by the Secretary under chapter 31 [1] 33, or 35 of this title.