New Veteran Student

If you have not used VA Education Benefits before at any institution of higher education, then you are a new veteran student. Prior to enrolling, service members are encouraged to contact their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or Military Services Counselor. Follow the enrollment steps below.

Complete the online Admissions Application or stop by the Admissions and Student Engagement office in the Tart building to complete the application at one of our computer kiosks.

Submit residency form if required.

You will receive a welcome letter that confirms that your application has been received and provides instructions for the next steps in your enrollment process.

Term Priority Application Deadline Registration Begins Term Start Date

Summer 2023

May 8

 March 30 May 16

Fall 2023

August 8

 March 30 August 15

Students who submit all required paperwork by the priority application deadline can expect:

  • To be admitted to the college.
  • To prepare for and take the placement testing, if needed.
  • To attend an orientation session and meet with an academic advisor.
  • To receive adequate time to plan, select, and register for classes.

The college will continue to process paperwork after the priority application deadline. However, to increase the likelihood of completing the enrollment process, the college highly encourages students to submit all paperwork by the priority application deadline.

Send all your official high school and/or college transcripts to:

Johnston Community College
Admissions and Student Engagement
245 College Road
Smithfield, NC 27577

Request official Joint Services Transcript from if needed.

Your username is set up within 48 hours after completing an application. Your welcome letter will have instructions on how to activate your email, Self Service, and blackboard accounts, which allow you to communicate with us and for you to receive important information related to admissions, financial aid, advising, and registration.

Check your email on a daily basis. This is the college's official form of communication. A hard copy may not be sent in the mail.
We encourage all students to apply for financial aid. To begin the process, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Johnston Community College's school code is 009336.

You are able to use this funding in conjunction with your VA Education Benefits. If you need more information before applying call the VA Coordinator or the JCC Financial Aid Office. Apply for the appropriate chapter of Veterans Benefits via Form 22-1990 (PDF). You will only fill this out ONE time. At this time, you may be asked for your DD-214 that you can obtain through the National Archives. For Survivors/Dependents, you need to apply for benefits via Form 22-5490 (PDF).

Also, check for general scholarships at Academic Works. For more on the types of aid available and how to apply for them, visit the Financial Aid web site.

Placement tests are mandatory for students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Graduated from a U.S. High School more than 10 years ago.
  • Has not earned any college-level English or Math credit
  • Does not hold an Associate's or Bachelor's degree
  • Has a GED test score of <145
  • Graduated from a non-U.S. equivalent high school

All other students will be evaluated under the RISE placement measures and will be placed according to high school GPA, standardized test scores, or applicable college credit.

All curriculum programs require a certain level of English language proficiency. Students who are deficient in English are encouraged to take courses in English as a Second Language, which are offered through the college's Adult Basic Education department.

Click here to prepare for the Placement Test.

New students must complete an orientation session.

All new students should sign up for the New Student Orientation prior to the start date of their first semester. The orientation provides information about key services and programs for first year students and helps to establish a foundation for success in the campus community. Students can sign up for Orientation online.
Meet with an academic advisor. Your advisor name and office location is located on your counseling summary form. Your advisor will review your program of study, career goals, and suggest courses for the upcoming term. Make your appointment with your advisor on Appointment-plus.

Prepare for your advising session by reviewing the Advising Syllabus (PDF).
You will log in to Self Service to complete your course registration on or after your activation date.

This document offers more information if you are new to the Self-Service Login (PDF).

Can't get logged in? Contact the Jaguar Office of Learning Technologies (JOLT) at (919) 464-2260.

Important: Provide the VA Certifying Official with a copy of your current schedule. This needs to be completed every semester to receive your benefits.

The VA will not cover Developmental/Remedial classes that are taught online or hybrid ("I", "B', "H", and "BC" sections at JCC). Developmental/Remedial courses are all courses that begin with a "0" for the course number (ex. CHM 090). If you are required to take a Developmental/Remedial class it must be fully seated in order for it to be certified at the VA. Co-Req and Basic Skills courses are not covered by VA.
You are responsible for verifying your Financial Aid award, benefits, or paying for your classes by the payment due date. Click here to check important dates.
Visit the Learning Resource Center to have your Student ID made. You will pick up your parking permit at the Information Desk in the Wilson Building.
Before the start of the semester, use the Campus Map to find your classes. The college does offer classes at our off campus centers. Make sure you know whether your classes are on the main campus or at one of our centers before the start of the semester.

NOTE: Students receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607, are required to verify their enrollment every month. This can be done by calling 1-877-823-2378 or by going to the WAVE system.

Students using Chapter 33 benefits must verify enrollment monthly. When your enrollment is processed by VA, you will receive a text message from VA to opt into text message verification. If you opt 'out' or cannot receive texts, you will be automatically enrolled in email verification.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) provided by the VA via mail once the application for benefits has been completed. (Usually received between 4-6 weeks after application is submitted.)

Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Usually received via mail between 4-6 weeks after application is submitted.) Give a copy to the VA Certifying Official.