For students considering VA funding,
We are excited you have chosen Northwest Lineman College as your pathway to a long and rewarding career in the power delivery industry!
A recent policy change at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has removed the ability for accredited schools like Northwest Lineman College (NLC) to continue offering VA funding options in their current state. However, the new policy does allow non accredited institutions to offer VA funding.
Consequently, Northwest Lineman College has made the strategic decision to voluntarily withdraw its accreditation beginning January 1, 2023 to minimize a lapse in eligibility for student access to VA funding in response to new federal requirements.
WHAT THIS MEANS
If you are considering utilizing VA funding (GI Bill) for tuition to any campus of Northwest Lineman College in 2023, there are a few options to consider as NLC temporarily limits or suspends VA funding during our re certification process.
On the following pages we have outlined funding options available by campus during this transition.
Minimizing VA funding disruption for students is our highest priority. Our team is working closely with the VA and doing everything in our power to quickly restore our ability to accept VA funds.
If you have any questions, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions pages, or reach out to our friendly Admissions Advisors who stand by ready to assist.
ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
VA FUNDING NOTICE
2023 FUNDING OPTIONS BY CAMPUS AND TERM
FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING VA FUNDING DURING NLC RE-CERTIFICATION PROCESS
IDAHO CAMPUS
TERM 1
Mar. 6 – Jun. 16, 2023
Campus recertification period
NLC assumes tuition funding risk
*VA students secure private funding for living expenses
Students enrolled in Term 1 have the option to transfer to a later term
*When re certification is complete, students may be reimbursed by VA Benefits
TERM 2 Jul. 3 – Oct. 13, 2023
Tuition VA funding resumes
Housing/living expenses VA funding resumes
TERM 3 Oct. 30, 2023 – Feb. 23, 2024
Tuition VA funding resumes
Housing/living expenses VA funding resumes
TEXAS CAMPUS
TERM 1
Jan. 30 May 19, 2023
Campus recertification period
NLC assumes tuition funding risk
*VA students secure private funding for living expenses
Students enrolled in Term 1 have the option to transfer to a later term
*When re certification is complete, students may be reimbursed by VA Benefits
TERM 2 Jun. 5 Sept. 15, 2023
Tuition VA funding resumes
Housing/living expenses VA funding resumes
TERM 3 Sept. 25, 2023 Jan. 26, 2024
Tuition VA funding resumes
Housing/living expenses VA funding resumes
2 2023 VA FUNDING
2023
FLORIDA CAMPUS
TERM
CALIFORNIA CAMPUS
TERM 1 Apr. 10 Jul. 21, 2023
TERM 2 May 1 Aug. 11, 2023 Campus recertification period
TERM 3 Aug. 28 Dec. 15, 2023
TERM 2 Aug. 7 Nov 17, 2023
TERM 3 Dec. 4, 2023 Apr. 5, 2024
3
2023 VA FUNDING
FUNDING OPTIONS BY CAMPUS AND TERM FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING VA FUNDING DURING NLC RE-CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The
Campus will strategically retain accreditation for the foreseeable future and will,
to offer VA funding in 2023. Admissions will assist any VA student planning to fund their education in
to transfer to another campus. VA funding Unavailable
California
therefore, not be able
California
1 Jan. 3 Apr. 21, 2023 Campus recertification period
*When re certification is complete, students may be reimbursed by VA Benefits Private funding VA funding Unavailable Private funding VA funding Unavailable Private funding VA funding Unavailable Private funding VA funding Unavailable Private funding Enrolled students have the option to a transfer to a later term or different campus NLC
funding risk *VA
secure private funding for living expenses
assumes tuition
students
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this change to VA funding permanent or temporary?
We don’t know. But with the 12/31/2022 deadline approaching and no clear path for extending the waiver that allowed us to accept VA funds, NLC is moving forward as if the change is permanent.
Does this impact my education and professional opportunities?
Not at all. NLC remains in close touch with industry partners and will maintain our consistent, unwavering commitment to prepare students for success through educational excellence.
What if I want private funding and don't want to use VA funds?
You can attend any of NLC’s four campuses with private funding. If you are using VA benefits for tuition or living expenses, these benefits are only available at ID, TX, and FL campuses.
Does this impact housing?
Yes, for some terms. Basic allowance for housing will be delayed for term 1 of 2023 for Idaho and Texas campuses and term 3 of 2023 at our Florida campus. Veteran beneficiary students should be prepared to cover living expenses and expect to be reimbursed after term is complete (as long as NLC receives VA approval, which we anticipate but cannot guarantee). If NLC’s application is denied (again, not anticipated, but possible), students will not receive any monthly housing allowance for their time at NLC.
Is
there any assistance for relocation if I have to transfer to another campus?
No. If relocation costs are a concern, we recommend the student choose a later term at the campus of their choice.
What is NLC doing to allow VA students to attend any campus?
NLC continues to collaborate with VA state approving agencies and key contacts up the chain of command to the VA central office, along with lawmakers, regulators and lobbyists. We are working urgently to promote awareness of NLC’s unique position and to resolve this dynamic situation.
Who does this impact?
Any Veteran beneficiary student applied for or enrolled in any upcoming California terms, in 2023 term 1 in Idaho or Texas, and 2023 terms 1 3 in Florida.
Why is the change last-minute?
NLC has an active education waiver under section 1015 of the Isakson Roe Act that expires in December 2022. NLC was advised that additional waivers would be granted because the law allows for year over year waivers. However, it was announced, for the first time, on September 21, 2022, that no more waivers would be granted. NLC feverishly contacted lawmakers and regulators and submitted a congressional inquiry to highlight the unintended consequence this would have on NLC and the Veteran beneficiary students we serve. To date, we have not made progress on reversing this decision, and with the expiration of our current waiver quickly approaching, NLC researched all options and chose the one with the least potential impact to Veteran beneficiaries.
4 FAQ FOR STUDENTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I am already enrolled?
If you are a VA funded student, Admissions will evaluate your personal impact and present you with your options.
What if I have already applied?
If you are a VA funded student, Admissions will evaluate your personal impact and present you with your options.
Does this change the program?
No. The Electrical Lineworker Program’s curriculum remains aligned across all campuses, accredited or not. NLC’s focus on consistency and educational excellence will not waver.
I am a retake student who will retake a course in 2023. Will VA assistance impact my retake?
Retakes will not be impacted because VA benefits do not cover retake courses.
How does this impact electives and tools?
Electives and tools will not be impacted. Electives and optional courses have never been covered by VA funding. Tools are required items for training and will continue to be covered by the VA benefit after NLC is re certified through the VA.
How does this impact BAH / MHA allowance for veterans?
The Basic Allowance for Housing benefit will be impacted for term 1 of 2023 in ID and TX and term 3 of 2023 in Florida. If NLC is approved for re certification and has allowed students to start before that approval, basic allowance for housing will be delayed until after approval is in hand. If NLC’s application is denied (not anticipated, but possible) students will not be eligible for delayed payment of basic allowance for housing.
Is
accreditation still important to NLC?
Educational excellence is of the utmost importance to NLC. We chose to become accredited 22 years ago to demonstrate our commitment to educational excellence. The simple fact is, educational excellence is baked into NLC’s core values: passion, integrity, and excellence. Educational excellence will remain top tier at NLC, just as it has since our inception in 1993.
Why doesn’t NLC apply for Title IV?
Title IV would offer little value to our students but would result in a significant cost increase. NLC’s Electrical Lineworker Program of 480 hours falls short of the 600 hour threshold required for Title IV funding like federal Pell grants.
Why can't I attend in CA as a VA-funded student?
NLC’s California campus will not be undergoing the same recertification process as the other three campuses, which means it will be unable to accept VA funding for the foreseeable future. NLC will work diligently with affected students to provide options for those who are impacted by this unfortunate change.
5 FAQ FOR STUDENTS
