PPEP FAQs

Will the school I choose to attend to finish my degree or the distance the school is from where I now live affect my chances of being selected for PPEP?

There's nothing in writing that addresses either question. But common sense tells me that it does. As with most things in the Coast Guard, money is a big issue: the more expensive something is, the less likely it'll be approved.

So, if the choice is between you (who live in California and are applying to PPEP to finish your degree at Yale) and another applicant who lives in Boston who intends to finish her degree at UMass in Boston, it's a good bet the other applicant will be selected. This is because it's likely UMass costs less than Yale and sending you would require moving you all the way across the country at a considerable cost, while the other applicant wouldn't have to move at all.

Am I still eligible for GI Bill benefits after I complete the program?

Yes. If you're selected for PPEP you don't lose your eligibility for any GI Bill education benefits you're already eligible for. However, you may not receive GI Bill benefits for any courses being paid for as a part of PPEP.

What command will I work for (who is my chain of command)?

When selected, you will receive orders during the summer to report to your college or university in the beginning of the fall to start classes. While assigned to the program, your immediate supervisor will be the program coordinator, located in Arlington, VA, at the Coast Guard Recruiting Command (CGRC). In addition, your PDR will be managed by the CGRC Servicing Personnel Office (SPO).

How do I get reimbursed for books and fees?

In the event you need to pay for your books or any other fee out of pocket, you will get reimbursed by submitting an SF-1164 with the appropriate receipts to the program coordinator. Normally the reimbursement takes anywhere from 5-10 business days to be processed and the deposited directly to your account like a regular travel claim.

When will I receive orders to the program if I am selected and when can I start taking classes?

Selected members should plan to start classes during the fall semester after the selection panel. The selection panel results are normally posted by the end of April or beginning of May and the orders are issued by the special assignment detailer (PSC-epm) by the end of July.

Is there any letter or brochure that I can give to my desired school that helps explain this program?

Selected members will receive a letter of acceptance into the program and a letter from the CGRC requesting the school to establish a third party payment. An explanation of the program is included in the letter.

If I'm eligible and want to compete for advancement, who should I send my Enlisted Evaluation Review's (EER) to?

All PPEP students are eligible for advancement and EER’s are completed by the program coordinator.

What is the leave/liberty policy and who do I submit my leave authorization forms to?

During any period between semesters longer than two weeks students will be required to take leave or get TAD orders to a CG unit for that period. All leave authorization forms will be submitted to the program coordinator for approval.

If the school doesn't accept government credit cards or doesn't have third party billing established for tuition payments, how will my tuition be paid?

In the event the school does not accept a purchase order or credit card, a check will be issued by the CGRC.

If the school's overpaid and reimburses me for the overpayment what should I do?

In the event you receive a check from the school for an overpayment by CGRC, you should notify the program coordinator for guidance.

When will I be contacted about attending my slated OCS class?

OCS convenes twice a year; January and August. PPEP students should prepare to attend the January class if graduating during the fall or the August class if graduating during the spring or summer.

Can I take classes at more than one school? Example: A winter session class is offered through another school and that class will transfer over to my "primary" school for credit?

As long as you have a written letter stating that your school will accept credits earned at the other school towards your approved degree plan, you may do so. You are required to inform the program coordinator of such plans, before registering for the course at the other school.

What happens if I do not finish my classes within the required timeframe?

In general, anyone who fails to meet the graduation deadline as established on the PPEP statement of understanding should expect to be removed from the program and will have to pay back all costs paid for by the Coast Guard (e.g., tuition, fees, book costs) while in the program. However, exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Am I required to send my grades to CGRC after every semester?

Yes. Students are required to submit their grades to the program coordinator upon the completion of each school semester.

Can I apply for FAFSA, grants, scholarships, or any other financial aid offered by my school?

While on the PPEP program you cannot apply for any federal or state grants. The PPEP program will cover all tuition and books fees. In addition, you will continue to receive full pay and allowances owed you on the basis of your rank.

Can I combine online classes with in-seat classes; can all my classes be online?

If you are taking a class online then you may do so. However, a 100% on-line degree is not acceptable.

Who do I work for in the timeframe between program completion and my OCS class date?

From the moment you receive your orders to the PPEP program until you receive PCS orders to OCS or another unit, you will be attached to the Coast Guard Recruiting Command and your direct supervisor will be the program coordinator.

Can I go on TAD while in the PPEP?

Yes. However, all TAD orders must be approved by the program coordinator.

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Last Modified 01/26/2011