Minnesota West welcomes all Veterans and Military students in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. We provide guidance for all benefits offered and look forward to supporting your educational journey.
Returning Students:
Each semester you wish to use your benefits, please fill out the Military & VA Benefits Request Form below:
Military & VA Benefits Request Form
New Students > Get Started:
2. Request and submit any official military, college, and high school transcripts/GED:
For the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard request your Joint Services Transcript. For the Air Force request your Community College of the Air Force transcript
3. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov.
4. Apply for VA Education Benefits:
Apply for Minnesota West's VA Education Benefits
Additional Information for Getting Started
Let us know about your military service or veteran status on your application.
Request your College and Military Transcripts:
You must contact your previous college to request your transcript and submit an official copy of your Military transcript. When applying for admission, request that an official copy of your military transcripts be sent to your campus transfer specialist or registrar. The campus will evaluate your military transcript to determine whether or not the credits are applicable to your program.
Education Benefits:
Amount of benefit: Students will receive a certificate of eligibility from the Veteran’s Administration with the amount of benefit, chapter of the program, time period of benefit, and eligibility criteria. Didn’t get a certificate of eligibility? Contact the Veteran’s Administration or log in to your e-benefits account to receive a new certificate of eligibility.
Are you eligible:
Find out if you are eligible for VA education benefits. Apply for the GI Bill® benefits through the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
Am I eligible for VA education benefits?
*If you have already received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, bring a copy to the School Certifying Official.
Tuition and Fees:
Apply for financial aid (FAFSA)
Applying for financial aid is recommended for all students, even when VA benefits or other military funding cover your school expenses.
Per Minnesota West Policy 2.2 State Residency, current and former members of the U. S. military, their spouses, and dependent children will be charged the resident tuition rate.
Minnesota West's Return Policy for TA Funds
Military Veterans' Transfer Information
By using the Veterans Education Transfer System (VETS), you may find out what academic credit is available from Minnesota State colleges and universities based on your military occupation. To see what credits are available based on your military courses please see TransferologyTM.
Veterans' Enrollment Certification
Recruitment Policy for Undergraduate Admissions
Contacts:
Minnesota West Certifying Official
Barb Staples
Student Services Specialist, Registration
Veterans Certifying Official
507-372-3470
barb.staples@mnwest.edu
Financial Aid Veterans Processor
Sharon Wieneke
Student Services Specialist, Financial Aid
507-847-7941
sharon.wieneke@mnwest.edu
Training:
MDVA MN GI Bill® program training
MAFAA Annual Fall Conference – Veterans Training
Minnesota State Military Partner Benefits Information
minnstate.edu/military/websites.html
General Minnesota West Financial Aid Office Information
1-800-658-2330
Financialaid@mnwest.edu
mnwest.edu/paying-for-college/financial-aid
Veterans' Service Contact Information
Justin Guggisberg
Regional Veterans Service Coordinator for Higher Education Programs, Southwest Minnesota
507-537-7213
Justin.guggisberg@smsu.edu
Veteran’s Administration
1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling
St. Paul, Minnesota
800-827-1000
Additional Resources for Veterans
SW Minnesota Private Industry Council/Partner (PIC) in the Workforce Center is providing a full range of services for returning veterans including college education funding.
For information contact the PIC office nearest you:
Fairmont Office - 888-438-5627
Marshall Office - 800-818-9295
Worthington Office - 888-234-3708
American Council on Education (ACE) provides information on how military courses may transfer to a college.
Department of Veteran Affairs has information on the various programs and payment rates, plus an electronic application for benefits.
eBenefits: My Gateway to Benefit Information has a link to apply online for benefits, search for school and careers, access medical benefits, and a Veterans Employment Center.
Minnesota Transfer and Military Credit Transfer provides additional links.
MyMilitaryEducation.org is a website created by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Minnesota Online to serve the unique higher education needs of veterans, military members and their families.
Insurance: Tricare and Trusted Choice's Insurance Guide
Family Assistance: Military OneSource and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools/minnesota-west-community-and-technical-college/
Each year, we celebrate Veteran and Active Duty students and community members across all our campuses. Click the button below for a glimpse into our event photos.
Minnesota West Veterans Day Events
Minnesota West is approved by the Minnesota State Approving Agency for Veteran Education Benefits. Applications for veteran educational benefits may be obtained by contacting the registration staff on your campus. Attribution notice: "GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."