Schedule a meeting with our dedicated Veterans Certifying Official:
Prospect Students (not applied)
Begin your application online and choose the program that fits your goals.
Apply for Military VA Education Benefits
We’ll guide you through the process of securing your VA benefits. Check out the five
VA benefits programs and how to apply for, transfer, and understand them.
Apply for Military VA Education Benefits
Eligibility for veteran and dependent educational benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
We encourage all eligible student veterans to apply for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits for all associate degree and certificate offerings.
*If you have already received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, bring a copy to the Veterans Certifying Official.
Complete the Minnesota West Benefits Request Form
This ensures your benefits are applied correctly and promptly. Each semester you wish to use your benefits, please fill out the Request Form.
Military & VA Benefits Request Form
Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Completing the FAFSA is recommended, even if your VA benefits or other military funding
covers 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.
You may qualify for Department of Defense (DOD) Tuition Assistance (TA) for all our degree programs if you are actively serving in the Armed Forces.
The Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) program pays the cost of tuition and some additional fees. Nearly all Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard members are eligible for FTA. However, each service branch determines eligibility criteria that often reduce access. FTA covers up to 100 percent of tuition and fees, not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour or $4,000 per fiscal year, with a maximum of 16 credits.
All active duty service members (including Guard and Reserve) must contact their education service officer or education counselor within your branch of service prior to enrolling in any college or university.
Federal Tuition Assistance application procedures for military services:
Many benefits, grants, and scholarships are available for veterans and service members at Minnesota West.
Get transfer credit for service with your military transcript. You may be eligible to receive credit for your military training and occupation while in the service. Our Veterans Advisor can review military academic transcripts and award appropriate credit based on recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE).
VETS (Veterans Education Transfer System)
To request your official military transcripts, visit:
Minnesota State is here to support veterans, service members, and their families in achieving their educational and career goals.
You will receive a certificate of eligibility from the Veterans 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 Veterans Administration or log in to your e-benefits account to receive a new certificate of eligibility.
*If you have already received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, bring a copy to the School Certifying Official.
SW Minnesota Private Industry Council/Partner (PIC)
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)
Information on how military courses may transfer to a college.
Information on the various programs and payment rates, plus an electronic application for benefits.
eBenefits: My Gateway to Benefit Information
Apply online for benefits, search for school and careers, access medical benefits, and access a Veterans Employment Center.
Family Assistance: Military OneSource and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
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
Minnesota West Community & Technical College is proudly named a Military Friendly School by VIQTRY among small community colleges.
According to VIQTRY, the Military Friendly® Schools create better outcomes for veterans. By setting a standard, then promoting it, we provide positive reinforcement for American organizations to invest in programs that improve the lives of veterans. That’s good for veterans, good for the organizations, and good for America. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.
Minnesota West is a recognized Beyond the Yellow Ribbon community as a military-friendly campus. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting service members and their families with community support, training, services, and resources.
