Military education benefits

Military Education Benefits, tax credits, and scholarships can assist you in financing your education. In addition, about one half of students attending Minnesota State institutions receive financial aid to pay the cost of college.

The MyMilitaryEducation.org website, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Higher Education Veterans Program, is an important resource in providing information on military education benefits and connecting you with the Veterans Resource Center on your campus or one of the statewide regional coordinators who can assist you in exploring and applying for your military education benefits.

Using Military Education Benefits

Learn how to use the military education benefits earned from your service and explore other financial support that will contribute to college success. Check out the Interactive Benefits Flowchart from MyMilitaryEducation for an overview of possible education benefits available to Minnesota veterans.

Another great resource is the Minnesota Veterans Education Benefits Guide, which provides a brief overview of possible veterans benefits.

Scholarships for Service Members, Spouses, and Dependents

A variety of scholarships are available for veterans, service members, and their families. A comprehensive list of military scholarships can be found on the MyMilitaryEducation website. It is also important to check with the institution you are attending or your local American Legion or VFW Post for additional scholarship opportunities.

Military Members and Federal Financial Aid

You will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but before you do this, you should review information concerning military members and federal financial aid. The FAFSA form will help to determine your eligibility for grant, loan, work study, and scholarships.

Remember that all veterans and service members should apply for financial aid for college even if you earned service-related higher education benefits. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may concurrently receive federal financial aid and military education benefits. Contact your campus financial aid office for more information.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Students must submit applications within 30 days after the beginning of a college or university term to receive a state grant for that term, but it is a good idea to complete that process before the term begins. Contact the admissions office of the college or university to find out about the deadline.

Tax Credits for Service Members

There are some tax benefits that may apply to you as a veteran and service member. Some college students also benefit from two federal tax credit programs, the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning tax credit. These may apply to you or your family, depending on your financial circumstances.