The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is gearing up to assist Veterans for another academic year. Oftentimes Veterans are non-traditional students and have earned a unique benefits package. The admissions process and accessing their benefits can seem overwhelming for Veterans beginning a career in higher education. This may discourage Veterans from starting or continuing the higher education process all together, but MDVA is here to help!

“Veterans have to maneuver through all of the traditional student requirements that come with starting at a college or university, in addition to understanding all of the earned Veteran benefits and aid offered federally and by the State,” explained Dave Bellefeuille, MDVA Director of Education and Employment.

However, the State of Minnesota offers current military members, Veterans and their families a nation-leading program of quality resources and staff members to assist them in achieving their education goals during and after their military service.

“The first step is to contact or visit one of our on-campus Veteran Resource Centers,” said Bellefeuille.

According to MDVA, over 8,500 Veterans are currently enrolled in Minnesota’s public and private colleges and universities across the state.

MDVA and its Office of Education are dedicated to providing Veterans, active military members and their families with numerous resources and benefits in the pursuit of their higher education goals.

Unique to Minnesota, on-campus Veteran Resource Centers have been established to aid student Veterans, service members and their families in all phases of the higher education process, such as payment extensions relating to benefit delays, the transfer of military credits, Veteran Resident Statuses, deployment-related course changes, and any question or concern that may arise while navigating or starting their careers in higher education. Many resource centers also have a computer lab and area for student Veterans and their families to use while on campus.

“We have 85 on-campus centers that reach Veterans throughout the whole state,” said MDVA Education and Employment Supervisor Luke Johnson.

On-campus Resource Centers are located on all Minnesota State College and University campuses, and on most private campuses across the State.

Visit the MDVA Education page for more information and resources.