MN GI Bill / Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs

Minnesota GI Bill

The Minnesota GI Bill program provides assistance to eligible Minnesota Veterans, currently serving military, National Guard and Reserve members who served after September 11, 2001 and eligible spouses and children. The Program provides a maximum benefit of $15,000. Eligible participants can use the benefit in Higher Education, On-the-job training (OJT)/Apprenticeship or License and Certification.

This program is different than the Federal GI Bill (Montgomery, Post 9-11, Veterans Education Assistance Program, Dependents Education Assistance Program, or Vocational rehabilitation). See the MDVA page on Federal GI Bill Programs.

Eligibility Requirements

Veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch of the United States armed forces at any time, or;
Non-Veteran who has served honorably for a total of five credible years or more cumulatively as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September 11, 2001, or;
Surviving spouse or children of a person who has served in the military at any time on, and who has died or has a 100% VA-determined permanent and total disability as a direct result of that military service and must be eligible to receive federal education benefits under Chapter 33 Fry Scholarship, or Chapter 35 and provide a certificate of eligibility
Minnesota Resident – see specific program for requirements

Find your regional coordinator for assistance.

Financial Aid Resources

MN GI Bill Manual (2024 - 2025 academic year)
Participation Agreements will be sent out via DocuSign to all participating institutions in July.
Additional Funding Request; contact Luke Johnson at luke.johnson@state.mn.us for additional funding requests.
MN GI Bill Refund Return Form (2023 - 2024 academic year)

Higher Education
OJT/Apprenticeship
License and Certification

Higher Education

The Minnesota GI Bill provides funding for eligible applicants who are in a Title IV-eligible certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate program.
- Search our list for participating post-secondary institutions
The Minnesota GI Bill can also be used for:
- Undergraduate or graduate admission tests (e.g. SAT, GRE, LSAT)
- A preparatory course for a qualifying admission test
- National tests providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher learning
More information about using your Minnesota GI Bill for test reimbursement can be found on the “Licensing and Certification” tab.

Applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student Requirements
- Applicants must be a Minnesota resident (defined by Minnesota Statute 136A.101) and
- Under the age of 62 and,
- Enrolled at a Minnesota institution
- Applicants may receive up to $5,000 per academic year
Note: Applicants must reapply every year for the Minnesota GI Bill. Application for the Fall Semester opens every year in the spring of the year.

Apply online here. Applicants may also contact Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Education Regional Coordinators.

Click here to find your regional coordinator for assistance.
OJT/Apprenticeship

Applicants in approved OJT and Apprenticeship programs are eligible for up to:
- Maximum of $2,000 per fiscal year while training in an approved program, payable after every six months of training.
- Employers are eligible to receive $1,000 (payable after six months) and an additional $1,000 after 12 consecutive months of employment.
- Maximum of $5,000 in aggregate benefits may be paid to or on behalf of an individual in one fiscal year.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Applicants must be a Minnesota Resident defined by M.S. 197.05(b).
2. Eligible employer is operating an approved on-the-job training program.
3. Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) and Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) are operating a qualifying apprenticeship which has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
OJT and Apprenticeships must meet a minimum of the following criteria:
- Training must be with an eligible employer;
- Training must be documented and reported;
- Training must be reasonably expected to lead to an entry level position; and
- The position must require at least six months of training to become fully certified in the position
To become an approved OJT or Apprenticeship training site, contact the Minnesota State Approving Agency at saa.group.mdva@state.mn.us.

To search for approved OJT/Apprenticeship Programs, visit the Federal VA's search for approved OJT and Apprenticeship programs page (select "On-the-Job-Training/Apprenticeship" from the Program Type dropdown list, then click on the state of MN)

Apprenticeship/OJT Application Process

Apprenticeship/OJT employees should complete the online application and upload with W9, DD214, training verification, and direct deposit form.

For questions regarding this application process contact us at MNGIBill@state.mn.us.

Click here to find your regional coordinator for assistance.
License and Certification

The Minnesota GI Bill provides eligible applicants reimbursement of applicable fees who require a license, certification, or admission test to an institute of higher learning.

Applicants must be a Minnesota Resident defined by M.S. 197.05(b).

Eligible individuals may use the benefit amounts for the following purposes:
1. Licensing or certification tests, the successful completion of which demonstrates an individual's possession of the knowledge or skill required to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a predetermined and identified vocation or profession, provided that the tests and the licensing or credentialing organizations or entities that offer the tests are approved by the Commissioner;
2. Tests for admission to institutions of higher learning or graduate schools;
3. National tests providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher learning;
4. A preparatory course for a test that is required or used for admission to an institution of higher education or a graduate program; and
5. Any fee associated with the pursuit of a professional or educational objective specified in clauses 1 to 4.
Individuals can receive reimbursement up to $3,000 per state fiscal year.

The following search links are not all-inclusive. If you have questions about other license or certification programs or exams, contact Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Education Regional Coordinators.
- Search for approved License and Certifications Programs (select "Both" for the LAC category type box, then click on the state of MN)
- Search for approved National Exams
Applicants should complete the online application and upload with W9, DD214, and direct deposit form, and receipts for exam, license, certification or coursework.

For questions regarding this application process, contact us at MNGIBill@state.mn.us.

Click here to find your regional coordinator for assistance.