Veteran and Military Tuition Benefits
We’re committed to helping veterans make the most of their education. Whether you’re just transitioning out of service or looking to enhance your career, we have the resources and support to help you succeed.
In State Tuition
Veteran Undergraduate Student
No matter their residency, all U.S. military veterans are treated as Minnesota residents for undergraduate tuition.
Current or former veteran students, their spouses and their legal dependents are eligible for resident tuition rates under the Section 702 Choice Act. For additional information, please see MinnState Board Procedure 2.2.2.
Veteran Graduate Student
Veterans going to graduate school are treated as residents if the person was a resident upon entering the military and starts the graduate program within two years of completing military service.
Programs for VA Educational Benefits
Explore the list of approved programs at MSU that qualify for VA educational benefits. These programs are designed to support your academic and career goals, while ensuring you receive the assistance you deserve as you pursue your education. Discover the opportunities available to you and how they can help shape your future.
Resources
The Minnesota GI Bill® is a program that provides post-secondary educational assistance above and beyond other benefits to eligible Minnesota veterans.
Eligible students include:
Verterans, service members and family members who meet one of the following criteria:
- Veterans with honorable service on or after September 11, 2001.
- Non-veterans with five or more years of honorable service in the military, including National Guard or Reserves.
- Surviving spouses or children of military members who died or became permanently disabled due to military service.
Award Amounts:
- Up to $5,000 per year for full-time students
- Up to $500 per semester for part-time students
The first step in receiving education benefits is to apply through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. For help, please contact:
David Schrader
Southern Regional Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
david.schrader@mnsu.edu
Room: CSU 192
507-389-5726
MSU is proud to offer a Veterans Resource Center to provide assistance, peer support and educational events for all student military service members.
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and Veteran Status
Veterans are automatically considered independent students for FAFSA purposes, which may increase aid eligibility.
To ensure proper processing:
- Check the veteran status box on the FAFSA.
- If your record does not match the VA database, submit a copy of your DD-214 to Student Financial Services.
Military Service Benefits for Federal Student Loans
If you're a veteran or currently serving and called to active duty, you may qualify for federal student loan deferments. These benefits help ease the financial burden during and after military service.
During Active Duty
You may be eligible for a loan deferment while serving on active duty. Contact your loan servicer or lender to request the necessary forms and instructions.
After Deployment
Upon returning from active duty, you may qualify for a:
- 180-day deferment on your federal student loans.
- 13-month deferment if you were in school or within your grace period when called to service.
The Minnesota GI Bill® is a program that provides post-secondary educational assistance above and beyond other benefits to eligible Minnesota veterans.
Eligible students include:
Verterans, service members and family members who meet one of the following criteria:
- Veterans with honorable service on or after September 11, 2001.
- Non-veterans with five or more years of honorable service in the military, including National Guard or Reserves.
- Surviving spouses or children of military members who died or became permanently disabled due to military service.
Award Amounts:
- Up to $5,000 per year for full-time students
- Up to $500 per semester for part-time students
The first step in receiving education benefits is to apply through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. For help, please contact:
David Schrader
Southern Regional Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
david.schrader@mnsu.edu
Room: CSU 192
507-389-5726
MSU is proud to offer a Veterans Resource Center to provide assistance, peer support and educational events for all student military service members.
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and Veteran Status
Veterans are automatically considered independent students for FAFSA purposes, which may increase aid eligibility.
To ensure proper processing:
- Check the veteran status box on the FAFSA.
- If your record does not match the VA database, submit a copy of your DD-214 to Student Financial Services.
Military Service Benefits for Federal Student Loans
If you're a veteran or currently serving and called to active duty, you may qualify for federal student loan deferments. These benefits help ease the financial burden during and after military service.
During Active Duty
You may be eligible for a loan deferment while serving on active duty. Contact your loan servicer or lender to request the necessary forms and instructions.
After Deployment
Upon returning from active duty, you may qualify for a:
- 180-day deferment on your federal student loans.
- 13-month deferment if you were in school or within your grace period when called to service.
We're Here to Help
If we cannot answer your questions, we will find someone who can.
Military & Veteran Student Success Coordinator
Phone: 507-389-1465
Email: omar.harriott@mnsu.edu
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 507-389-5726
Email: david.schrader@state.mn.us