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.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at their official website
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.
- MN GI Bill Manual (2025 – 2026 academic year)
- Participation Agreements will be sent out via DocuSign to all participating institutions in July.
- Additional Funding Request; contact Luke Johnson at [email protected] for additional funding requests.
- MN GI Bill Refund Return Form (2025 – 2026 academic year)
Financial Aid Resources
- Higher Education
The Minnesota GI Bill provides funding for eligible applicants who are in a Title IV-eligible certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate program.
The Minnesota GI Bill can also be used for:
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- 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
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- 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.