Financial Aid for Veterans and Active Service Members

Published on 04/10/2026

Heading out to college? Pursuing higher education is a powerful way for veterans and active-duty service members to transition into rewarding civilian careers, build on the skills gained during service, and invest in long-term personal and professional growth. For those in Minnesota, the combination of robust federal VA benefits, state programs, and institutional support can make college significantly more affordable —often covering all tuition, fees, housing, and related costs. This guide breaks down your options, eligibility highlights and practical next steps to help you maximize your benefits.

First off, the best way to access financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Veterans and active service members can also reach out to representatives from their branch of the military, the U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) for assistance in accessing funds to help pay for attending college. 

Financial aid programs available to veterans and active service members include:

Federal Programs

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers in-state public tuition fully, gives a monthly housing stipend, and pays for books. Many Minnesota schools join the Yellow Ribbon Program, which covers tuition and fees the GI Bill won’t pay —like private-school costs or out-of-state rates. You need 100% GI Bill eligibility, usually 36 months of active duty or a Purple Heart. The school puts up money, the VA matches it dollar for dollar, and together they cover the gap so you pay little or nothing extra. Check participating schools at va.gov/education/yellow-ribbon-participating-schools.
• The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans. You may be eligible if you entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and elected to pay into the program, served two or more years of active duty, were honorably discharged, and you have a high school diploma or GED.
• Army National Guard and Reservists may be eligible for the Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Program while pursuing any degree up through a master’s degree. Service members should check with their unit or a Higher Education Veterans Program coordinator for eligibility and application information. This is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

State Programs

• The Minnesota GI Bill gives eligible vets, Guard members, and some spouses or kids up to $5,000 a year —lifetime cap of $15,000 — for college (certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate program), apprenticeships, or licensing tests. You must be a Minnesota resident and reapply each year online at gibill.mn.gov. 
• The Minnesota Tuition Reimbursement Program provides financial assistance for Minnesota Air and Army National Guard members. The program reimburses members for coursework satisfactorily completed at any school, in-state or out-of-state, approved for veterans’ benefits. To apply, Contact the County Veterans Service Office in the county in which you live. Active-duty folks in the Minnesota National Guard can stack State Tuition Reimbursement on top of federal tuition assistance —sometimes covering 100% of costs. And most public schools treat veterans as in-state for tuition if you were a Minnesota resident when you enlisted.
• The Minnesota Educational Assistance for Veterans provides educational assistance for veterans who attend an approved postsecondary institution in Minnesota. Veterans may qualify for a one-time stipend of $750. 

Additionally, there are private scholarships and grants available to Veterans, their spouses and families. Read more about these funding opportunities on the MDVA website. 

Financial Support for Surviving Children and Spouses

MDVA also offers the Surviving Children and Spouses Education Benefit, which provides financial support to spouses and children, including adopted and stepchildren, whose Veteran spouse or Veteran parent died while on active duty, or from a service-connected condition. Surviving spouses and children will be able to attend a public Minnesota university or college free of tuition until they obtain a bachelor's degree. In addition, MDVA will pay $750 per fiscal year for fees, books, and supplies, and/or room and board.

The Bottom Line? 

Between federal GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon schools, Minnesota GI Bill, and standard financial aid, many service members can go to college with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Start at mn.gov/mdva or your school’s veterans office — they’ll walk you through the application process.