Military & Veteran Services

1. Apply to Minnesota West

2. Request and submit any official military, college, and high school transcripts/GED:
For the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard request your Joint Services Transcript. For the Air Force request your Community College of the Air Force transcript

3. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov.

4. Apply for VA Education Benefits:
Apply for Minnesota West's VA Education Benefits

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Each semester you wish to use your benefits, please fill out the Military & VA Benefits Request Form.

Military & VA Benefits Request Form

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You must contact your previous college to request your transcript and submit an official copy of your Military transcript. When applying for admission, request that an official copy of your military transcripts be sent to your campus transfer specialist or registrar. The campus will evaluate your military transcript to determine whether or not the credits are applicable to your program. 

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You will receive a certificate of eligibility from the Veteran’s Administration with the amount of benefit, chapter of the program, time period of benefit, and eligibility criteria. Didn’t get a certificate of eligibility? Contact the Veteran’s Administration or log in to your e-benefits account to receive a new certificate of eligibility.

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Find out if you are eligible for VA education benefits. Apply for the GI Bill^® benefits through the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs.

*If you have already received a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, bring a copy to the School Certifying Official.

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Applying for financial aid is recommended for all students, even when VA benefits or other military funding cover your school expenses.

Per Minnesota West Policy 2.2 State Residency, current and former members of the U. S. military, their spouses, and dependent children will be charged the resident tuition rate.

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SW Minnesota Private Industry Council/Partner (PIC)

The Workforce Center is providing a full range of services for returning veterans including college education funding.
For information contact the PIC office nearest you:
Fairmont Office - 888-438-5627
Marshall Office - 800-818-9295
Worthington Office - 888-234-3708

American Council on Education (ACE) 

Information on how military courses may transfer to a college.

Department of Veteran Affairs

Information on the various programs and payment rates, plus an electronic application for benefits.

eBenefits: My Gateway to Benefit Information  

Apply online for benefits, search for school and careers, access medical benefits, and a Veterans Employment Center.

Military Credit Transfer

Resources for transfering.

Trusted Choice's Insurance Guide

Insurance Resources for Veterans.

Family Assistance: Military OneSource and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

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