Minnesota GI Bill

The Minnesota GI Bill provides assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans, currently serving active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members who served after September 11, 2001 and their eligible dependents.

Students may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per academic year. The program provides a lifetime maximum benefit of $15,000.

Apply online each academic year through the MDVA Programs & Services Portal.

State eligibility requirements

You must be a Minnesota resident enrolled at a participating Minnesota institution, and one of the following:

  • A veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch of the United States armed forces at any time
  • A non-veteran who has served honorably for a cumulative total of five years or more as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the United States armed forces on or after September 11, 2001
  • The spouse or child of a service member who has died or has total and permanent disability status as a direct result of their military service (You must also be eligible to receive federal veterans education benefits as a spouse or dependent).

School requirements

You must be a University of Minnesota student in a degree-seeking program, and have completed the FAFSA. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for the MN GI Bill.

The MN GI Bill is a need-based form of financial aid. You may meet the eligibility requirements but not be awarded funding. The MN GI Bill takes into consideration not only your financial aid, but also any GI Bill® benefits you receive.

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 the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.