Service members can receive up to 45 months of education assistance through the GI Bill^® when enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a VA approved program.

Students who are eligible to receive VA education benefits may fall into one of the following categories (chapters):

• Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill^®
• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill^® Active Duty
• Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill^® Selected Reserve
• Chapter 35: Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
• Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation

The Minnesota GI Bill program was established in 2007 to provide postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans who served on or after Sept.11, 2001. Full-time undergraduate or graduate students may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 per semester or term and part-time students may be eligible to receive up to $500 per semester or term.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a Minnesota resident enrolled at Minnesota institutions who is a:

• Veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch of the United States armed forces at any time on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or;

• Non-veteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the U.S. armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or;

• Spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and who has died or has a total and permanent disability as a direct result of that military service.

Veterans benefits and federal and state aid may impact the actual amount received. Students wishing to use the Minnesota GI Bill must first complete a FAFSA. Applications can be found at www.getreadyforcollege.org/military

MN State Statute 197.791

Federal tuition assistance is an education benefit paid to qualifying service members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Space Force. Each service area has established its own application process, criteria for eligibility, and restrictions. Service members eligible for military TA should apply as follows

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard – Contact Commanding Officer for application
• Marines – Contact Commanding Officer for application
• Navy

Return of Tuition Assistance (TA)

Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To remain in compliance with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) policy, Anoka Technical College will return any unearned TA funds through at least 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA that is returned is based on the date of withdrawal from the course. After 60% of the semester has passed, TA will not be evaluated for return to the DoD.

Return of unearned Tuition Assistance

16-week Course Withdraw submitted

• Before or during weeks 1-2: 100% return
• During weeks 3 - 4: 75% return
• During weeks 5 - 8: 50% return
• During weeks 9 - 10: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
• During weeks 11 - 16: 0% return

8-Week Course Withdraw submitted

• Before or during week 1: 100 % return
• During week 2: 75% return
• During weeks 3 - 4: 50% return
• During week 5: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
• During weeks 6 - 8: 0% return

5-Week Course Withdraw submitted

• Day 1-7: 100% return
• Day 8: 77% return
• Day 9:  74% return
• Day 10: 71% return
• Day 11:  69% return
• Day 12: 66% return
• Day 13: 63% return
• Day 14:  60% return
• Day 15:  57% return
• Day 16:  54% return
• Day 17:  51% return
• Day 18: 49% return
• Day 19: 46% return
• Day 20:  43% return
• Day 21: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
• Day 22: 0% return

For courses that have durations, differing from those listed above:

Unearned TA funds will be returned on a prorated basis, depending on the length of the course. To determine the amount of TA that needs to be returned, Anoka Technical College will determine the date the student withdrew, and then divide that by the number of days the course meets to determine the percentage of TA that was earned by the student. Example: The student enrolled in a course that met for 30 days and withdrew on the 14th day. (14/30=46.6%. 47% of the TA funds were earned by the student, therefore 53% would be returned to the DoD.

Take Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

This benefit is only available to current members of the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard and may be used in conjunction with the GI Bill® and Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA). The lifetime maximum State Tuition Reimbursement (STR)  benefit is 208 quarter or 144 semester credits. The reimbursement rate is 100% of the undergraduate rate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a maximum yearly benefit of $12,000.00 per fiscal year (01 JUL through 30 JUN).

To apply for STR you MUST contact your unit full-time representative to obligate funds as soon as you know you will be going to school. Like FTA, STR requires a “C” or better to qualify for reimbursement. Army National Guard enlisted soldiers must apply for FTA in order to be eligible to apply for state tuition reimbursement. You can pick up the STR paperwork in the Veterans Resource Center.

To apply, please contact your unit administrator.

Various scholarships are available for veterans and their family members through the Anoka Tech Foundation and other outside scholarship programs. 

View Scholarships