Minnesota GI Bill
State education money for Minnesota veterans, service members, and eligible spouses and children, worth up to $5,000 per academic year for college with a $15,000 lifetime maximum. It can also pay up to $2,000 per fiscal year during on-the-job training or apprenticeship, and up to $3,000 per fiscal year to reimburse license, certification, and admission test fees.
Who it is for
Minnesota residents who served honorably in any branch of the U.S. armed forces at any time, non-veterans with five or more cumulative years in the Minnesota National Guard or reserves with some service on or after September 11, 2001, and surviving spouses and children of members who died or became 100 percent permanently and totally disabled because of their service (they must also qualify for federal survivor education benefits). For the college benefit you must be under age 62 and enrolled at a Minnesota school.
Focus: Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Check that you meet the eligibility rules and, for the college benefit, fill out the FAFSA and enroll at a participating Minnesota school.
- Submit the Minnesota GI Bill online application on the MDVA website. For apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or test reimbursement, upload the required forms and receipts with the same online application.
- Reapply every year. Call LinkVet at 1-888-546-5838 or email MNGIBill@state.mn.us with questions.
Deadline: You must reapply every year. The application for fall semester opens each spring. (Annual cycle)
Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year for higher education, $15,000 lifetime maximum
Verified as of 2026-07-05. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.