15 Military Friendly Colleges in Michigan

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Military Friendly Colleges in Michigan

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Michigan

There are many military friendly colleges in Michigan. According to the VA, in 2022, 197 Michigan schools got Post 9/11 GI bill funds. These funds served over 12,600 students and totaled over $74 million.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Michigan colleges, 91% of beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund school.

Military Program# of 2023 veterans eaRNING aid at Michigan colleges
Post 9 / 115,984
MGIB – AD101
MIGB – SR742
REAP0
DEA2,475
VEAP0
TOTAL9,302

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Michigan for 2024

These 15 military friendly colleges in Michigan are listed based on total Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2022 / 2023 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and the VA pay tuition and fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
503 Thompson Street | Ann Arbor, MI 48109

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor (U-M) earns the distinction of being Michigan’s inaugural military-friendly college. More than 280 students reap the advantages of GI Bill benefits there. At U-M, the Michigan Law Veterans Society (MILVETS) delves into issues pertinent to military service, veterans, and the laws of war.

U-M actively engages in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending an unrestricted opportunity to an unlimited number of students with an annual maximum contribution.

Veterans qualify for transfer credits based on their military training. Among full-time students receiving military benefits, the retention rate stands unwaveringly at 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,746
Grad: $37,325

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 197
Grad: 181

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

2 Michigan State University
426 Auditorium Road | East Lansing, MI 48824

Michigan State University (MSU) champions the educational, career, and personal growth of military-affiliated students. Within the MSU Student Veterans Resource Center, there’s ample room designated for meetings, studying, and fostering social connections.

Participating fervently in the Yellow Ribbon Program, MSU extends an open invitation to an infinite number of students, offering an unrestricted maximum contribution each year.

Veterans qualify for transfer credits based on their military training at MSU. Among full-time students benefiting from military advantages, the retention rate remains a steadfast 100%. However, for part-time students, this rate stands at 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,232
Grad: $15,184

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 274
Grad: 153

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 50%

 

3Central Michigan University
106 Warriner Hall | Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

Central Michigan University (CMU) boasts a history spanning over 40 years, catering courses specifically designed for military members, veterans, and their families. Active duty military, reservists, guard members, spouses, and eligible dependents can avail themselves of discounted tuition rates, with discounts reaching up to 40 percent.

CMU actively engages in the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program and hosts a vibrant chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) on campus.

As part of its commitment, CMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending financial support to 100 graduate students, offering up to $500 per student annually. This opportunity is available within specific colleges such as the College of Business Administration, College of Education & Human Services, and College of Graduate Studies.

Veterans at CMU can receive transfer credits for their military training. Among full-time students benefiting from military advantages, the retention rate stands at a commendable 90%. Meanwhile, for part-time students, this rate remains strong at 78%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,489
Grad: $6,722

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 135
Grad: 198

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 90%
Part Time: 78%

4 Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive | Allendale, MI 49401

Grand Valley State University (GVSU), yet another military-friendly college in Michigan, stands as a supportive hub for veterans, active service members, and their dependents. The GVSU Veterans Network actively champions the academic and personal success of students with military connections, while also participating in the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE) program.

GVSU actively engages in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unrestricted opportunity for an unlimited number of students to receive a maximum contribution each year.

For veterans at GVSU, transfer credits for their military training are available. Among full-time students benefiting from military advantages, the retention rate stands impressively at 90%. However, for part-time students, this rate rests at 29%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $19,734
Grad: $16,663

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 220
Grad: 29

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 90%
Part Time: 29%

5 Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Western Michigan University (WMU) was the first Purple Heart University in Michigan. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs provides guidance and mentorship for veterans. It also helps those still serving, and their family members. VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) supports veterans, service members, and some eligible dependents. VSOC helps with the transition from military to college life. WMU also has a Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter on campus.

WMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 400 students up to $3,000 per student, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 86%. This rate for part time students is 36%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,694
Grad: $8,808

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 237
Grad: 31

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 36%

6 Davenport University
6191 Kraft Avenue S.E. | Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Davenport University knows how hard it can be to go from service member to student. The school has a dedicated point of contact for support services for vets, service members, and their families.

Davenport participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It helps an unlimited number of students in the Business, Health, and Technology schools. Each could get an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 87%. This rate is 75% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $13,687
Grad: $9,373

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 145
Grad: 21

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 75%

7 Wayne State University
656 West Kirby Street | Detroit, MI 48202

Wayne State University (WSU) provides high quality and complete student veteran support. The school has been doing that since 1944. The Student Veteran Resource Center (SVRC) was designed as a safe haven for those that have served. It offers a dedicated computer lab, private study lab, small kitchen, pool table, and more.

WSU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 100 students up to $4,000 per student, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 79%. And, the rate for part time students is 81%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,477
Grad: $11,815

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 161
Grad: 43

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 81%

8 Oakland University
318 Meadow Brook Rd | Rochester, MI 48309

Oakland University (OU) understands and supports the unique needs of student veterans. The Veteran Jump Start is an annual event held by Veterans Support Services. It provides OU’s student veterans with networking opportunities, community, and campus resources. Veterans Support Services also offers a Textbook Loan Program. The program provides free books to veterans, their spouses, and dependents. 

OU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. 100 students could get up to $500 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 70%. For part time students, the rate is 71%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,526
Grad: $14,852

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 151
Grad: 13

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 70%
Part Time: 71%

9Baker College
503 Thompson Street | Ann Arbor, MI 48109

University of Michigan Ann Arbor (U-M) is the first military friendly College in Michigan. There, over 280 students get GI Bill benefits. ​Michigan Law Veterans Society (MILVETS) touches on issues that relate to military service, veterans, and the laws of war.

U-M participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for students who get military benefits is 100% for full time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,723
Grad: $8,659

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 109
Grad: 9

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 75%

10Ferris State University
1201 S. State St | Big Rapids, MI 49307

Ferris State University is committed to veterans and their eligible dependents. The school offers in-state tuition and priority registration. They also have Purple Heart recipient parking and a Veteran Resource Center. Ferris also offers Veteran Scholarships.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 84%. For part time students, the rate is 60%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,922
Grad: $16,824

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 148
Grad: 13

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 60%

11 Eastern Michigan University
401 Pierce Hall | Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) waives the application fee for military veterans. EMU offers service and support through its Veteran Student Support Services program. This is located in the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center. You could also join the EMU Student Veterans of America (SVA). This is a coalition of military and veteran students who advocate for student veterans.

EMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 10 students up to $4,000 per student, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 82%. For part time students, it’s 47%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,454
Grad: $13,301

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 187
Grad: 37

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 47%

12 University of Michigan-Flint
401 Pierce Hall | Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) waives the application fee for military veterans. EMU offers service and support through its Veteran Student Support Services program. This is located in the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center. You could also join the EMU Student Veterans of America (SVA). This is a coalition of military and veteran students who advocate for student veterans.

EMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 10 students up to $4,000 per student, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 82%. For part time students, it’s 47%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,127
Grad: $13,013

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 85
Grad: 21

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 71%

13 Lansing Community College
401 Pierce Hall | Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) waives the application fee for military veterans. EMU offers service and support through its Veteran Student Support Services program. This is located in the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center. You could also join the EMU Student Veterans of America (SVA). This is a coalition of military and veteran students who advocate for student veterans.

EMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 10 students up to $4,000 per student, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 82%. For part time students, it’s 47%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,332
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 140
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 67%

14 Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue | Marquette, MI 49855

Northern Michigan University (NMU) has dedicated, trained staff to help military connected students. That includes help processing VA educational benefits.

NMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rates for full time students who get military benefits is 77%. For part time students, it’s 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,535
Grad: $2,574

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 105
Grad: 5

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 67%

15 University of Michigan-Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Rd | Dearborn, MI 48128

University of Michigan Dearborn’s Veteran Services helps military students navigate college. The school also has a Veteran Success Team. This team empowers veteran and military students with guidance and support. This helps them get involved on campus and succeed in college.

UM-Dearborn participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 100%. For part time students, the rate is 75%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,669
Grad: $9,637

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 46
Grad: 24

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 75%

Is MSU military friendly?

Absolutely. MSU values its over 400 student veterans, with a total of 2,000 military-affiliated students. The university is committed to providing infrastructure and services that support veterans, ensuring academic success.

Is Michigan a veteran-friendly state?

Yes, Michigan offers special benefits for Service members, Veterans, and their Families. These include property tax exemptions, Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, retirement pay for the Michigan National Guard, employment assistance, civil service preference, special vehicle license plates, as well as hunting and fishing license benefits. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.

Do US soldiers receive free college education?

Certainly. While on active duty, the military covers up to 100% of college tuition. Furthermore, the GI Bill, providing approximately $36,000, can be utilized for education within 10 years after service. The Post 9/11 GI Bill extends financial support for education and housing for up to 36 months for qualifying individuals.

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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