15 Military Friendly Colleges in Minnesota

1Capella University
225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor | Minneapolis, MN 55401

Capella University extends numerous benefits to active duty service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents, including a 10% discount on certificate, master’s, and doctoral programs, along with a 15% discount on bachelor’s programs exclusively for those with military affiliations. All programs are delivered entirely through Distance Education.

As part of its commitment, Capella actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, allowing veterans to benefit from transfer credits for military training.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,028
Grad: $7,103

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 536
Grad: 1,034

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 64%

2University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
100 Church Street SE | Minneapolis, MN 55455

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities warmly welcomes student veterans, service members, and dependents, offering them the opportunity to benefit from in-state tuition fees. Moreover, the campus hosts a student veteran organization catering to the needs of these individuals.

UMN Twin Cities actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending valuable support to graduate students at the Carlson School of Management. An unlimited number of graduate students have access to an unlimited maximum contribution per year, while an additional 50 students could receive up to $1,000 each annually.

Veterans can take advantage of transfer credits for military training at the university. Notably, the retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 79%, while part-time students observe a 75% retention rate.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,451
Grad: $24,084

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 293
Grad: 124

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 75%

3Dunwoody College of Technology
818 Dunwoody Blvd | Minneapolis, MN 55403

Dunwoody College of Technology stands as another military-friendly college in Minnesota, dedicated to assisting veterans in acquiring the skills necessary for pursuing civilian careers. With a rich history of serving veterans, the college houses a dedicated Veteran & Military Student Center, offering resources, study spaces, and camaraderie for veteran and military students. Additionally, Dunwoody boasts a robust Veteran and Military Student Organization and a specialized Veterans Affairs Team overseeing the college’s support efforts for student veterans.

Actively participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Dunwoody provides an unlimited maximum contribution per year to an unrestricted number of undergraduate students.

Furthermore, veterans can benefit from the recognition and award of transfer credits for military training at Dunwoody College.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,317
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 88
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

5University of Minnesota-Duluth
515 Darland Administration Bldg | Duluth, MN 55812

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) welcomes veterans, service members and dependents. These students could qualify for in-state tuition. The school has a recognized student veteran organization on campus.

UMD participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school gives 10 students up to $1,000 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 75%. For part time students, the rate is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,314
Grad: $15,790

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 85
Grad: 16

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: 50%

6Lake Superior College
2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, Minnesota 55811-3399

Lake Superior College offers 90+ certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in career/technical fields and pre-baccalaureate majors for students who want to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

LSC also has an on campus Veterans Resource Center. It is for eligible student veterans, active duty personnel, dependents, reservists, and National Guard members. And, offers support with GI Bill® benefits and questions regarding state and federal educational benefits programs.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,397
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 77
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 52%

7Saint Cloud State University
720 Fourth Ave. South | Saint Cloud, MN 56301

Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) aids service members in transitioning from the military to a supportive campus environment. The university offers numerous military scholarships and hosts the Student Veterans Organization (S.V.O.). This organization is dedicated to providing veterans with the necessary resources and support to achieve their academic objectives. Additionally, SCSU houses the Veterans Living Community on campus, serving as the residence for the Veterans Learning Community.

SCSU recognizes and grants transfer credits for military training to veterans. Notably, the retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 84%, while part-time students observe an 86% retention rate.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,797
Grad: $7,515

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 112
Grad: 12

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 86%

8Metropolitan State University
700 East Seventh Street | Saint Paul, MN 55106

Metropolitan State University has a Veterans and Military Student Center. It offers veterans and military connected students a place to take a break and get resources.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rates for full time students who get military benefits is 78%. For part time students, the rate is 86%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,225
Grad: $4,788

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 136
Grad: 7

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 86%

9St Catherine University
2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105

St. Catherine University was established by Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1905. It has a tradition of inclusivity, social justice and liberal arts. Today it is also one of the largest private women’s universities in the U.S. As a female military learner, you could use your eligible benefits here and the school may ex

Apart from its Catholic view point, you could also expect a support system for military veterans, active service members, and military family members. The staff is ready to help you with the steps to take to apply for veteran’s benefits and securing financial aid. There are also resources to connect you with military-affiliated alumni as well as to prepare for your career or graduate school.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,668
Grad: $18,914

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 32
Grad: 13

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 86%

10Minnesota State University-Mankato
South Rd and Ellis Ave | Mankato, MN 56001

At Minnesota State University Mankato, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) serves as a comforting and inviting space dedicated to veterans, military members, and their families. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where individuals can enjoy a cup of coffee, share experiences, offer mutual support, or focus on their academic work. The VRC’s mission revolves around providing assistance, peer support, and organizing educational events, welcoming all students affected by military service.

Veterans at the university can avail themselves of transfer credits for their military training. Notably, the retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits stands at 67%, while part-time students observe a 43% retention rate.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,135
Grad: $4,995

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 150
Grad: 19

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 43%

11Century College
3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

Century College offers many career and transfer degrees as well as diplomas and certificates.

The school also has Veterans Services. These offer both the resources and support needed to understand what benefits are available to you as a Veteran student.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) – Veterans at Century College may also be useful to military learners with documented disabilities as they provide help with academic and personal issues. If you qualify for this help, you could receive one-to-one math and writing tutoring as well as help with your resume, cover letter and interview preparation.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,994
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 97
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 85%
Part Time: 83%

12Winona State University
175 West Mark Street | Winona, MN 55987

Winona State University stands as the final military-friendly college in Minnesota featured on this list. The university boasts a designated point of contact dedicated to providing support services tailored for veterans, military service members, and their families.

Participating actively in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Winona State offers grants of up to $1,000 each year to 100 undergraduate students.

Furthermore, veterans are eligible to receive transfer credits for their military training at the university. Notably, the retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 73%, while part-time students observe a 67% retention rate.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,878
Grad: $9,547

# of Students

Undergrad: 43
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 73%
Part Time: 67%

13Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445

Hennepin Technical College provides numerous career-focused programs, five of which were recognized on the 2020 Best Colleges list by GradReports. These programs encompass Accounting, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, HVAC-R, and IT.

Veteran students have the opportunity to apply for VA education benefits with the assistance of VRC student workers at the college. For more complex cases, students can seek guidance from the MN VA Higher Ed Regional Coordinators, available by appointment.

For those seeking a sense of community, Hennepin Technical College hosts a Veterans Student Organization, welcoming all veterans to participate, whether by dropping in or contributing their time to support fellow students and the local community.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,372
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 71
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 90%
Part Time: 56%

14Academy College
1600 W. 82nd Street, Suite 100, Bloomington, Minnesota 55431-1411

Academy College started in 1936 with a staple accounting program. Since then, they’ve grown into a career school with diverse program choices in aviation, business and computer technology.

The college welcomes military learners and prospective students could reach out to the school’s VA Certifying Official with questions about benefits. There’s also an Academy College Military Tuition Discount Program. Military members and their immediate families may receive a 10% Academy College tuition discount. 

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,387
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 28
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

15Bemidji State University
1500 Birchmont Dr, Bemidji, Minnesota 56601

Established in 1919, Bemidji State University offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, providing both on-campus and online programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Whether you’re considering enrollment or are a current student, the Veteran’s Assistance Center is available to assist you in navigating the often intricate processes involved in utilizing your earned benefits.

The Center’s dedicated staff can guide you in determining your eligibility for the GIBILL®, scholarships, disability services, personal counseling, tutoring, financial aid, and various other college-related services. Additionally, they extend support to your family members. Beyond being a resource hub, the center serves as a place for veterans to connect with others, offering a space to socialize, study, enjoy a coffee, or engage in conversations with fellow veterans.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,271
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 71
Grad: 3

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 75%