Resident Tuition Whatever Your Address — and Credit for What the Military Taught You
Minn. Stat. 197.775 gives a veteran the resident undergraduate tuition rate at Minnesota public institutions regardless of where they live. For graduate programmes the rate applies if you were a Minnesota resident on entering service and enrol within two years of separating. Two further provisions are worth as much: Minnesota State MUST award academic credit for military training that meets American Council on Education standards, and military service is treated as a positive factor in graduate and professional admissions at the University of Minnesota. Credit for training shortens the degree, which is often worth more than the rate.
Verified August 27, 2026
What this benefit is
Minn. Stat. 197.775 gives a veteran the resident undergraduate tuition rate at Minnesota public institutions regardless of where they live. For graduate programmes the rate applies if you were a Minnesota resident on entering service and enrol within two years of separating. Two further provisions are worth as much: Minnesota State MUST award academic credit for military training that meets American Council on Education standards, and military service is treated as a positive factor in graduate and professional admissions at the University of Minnesota. Credit for training shortens the degree, which is often worth more than the rate.
What it's worth: Resident tuition rate, plus mandatory credit for qualifying military training
- UNDERGRADUATE: the resident rate applies regardless of where the veteran lives.
- GRADUATE: the resident rate applies if you were a Minnesota resident on entering service AND enrol within two years of separating.
- Minnesota State MUST award academic credit for military training meeting American Council on Education standards. This is a mandate, not a courtesy.
- The University of Minnesota is directed to treat military service as a positive factor in graduate and professional admissions.
- There are provisions on late fees while GI Bill payments are pending — ask the bursar before paying a penalty.
- The saving is the resident/non-resident difference at your institution, which varies widely.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- Your discharge meets the definition.
- You are enrolled or applying.
- Minnesota public institutions.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
Deadline: Graduate rate: enrol within two years of separation- 1Ask for the resident rate at application, citing Minn. Stat. 197.775. Do not wait for a non-resident bill.
- 2Submit your Joint Services Transcript for the credit evaluation. At Minnesota State the award of ACE-standard credit is required, not discretionary.
- 3If credit is refused, ask which ACE recommendation was reviewed and on what basis it was declined.
- 4For a graduate programme, check the two-year clock from separation — it is the part that expires.
- 5If GI Bill payments are late, raise the late-fee provision with the bursar before paying a penalty.
- Form
- Confirmed with the institution's veterans or registrar office
- File with
- Your Minnesota public college or university
- Documents you will need
- dd214
- No renewal
- Once granted it does not need renewing.
Sources
- authority · statuteMinn. Stat. 197.775 — higher education, veterans
- operating · published policyMinnesota State Colleges and Universities
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