Eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces receiving full Chapter 33 benefits can earn an undergraduate degree (through our traditional or adult undergraduate programs) or graduate degree tuition-free from Concordia University, St. Paul. Housing and other fees still apply.

Determine if you're eligible for a GI Bill and what type: New Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607

• Visit the GI Bills website for more information on the different types of GI Bills

If you are eligible for either the Chapter 30 or Chapter 33, you will need to determine which GI Bill is more beneficial for you. If you choose to convert your Chapter 30 to Chapter 33, according to VA Policy that decision is irrevocable. Compare your benefits under both GI Bill systems and be sure you make an educated decision.

For aid in this process or for more information, please contact Alan Stage, Concordia's Associate Director of Military Relations, at stage@csp.edu or 651-641-8805.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THE MINNESOTA GI BILL?

• For Minnesota residents and active-duty personnel stationed in Minnesota who have served after 9/11/01
• Check your ability and apply online
• In order to receive the MN GI Bill you will first be required to apply for financial aid. 
  Apply for Federal Financial Aid if you have not already done so.

Once you've been accepted to Concordia University, your Concordia POC for the MN GI Bill is Kurt Ableidinger. Chrissy processes your paperwork so you can receive payment from the state and can be reached at 651-641-8702or ableidinger@csp.edu.

Note: The Minnesota GI Bill is administered through the Financial Aid Office, not the VA. If you are eligible and fill out the application, a payment will be sent directly to your financial aid account.

Veterans, service members and their spouses not receiving the Yellow Ribbon Program or the Vocational Rehabilitation Program are eligible for a $2,000 scholarship for adult undergraduate and graduate programs.

A copy of a DD214 or military ID can be used for proof or service.

Service members currently on active duty are eligible for discounted tuition for adult undergraduate degree programs of $250 per credit. Service members using this discount are not eligible for the Military Service Scholarship.

You can transfer up to 32 military credits to apply toward your bachelor's degree at Concordia. These credits can have been earned in the technical, physical education, math, natural science, oral communication or elective categories. Additional credits can be earned through CLEP, DANTES, civilian work experience portfolio or transferred from other institutions.

Obtain a copy of your military training so Concordia can convert it into college credit.

• Army
• Navy and Marines
• Air Force

Students who are called to active duty or have a change in military assignment during the middle of a course which prohibits him or her from completing the class have three courses of action:

1. The student may request to drop the course without record. The course will not appear on the student’s transcript. All tuition and fees associated with the course will be refunded. The student is eligible to re-register for the course at any time without penalty.


2. If, in the opinion of the faculty member teaching the course, the student has completed sufficient work and has demonstrated sufficient progress toward meeting course requirements, the student may receive a grade and full credit for the course.


3. If the student has not completed enough coursework to be given a full grade, he or she can choose to receive an Incomplete grade. The student will have 90 days to complete the coursework upon being released from active duty. If the student is unable to complete the necessary coursework within the 90 days, he or she will be automatically dropped as outlined in section 1.

Any refunds of tuition, room, board and fees are subject to the requirements of the state or federal financial aid programs of origination.

(In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 192.502 Protections)

An on-campus resource center specializing in assisting veterans.  The primary service of the Center is helping veterans with the paperwork process to receive financial aid at Concordia from the federal government and maximize their benefits.

• Visit the Veterans Resource Center webpage

Traditional undergraduate students on a ROTC scholarship will receive a free room and board allowance.

ROTC Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Army ROTC?

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a program that teaches leadership and military skills which complement and enhance all academic majors. ROTC prepares college students for leadership responsibilities in the United States Army as a commissioned officer.

Who Joins Army ROTC?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is home to the ROTC Golden Gopher Battalion. Students enrolled at colleges and universities throughout the Twin Cities can participate in Army ROTC. They take regular classes on their home campus and they take ROTC leadership and military training classes on the U of M campus as members of the Golden Gopher Battalion. Concordia University cadets also get involved in student clubs and organizations, such as student government, volunteer groups, religious groups, intramural and varsity sports.

What Does Cadet Life Entail?

Being a cadet in Army ROTC is challenging, rewarding and fun. Cadets have to manage the demands of early morning physical training, ROTC classes and field exercises, college course work and extracurricular activities. Cadets who meet these challenges will be rewarded with enhanced skills and experience that will serve them well throughout their life. Camaraderie is another bonus. Cadets work side by side to accomplish more as a team than they could ever do as individuals. Joining ROTC is like joining a big family. Over the course of a cadet's career in ROTC he/she will build lifelong relationships with the other cadets they meet in our program.

How Will Army ROTC Benefit Me?

You will become a stronger person and a leader, which will help you be successful both during college and after graduation. You'll develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to achieve success in your college studies. You'll acquire leadership skills and credentials that will be sought after by employers when you graduate. And you'll earn opportunities to serve your country as an officer, full-time on active duty or part-time with the National Guard or Army Reserve as you pursue a civilian career.

How Do I Enter the Program?

Students who enter their sophomore year may double up on the basic classes or take four weeks of summer training (with pay) to catch up and enter the advanced course. Veterans and students serving in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard may qualify for advanced placement in the program.

What's the Obligation?

Introductory courses involve NO obligation as a freshman or sophomore and allow you to experience officer training and opportunities with no military commitment. Once you accept a scholarship or enter the advanced course, you make a commitment to serve as an officer in the active Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.