The people and cultures of the Great Lakes State are as diverse as its geography. From the streets of Detroit to the northern reaches of the Tahquamenon Falls area of the Upper Peninsula… and from picturesque college towns to endless rolling plains of farmland. You’ll see it all and meet all types of people if you’re lucky enough to call Michigan home during your college years.
For veterans, active duty service members, and military affiliated families, Michigan’s military history is a source of pride that predates any modern foreign conflict that any veteran here may have served in. You could say it goes back to the Revolutionary War when Detroit’s Cadillac Papers called for developing militia companies to defend the colony against the British.
More than two centuries later, the Michigan National Guard was one of the first units of U.S. troops to see combat in the Second World War, and every generation sense, the state has sent its sons and daughters off to defend freedom and the American way of life.
As the generations change and the wars that define them are replaced with new battles to fight, there’s one thing that service members, veterans and their families can count on: Michigan’s leadership and the people that call the state home are looking out for the welfare of those who serve.
Today, the state offers a range of educational benefits to veterans, service members, and their families that go above and beyond the federal benefits they may already qualify for.
College Education Benefits Available Through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Other State Agencies
Michigan’s Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) offers transition assistance, licensing accreditation resources, and health care services as any good state veterans administration does, but it also offers and helps support benefits programs specifically designed to make earning a college degree more accessible.
Knowing that most former service members will qualify for free college through the GI Bill®, the MVAA had the foresight to design the bulk of Michigan’s education benefits programs with veteran family members in mind.
Michigan’s Professional Licensing and Credentialing Programs for Service Members and Vets
Thanks to the MVAA, Michigan lawmakers have implemented policies that decrease the amount of time it takes for veterans to get licensed in certain professions.
Managed by the state’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) department, both veterans and active-duty service members can take advantage of programs that help them earn licenses faster than usual. Here are a few examples:
- Some licensing boards require you to attend continuing education classes to renew your license. If you provide that board with your duty orders, that board may waive this requirement for you – especially if you were deployed overseas during the class’s duration.
- If you’re pursuing a license in a skilled trade (electrical, plumbing, etc.), Michigan law mandates that the licensing authority waives any registration or initiation fees. This applies both to active-duty service members as well as veterans.
- If the spouse of an active-duty member can obtain a temporary six-month professional license in his or her spouse’s profession. The caveat is that the spouse must “show proof they hold an out-of-state license or registration that is valid and in good standing.” Still, if you run a business in addition to serving your country, it allows your spouse to continue to run that business if you’re deployed overseas.
LARA offers many licensing and certification exemption options for vets and active duty service member. Speak with a LARA Veteran Liaison by calling (517) 241-0199.
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG) provides tuition assistance to biological or adopted children of Michigan veterans. Children aged 17 to 25 are eligible for the grant if their parent died or became totally or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant also assists children of veterans who are listed as Missing in Action in a foreign country.
How much a student receives depends on their enrollment:
- Full-time students (12 or more credit hours): Up to $2,800 per year.
- Three-quarter time students (nine to 11 credit hours): Up to $2,100 per year.
- Half-time students (six to eight credit hours): Up to $1,400 per year, or the student’s total tuition for that academic year (whichever is less).
Qualifications for the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
Aside from the stipulations listed above (a child of a deceased, disabled, or MIA veteran), students applying for the CVTG must meet the following qualifications:
- Take at least six credits worth of courses.
- Be a Michigan resident for one year prior to applying for the grant.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
- Have a record free of felonious charges involving an assault, physical injury or death.
- Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
To renew a grant, you must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25, and meet the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
Applying for the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
Students can apply for the grant through the MiSSG Student Portal. Through the portal, you can submit the CVTG application with the following documents:
- Your birth certificate.
- Your parent’s veteran’s discharge certificate, death certificate or casualty report.
- Your parent’s proof of total and permanent disability or death due to active service.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If approved for the CVTG, you may only use it at a participating institution. A participating institution includes any Michigan community college, public university or independent degree-granting college or university.
The Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program
The Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP) delivers tuition assistance to active duty Michigan National Guardsmen and Guardswomen. These soldiers can use the tuition assistance to help pay for degrees at colleges, universities, vocational schools, technical schools or trade schools located in the state. In addition, they may use MINGSTAP assistance in conjunction with the GI Bill® and other Federal education benefits.
How much you’ll receive depends on the program in which you are enrolled:
- Training programs (technical or vocational education): Up to $6,000.
- Certificate programs: Up to $6,000.
- Associate degree: Up to $14,400.
- Bachelor’s degree: Up to $14,400.
- Master’s degree: Up to $6,000.
To apply for the program, you should call the MINGSTAP department at (517) 481-7640 or email them at MINGSTAP@michigan.gov.
University and College Programs for Those with Military Experience
Michigan is a great example of a state with military-friendly colleges. Several universities throughout the state offer fast-track and discounted programs for both active-duty service members and veterans. While most offer credit transfers for your military experience, we’ve highlighted the ones who offer degree-programs specifically for military personnel.
Military Police Basic Training Program – Grand Valley State University
Whether you served as military police in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or another branch, the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) program is a great option for you. GVSU’s program is an accelerated, 8-week, basic military police training program designed to assist veteran MPs transition into civilian policing.
Veteran Bachelor in Nursing – Wayne State University
Wayne State University’s BSN for Nursing program is designed for veterans transitioning out of the service and into the civilian sector. It’s an accelerated program that includes clinical rotations at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit.
The best thing about WSU’s program is that you don’t need health care experience to apply. Those with health care MOSs, Air Force Specialty Codes or Navy Enlisted Classification Codes may receive transfer credits if accepted into the program. However, if your military occupation was in a different specialty, you’re not disqualified from the program.
Applying for the BSN for Nursing program is a multi-step process:
- Gain admission to WSU: Receive admission by December 1st of the year before you wish to commence study. Once you’re admitted to WSU, enroll in prerequisite courses you need to pass before applying to the College of Nursing. You must maintain a minimum “C” average in each course.
- Apply to the College of Nursing: Once you complete your prerequisite courses, you can then apply to the College of Nursing.
- Submit supplemental material: Include your application fee, essay questions, proof of military service and two letters of recommendation.
Possible Station Assignments and Military Bases in Michigan
If you’re active duty, there’s a chance you’ll be stationed overseas. The world’s a chaotic place, and as commanders identify new threats across the globe, you’ll be called upon to address them. That being said, it’s possible you’ll be stationed at a base somewhere right here in The Great Lakes State.
Army
- Camp Grayling – Grayling, MI
The Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center is the largest National Guard training facility in the country. Its core mission is to support the operational readiness of the nation’s soldiers, and contains 148,000 acres of four-seasons training lands. It possesses a Combined Arms Collective Training Facilities, two impact areas for aerial weapons systems, the Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site and Multipurpose Range Complex.
If you find yourself off base, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural land in the country. Hartwick Pines State Park has 10,000 acres of hiking and biking trails. Fishermen and kayakers can find solace on the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers, both known for their easy-moving waters.
Air Force
- Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center – Alpena, MI
Dedicated to training members of the Air National Guard. It delivers airspace for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, coalition forces and emergency responders. It instructs more than 20,000 joint and coalition personnel every year on a facility expanding 147,000 acres.
Alpena is located on the coast of Lake Huron. When off base, you can visit the Thunder Bay national Marine Sanctuary. Its 4,300 square miles of protected waters, in which divers can explore approximately 200 shipwrecks. If you like to fish, the sanctuary allows anglers to catch bass, northern pike, trout, salmon and other species.
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base – Harrison Township, MI
A home for the 127th Wing – a joint DoD and DHS installation – Selfridge ANG focuses air fighter and refueling missions. It serves a key role in supporting our nation’s ability to support ground forces and gain control of enemy air space. The base achieves these goals with the KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
What is there to do in and around Harrison Township? If you’re of age, the Superior Lakes Winery is one of the top-rated vineyards on TripAdvisor. If you’re in for some rec time, Total Sports & Entertainment is a huge complex offering bowling, axe throwing, Softball, Cornhole and Wallyball courts.
Military Friendly Colleges in Michigan that Accept GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program Benefits
Of the more-than 2,000 colleges and universities that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, only around 500 provide full funding and place no limits on the number of eligible students who can take advantage of it. These schools ensure that every eligible veteran who enrolls can count on full coverage of all tuition costs that exceed GI Bill® limits.
You’ll be glad to know that a number of those military friendly colleges and universities are located right here in Michigan:
Albion College
Albion, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Anthropology and Sociology
- Art and Art History
- Biology
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Communication Studies
- Earth and Environment
- Economics and Management
- Education
- English
- Ethnic Studies
- History
- International Studies
- Kinesiology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychological Science
- Religious Studies
- Theatre
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- African and African Diaspora Studies
- archaeology
- Asian studies
- astronomy
- biology
- business
- chemistry and biochemistry
- communication
- computer science
- congregational and ministry studies
- data science
- economics
- education
- engineering
- English
- ESL
- environmental science environmental studies
- faith and community leadership
- gender studies
- geology and geography
- global development studies
- health science
- historical studies
- kinesiology
- mathematics and statistics
- medieval studies
- nursing
- off-campus programs
- philosophy
- physics
- politics
- politics philosophy and economics
- psychology
- public health
- religion
- science education studies
- sociology and social work
- speech pathology and audiology
- urban studies
- visual and performing arts
- world languages
Chamberlain University
Troy, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Nursing
- College of Health Professions
College for Creative Studies
Detroit, MI
Accreditation: HLC
Undergraduate Programs
- Advertising Design
- Art Education
- Art Practice (Fine Arts)
- Communication Design
- Craft & Material Studies (Ceramics, Fiber & Textiles, Glass, Metalsmithing & Jewelry)
- Entertainment Arts (Animation, Concept Design, Game Design)
- Fashion Design
- Film
- Illustration
- Interdisciplinary Art + Design
- Interior Design
- Photography
- Product Design
- Transportation Design
- Undeclared
- Foundation
- Liberal Arts
Graduate Programs
- Art Education MA
- Color & Materials Design MA/MFA
- Design for Climate Action MA/MFA
- Motion Design MA/MFA
- Transportation Design MA/MFA
- User Experience Design MA/MFA
Davenport University
Grand Rapids / Lansing / Warren, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Business
- Health
- Technology
- Urban Education
- Arts and Sciences
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Seidman College of Business
- College of Community and Public Service
- College of Education
- Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing
- College of Health Professions
- Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Kirkhof College of Nursing
Hope College
Holland, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- American Ethnic Studies
- Art and Art History Department
- Asian Studies
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biology Department
- Campus Health
- Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
- Center for Global Engagement
- Center for Leadership
- Center for Ministry Studies
- Chemistry Department
- Communication Department
- Computer Science Department
- Dance Department
- Day1 Research Communities
- Economics and Business
- Education Department
- Emmaus Scholars Program
- Engineering Department
- English Department
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- ExploreHope Academic Outreach
- Fostering a Community of Excellence in Science (FACES)
- General Education
- Geological and Environmental Science Department
- Global Education
- Global Studies
- History Department
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Kinesiology Department
- Mathematics and Statistics Department
- Music Department
- Neuroscience
- Nursing Department
- Office of the Dean for Arts and Humanities
- Office of the Dean for Natural and Applied Sciences
- Office of the Dean for Social Sciences
- Peace and Justice
- Phelps Scholars Program
- Philosophy Department
- Physics Department
- Political Science
- Pre-Health Programs
- Pre-Law Program
- Pre-Professional Programs
- Program for the Academically Talented (PATH)
- Psychology Department
- Religion Department
- Sociology and Social Work Department
- Theatre Department
- Washington Honors Semester
- Women’s and Gender Studies
- World Languages and Cultures Department
Madonna University
Livonia, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education and Human Development
- School of Business
- College of Nursing and Health
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- College of Arts and Letters
- Eli Broad College of Business and Eli Broad Graduate School of Management
- College of Communication Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- Graduate School
- Honors College
- College of Human Medicine
- International Studies and Programs
- James Madison College
- College of Law
- Lyman Briggs College
- College of Music
- College of Natural Science
- College of Nursing
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
- College of Social Science
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Art and Design
- Associate of Arts/Associate of Science in General Studies
- Biology
- Business
- College of Chemistry
- Clinical Sciences
- School of Communication and Media Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences
- Economics
- Education, Leadership & Public Service
- School of Engineering Technology
- English
- English Language Institute
- Health and Human Performance
- School of History
- Honors Program
- Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs
- International Studies
- Languages, Literatures, and International Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Sciences
- Military Science
- Music
- Native American Studies
- Nursing – Baccalaureate
- Nursing – Practical
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Pre-Professional Programs
- Psychological Science
- Public Safety Institute and Regional Police Academy
- Social Work
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Technology and Occupational Sciences
- College of Theatre and Dance
Rochester University
Rochester Hills, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Humanities
- School of Nursing
- Dept. of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
- Dept. of Science & Mathematics
- Dept. of Theology & Ministry
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Engineering and Science (doctoral)
- Liberal Arts and Education (doctoral)
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- School of Art and Design
- School of Business Administration
- Law School
- Dental School
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- School of Kinesiology
- School of Information
- School of Engineering
- School of Public Policy
- School of Natural Resources
- School of Music Theatre and Dance
- School of Literature Science and Arts
- School of Education
- School of Architecture-Urban Planning
- School of Public Health
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Social Work
University of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Management
- College of Health Sciences
- School of Education & Human Services
- School of Nursing
- College of Innovation & Technology
University of Michigan of Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters
- College of Business
- College of Education, Health, & Human Services
- College of Engineering & Computer Science
University of Phoenix
Southfield, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Technology
- RN to BSN
- MBA
- Health Administration
Information Systems - Criminal Justice and Security
- Business Fundamentals
Wayne County Community College
Midland / Belleville, MI
Accreditation: HLC
- Business
- Health
- Technology
- Urban Education
- Arts and Sciences
