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Tuition & Financial Aid

Explore financial aid opportunities through government programs and Bethel scholarships designed specifically for veterans or those currently serving in the military.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) - Air Force

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program for active duty Airmen to assist with tuition costs.

Amount

FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit ($4,500 annual ceiling) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year goes from October 1–September 30.

Renewal

Undergraduate students must reapply every term. Graduate students must reapply every year.

Eligibility

Officers must have an active duty service commitment that runs for at least two years from the completion date of the last course funded by FTA benefits.  Enlisted personnel must have a service commitment that extends beyond the course end date for any courses funded by FTA benefits.

Academic requirements

Graduate students are required to earn a B or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0; undergraduate students are required to earn a C or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 2.0. If this academic standard is not met, recoupment will occur.

Students cannot receive a failing grade (F), non-passing grade (N), incomplete grade (I) that last longer than 12 months, a voluntary withdrawal grade (W) or they will end up having to pay it back. Airmen will also have to pay back any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were cancelled.

Deadline

Students must apply before courses begin.

How to apply

Apply online via Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).

Visit U.S. Air Force for more information.

Federal Tuition Assistance and Top Up

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs to students currently serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or on active duty. FTA is available for courses offered in the classroom or via distance learning and must be part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. Students must submit their FTA enrollment requests and have them approved prior to the course start date.

Amount

Students receive up to $250 per credit, with a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year.

Federal Tuition Assistance Top Up is a federal benefit that can cover the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount covered by Federal Tuition Assistance.

More information

Contact your branch for information regarding program eligibility and the application process.

Federal Tuition Assistance | Army

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty civilian education programs in support of a soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. FTA requests are made through ArmyIgnitED. Soldiers with questions can contact their assigned state education service specialist directly or the ArmyIgnitED Help Desk (ServiceNow) at 877.272.1330.

Amount

FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit (with a $4,500 annual ceiling) and a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from October 1–September 30.

Renewal

Students must reapply each year.

Eligibility

Students may use FTA immediately after graduating from Advanced Individual Training (AIT) or the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) for undergraduate courses.

Current Army policy limits FTA to 130 semester hours or one baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first.

Soldiers who have used Tuition Assistance (TA) for an undergraduate degree must wait 10 years before using FTA to fund a master's degree.

Students who drop or withdraw from a course must update their application in ArmyIgnitED.

Soldiers who do not successfully complete a class must repay their FTA. Soldiers unable to complete a class due to military obligations must request a "Withdrawal for Military Reasons" through ArmyIgnitED and complete all required steps to avoid being charged.

For questions about your eligibility, contact the Minnesota National Guard Education Services Office:

Academic requirements

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, or they will be required to repay the funds.

Deadline

Students must apply before their courses begin, up to 60 days prior to the start date.

How to apply

Create a Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) user account by visiting ArmyIgnitED, clicking the "New User" button, and entering all required information.

If you are eligible, start the application process by creating an ArmyIgnitED Student User account and completing all required information. Once your FTA account is set up, you can begin requesting tuition assistance. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Submit enrollment requests through ArmyIgnitED before the course start date. Bethel University will upload your enrollment. Notify the Business Office at business-office@bethel.edu of your intent to request FTA. Include your name, ID number, and the semester for which you are requesting FTA. Enrollment requests submitted on or after the course start date will be approved as soldier-funded.

  2. Request FTA on a course-by-course basis. Each course must be part of an approved degree program.

  3. ArmyIgnitED will notify you whether your FTA request is approved. If it is not, ArmyIgnitED will provide the reason and outline the next steps.

  4. Submit all drops or withdrawals through ArmyIgnitED. If you do not successfully complete a class, you will be required to repay the TA. If military obligations prevent you from completing a class, request a "Withdrawal for Military Reasons" through ArmyIgnitED.

Request FTA on a course-by-course basis. Each course must be part of an approved degree program. Submit your FTA request in ArmyIgnitED after Bethel University has uploaded your enrollment. Requests must be submitted and approved before the first day of class, and students must be registered for their courses.

ArmyIgnitED will notify you whether your FTA request is approved. If it is not, they will provide the reason and outline the next steps.

More information

Visit ArmyIgnitED for more information.

For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@bethel.edu.

Federal Tuition Assistance | Coast Guard

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program for all active duty Coast Guard members to assist with tuition costs. FTA can also be used to cover fees if they are directly tied to the course for which the fee is required.

Amount

FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit (up to $4,500 per fiscal year), with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

Renewal

Students must reapply each term.

Eligibility

Active duty enlisted members and officers must meet all requirements set forth in ALCOAST 040/14. Active duty members must complete the FTA-authorized course(s) on or prior to RELAD, discharge, or retirement. If a member is going to RELAD and provides documentation showing that they will be in the SELRES, then FTA-authorized course(s) may begin in active duty status and be completed in SELRES status.

Academic requirements

Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 2.0, or recoupment will occur.

Students cannot receive a failing grade (F), non-passing grade (N), incomplete grade (I) lasting longer than 12 months, or a voluntary withdrawal grade (W), or they will be required to pay back the FTA. Students will also need to pay back any non-reimbursable fees for courses that were canceled or from which they were dropped.

Deadline

Students must start their application before the class begins. FTA can be applied for up to three months prior to the course start date.

How to apply

Students should consult with their Education Services Officer (ESO) to determine whether they should apply using WebTA or the Application for Federal Tuition Assistance Form CG-4147 (pdf). If applying with Form CG-4147, submit form to your unit ESO.

More information

Visit the U.S. Coast Guard for more information and restrictions.

Federal Tuition Assistance | Marine Corps

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program for all active duty and active reserve Marines to assist with tuition cost.

Amount

FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit (up to $4,500 per fiscal year) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

Renewal

Students must reapply each term.

Eligibility

Active duty and Reserve Officers must have two years of service obligation remaining (no EAS in the system). Reservists on active duty orders (ADOS, Mobilization) must complete their classes before their orders are complete. Members must also have completed two years of active duty.

Academic requirements

Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 2.0, or recoupment will occur.

Students cannot receive a failing grade (F), non-passing grade (N), incomplete grade (I) lasting longer than 12 months, or a voluntary withdrawal grade (W), or they will be required to repay the FTA. Marines will also need to pay back any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled.

Deadline

Students must start their application 30 days in advance of the term start date. FTA requests will not be processed during the last two weeks of the fiscal year.

How to apply

Apply online through WebTA.

More information

For more information visit U.S. Marine Corps or contact your Force Education Office at mfreducation@usmc.mil.

Toll Free: 866.305.9058 or the numbers below:

  • Force Education Technicians: 504.697.8105/8116

  • Force Education Specialist: 504.697.9694

  • Force Education Officer: 504.697.8128

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is the Navy's educational financial assistance program that provides active duty personnel funding for tuition costs for courses taken in an off-duty status.

Amount

FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit (up to $4,500 per fiscal year), with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

Renewal

Students must reapply every year.

Eligibility

FTA is available to both naval officers and enlisted active duty personnel, as well as some Naval Reservists on continuous active duty. It is also available to enlisted Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for 120 days or more and to Naval Reservist officers ordered to active duty for two years or more.

Members must:

  • Be on active duty for the entire length of the course.
  • Attend an institution accredited by a regional, national, or professional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Agree, if an officer, to remain on active duty for at least two years upon completion of courses funded by FTA. This obligation runs concurrently with remaining obligated service time. Those who fail to serve the obligation must repay the FTA funds expended on their behalf during the last two years of active duty on a pro-rated basis.

Academic requirements

Graduate students are required to earn a grade of B or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0; undergraduate students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 2.0. If this academic standard is not met, recoupment will occur.

Students cannot receive a failing grade (F), non-passing grade (N), incomplete grade (I) lasting longer than 12 months, or a voluntary withdrawal grade (W), or they will be required to repay the FTA. Airmen will also have to repay any non-reimbursable fees for courses that were canceled or from which they were dropped.

Deadline

Students must start their application 30 days in advance of the term start date. FTA applications must be command approved prior to being forwarded to the VEC.

How to apply

Apply online through WebTA.

More information

Visit the Navy College Program for more information and restrictions.

Minnesota GI Bill

The Minnesota GI Bill® program provides assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans, non-veterans who served in the military, and eligible spouses and children who are attending a Minnesota postsecondary school.

Amount

Students can receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year. Students must reapply each year and are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bethel's FAFSA code is 002338.

More information

For information regarding program eligibility, visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement

The Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) is an educational benefit for soldiers and airmen in the Minnesota National Guard.

Amount

STR reimbursement amounts are subject to change each fiscal year and are based on the University of Minnesota tuition costs. For undergraduate students, STR will reimburse up to the University of Minnesota's undergraduate tuition cost per credit. For graduate students, STR will reimburse up to 75% of the University of Minnesota's graduate tuition cost per credit. The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

More information

For information regarding program eligibility, visit Minnesota National Guard.

VA Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB - SR)

Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

How to apply

You can apply for benefits via VA Form 22-1990 or vets.gov. For information regarding program eligibility, visit the VA website for Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions (specific to each school).

More information

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

VA Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty, sometimes known as Chapter 30, provides education benefits to Veterans and Service members who have at least two years of active duty.

How to apply

You can apply for benefits via VA Form 22-1990 or vets.gov. For information regarding program eligibility, visit the VA website for Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

More information

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at the official U.S. government website.

VA Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR & E)

VR & E helps Veterans and Service members with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap prepare for, find, and maintain suitable careers. Your USDVA Counselor determines amounts.

How to apply

You can apply for benefits via VA Form 28-1990 or eBenefits. For more information regarding program eligibility contact your USDVA Counselor.

VA Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of continuous service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service after September 10, 2001. Amounts vary based on length of service.

How to apply

You can apply for benefits via VA Form 22-1990 or vets.gov. If this is a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE), you must submit a request before requesting VA benefits.  Once approved, the student can apply for benefits via VA Form 22-1990Eor vets.gov. If you have used your benefits at another institution, you do not need to reapply for benefits. Instead, submit VA Form 22-1995 to the Financial Aid Office or complete the online form via vets.gov.

More information

For information regarding program eligibility, visit the VA website for Post-9/11 GI Bill®. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

VA Chapter 35 - Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEAP)

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

How to apply

To apply, take these steps depending on your situation:

  • Make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. Take a look at the GI Bill® Comparison Tool for more information. VA can inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
  • Apply for your education benefit via VA Form 22-5490 or vets.gov.
  • If you are eligible for both DEA and Fry, you will be required to make an irrevocable election unless you are a child of a Service member who died in the line-of-duty prior to August 1, 2011.
  • If you have started your educational program, take your application to your school. Ask them to complete VA form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send both forms to VA.

More information

For information regarding program eligibility, visit the VA website for Dependents Education Assistance Program. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

VA National Call to Service

The National Call to Service Incentive program is a benefit provided to those who perform a period of national service. It is a Department of Defense program that is administered by VA.

Amount

Participants can choose from the following incentives:

  • Cash bonus of $5,000
  • Repayment of a qualifying student loan not to exceed $18,000
  • Entitlement to allowance equal to the three-year monthly Montgomery GI Bill Active-Duty rate for 12 months
  • Entitlement to allowance equal to 50 percent of the less than three-year monthly Montgomery GI Bill Active-Duty rate for 36 months
  • Coordination with Montgomery GI Bill® Benefits

How to apply

You can apply for benefits via VA Form 22-1990N or vets.gov. 

More information

For information regarding program eligibility, visit the VA website for National Call to Service Program.

Who to contact 

Bethel Office of Financial Aid
Shema Echano, Associate Financial Aid Counselor and VA School Certifying Official | 651.638.6241
s-echano@bethel.edu
Shema is Bethel’s School Certifying Official (SCO)

Mail forms to:

Attn: Office of Financial Aid
Bethel University
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

Or send your forms securely with our Secure Document Upload Tool.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Higher Education Veterans Program
Regional Coordinator, Charles Egerstrom 763.433.1113   
charles.egerstrom@state.mn.us

Federal contact
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
888.442.4551
va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

ArmyIgnitED
armyignited.com 800.892.7205 ext.1

AI Portal Help Desk
 334.517.6172

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