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- 2024-2025 Financial Aid Overview
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 (FTA) - Army
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 1-877-272-1330.
Amount
FTA will fund up to $250 per semester credit ($4000 per fiscal year) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year goes from October 1–September 30.
Renewal
Students must reapply every year.
Eligibility
Soldiers, who have used their FTA for an undergraduate degree, will need to wait until they have served 10 years in service to use FTA to fund their Master’s degree.
Current Army policy limits FTA to 39 semester hours or master’s degree whichever comes first. The 39 semester hour limit applies to all credits taken after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Students who drop or withdraw from a course must update their application through GoArmyEd. Soldiers who do not successfully complete a class will be required to repay the FTA. Soldiers who are unable to successfully complete a class due to military reasons must request a Withdrawal for Military Reasons through GoArmyEd and complete all required steps to ensure they will not be charged.
If you have questions about your eligibility please contact the Minnesota National Guard Education Services Office to inquire about your chapter eligibility:
- Phone (651) 282-4589
- Address: Joint Force Headquarters, 20 12th St. W, St. Paul, MN 55155
- Email:Ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-
education@mail.mil
Academic requirements
Students are required to earn a B or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or recoupment will occur.
Deadline
Students must apply before courses begin up to 60 days prior to the start date.
How to apply
Create a user account at ArmyIgnitED:
Visit ArmyIgnitED to establish a Federal Tuition Assistance account by clicking on the "New User" button and entering all data.
If you're eligible, start the application process by creating an ArmyIgnitED Student User account and filling out all the required data. Once you have set up an FTA account, you can begin requesting tuition assistance. Here's a look at that process:
- Enrollment requests must be submitted through ArmyIgnitED prior to the course start date. Dawn Schuette in the Office of Military and Veteran Services will upload your enrollment. Please notify her of your intent to request FTA at veteran-services@bethel.edu. Please provide your name, ID number and semester for which you would like to request. Any enrollments requested on or after the class start date will be approved as Soldier-funded.
- FTA is requested on a course-by-course basis, and each course must be part of an approved degree program.
- ArmyIgnitED will notify the Soldier whether the FTA is approved or not. If the FTA request is not approved, ArmyIgnitED will advise the Soldier of the reason and next steps.
- All drops/withdrawals must take place through ArmyIgnitED. Soldiers who do not successfully complete a class will be required to repay the TA. Soldiers who are unable to sucessfully complete a class due to military reasons must request a Withdrawal for Military Reasons.
FTA is requested on a course-by-course basis with each course being part of an approved degree program. Students must submit their request for FTA in ArmyIgnited.com after your enrollment has been uploaded into the ArmyIgnitED portal by the Office of Military and Veteran Services. You must request FTA prior to the first day of class. Applications must be approved before the start date of each term. Student must also be registered for class.
ArmyIgnitED will notify the Soldier whether or not FTA is approved. If not approved, they will advise the Soldier of the reason and next steps.
More information
Visit ArmIgnitED for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Services at veteran-services@bethel.edu.
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) - Coast Guard
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program for all active duty Coast Guard to assist with tuition cost. FTA can also be applied to cover the cost of fees IF costs are directly tied to the course for which the fee is required.
Amount
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) will fund up to $250 per semester credit ($4,000 per fiscal year) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year goes from October 1st - September 30th.Renewal
Students must reapply every year.
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 member is going to RELAD and provides documentation showing that he/she 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 B or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or 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. Students will also have to pay back any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were cancelled or from which they were dropped.
Deadline
Students must start their application before the class begins. FTA can be applied for up to 3 months prior to course start date.How to apply
Students should consult with their Education Services Officer (ESO) to determine if they should apply using WebTA or the Application for Federal Tuition Assistance Form CG-4147. 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 (FTA) - 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 ($4000 per fiscal year) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year goes from October 1–September 30.Renewal
Students must reapply every year.
Eligibility
Active Duty and Reserve Officers and must have two years of service obligation remaining (no EAS in the system). Reservists on a set of active duty orders (ADOS, Mobilization) must complete their classes before orders are complete. Members must also have completed two years of active duty.Academic requirements
Students are required to earn a B or higher in their courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or 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 or from which they were dropped.
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.
For more information visit U.S. Marine Corps or contact your Force Education Office at: mfreducation@usmc.mil
Toll Free 1-866-305-9058 or the below numbers:
Force Education Technicians 504-697-8105/8116
Force Education Specialist 504-697-9694
Force Education Officer 504-697-8128
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) - Navy
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 ($4000 per fiscal year) with a maximum of 16 credits per fiscal year. The fiscal year goes from October 1–September 30.Renewal
Students must reapply every year.
Eligibility
FTA is available to both Naval Officer and Enlisted active duty personnel and 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 2 years or more.
Members must
- be on active duty for the whole 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 timer. 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 student 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 mainatin 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 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.Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Top Up
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a federally funded program. It 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 by distance learning and is 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 $250 per credit up to $4000.
Federal Tuition Assistance Top Up is a federal benefit that can pay the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Federal Tuition Assistance.
More information
Contact your branch for information regarding program eligibility and application process.
Minnesota GI Bill®
The Minnesota GI Bill® program provides assistance to eligible Minnesota Veterans, non-veterans who served in the military and eligible spouse and children who are attending a Minnesota Postsecondary school.
Amount
Full time students receive up to $3,000 and part time students receive up to $500. Students must reapply each year and are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Bethel's FAFSA code is 002338.
More information
For information regarding program eligibility, visit the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for 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.
Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement (STR)
The Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) is an education benefit for Soldiers and Airmen in the Minnesota National Guard.
Amount
STR reimbursement is subject to change each fiscal year. STR bases the reimbursement on the University of Minnesota tuition cost. For undgergraduate students, STR will reimburse up to the U of MN undergraduate tuition cost per credit. For graduate students, STR will reimburse up to half the U of MN graduate tuition cost per credit. The fiscal year goes from July 1st - June 30th.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 Financial Aid Office
Shema Echano, Associate Financial Aid Counselor | 651.638.6241
s-echano@bethel.edu
Shema is Bethel’s School Certifying Official (SCO)
Mail forms to:
Attn: Financial Aid Office
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
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
https.www.armyignited.com800.892.7205 ext.1
AI Portal Help Desk:
334.517.6172
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