![group poses in front of Karon Veterans Resource Center](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/1920x1080/karon-veterans-center-group-photo.jpg)
Veterans Resources
The »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ salutes veterans and military-affiliated families as we work to be the most military-friendly university in the Upper Midwest. While here, veterans get the resources they need to succeed academically — and the career support needed to thrive after graduation.
With features unique to our size and mission, the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ helps you maximize your education benefits. You'll have small classes where professors know your name (and make one-on-one time for you), more than 150 majors to choose from, plus many opportunities for internships and career mentorships.
Distinctions and Rankings
![award seal](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/best-for-vets-»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵs.png)
Best for Vets Military Times Award
![award seal](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/us-veterans-best-of-the-best-2021.png)
U.S. Veteran Best of the Best 2021 Award
![award seal](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/military-friendly-gold-seal-24-25.png)
2024-25 Military Friendly(R) »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ
Funding Your Education
Yellow Ribbon »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ
St. Thomas is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, working to make your education more affordable.
Students eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% rate will receiving enough funding between the VA and St. Thomas to cover their full tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters.
Read more about Available Military Benefits at St. Thomas
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form.
Stipend & Allowances
Students will also receive a monthly housing stipend ($1,926/month) in addition to a $1,000 book and supplies allowance.
Contact Amanda Cantú for more information: amanda.cantu@stthomas.edu ;or 651-962-6555.
Military Educational Benefits
There are several varieties of GI Bill. Let us help you determine which type of education benefit is right for you.
- Read an overview of Available Military Benefits for Undergraduate Financial Aid
- Visit our St. Thomas Registrar's Office and ask for Nicole Brumley or Nick Doten; or come to the Veterans Resource Center at .
- Read guidance from our Registrar about Using Your Military Benefits
- Apply for your federal GI Bill education benefits online at:
College Credit from Military Experience
Your military experience may be worth »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ credit. You can find official military transcripts at *
*Note: Must either use Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers
Complete your FAFSA
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans, should fill out the .
Yellow Ribbon »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ
Yellow Ribbon »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ
St. Thomas is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, working to make your education more affordable.
Students eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% rate will receiving enough funding between the VA and St. Thomas to cover their full tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters.
Read more about Available Military Benefits at St. Thomas
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form.
Stipend & Allowances
Stipend & Allowances
Students will also receive a monthly housing stipend ($1,926/month) in addition to a $1,000 book and supplies allowance.
Contact Amanda Cantú for more information: amanda.cantu@stthomas.edu ;or 651-962-6555.
Military Educational Benefits
Military Educational Benefits
There are several varieties of GI Bill. Let us help you determine which type of education benefit is right for you.
- Read an overview of Available Military Benefits for Undergraduate Financial Aid
- Visit our St. Thomas Registrar's Office and ask for Nicole Brumley or Nick Doten; or come to the Veterans Resource Center at .
- Read guidance from our Registrar about Using Your Military Benefits
- Apply for your federal GI Bill education benefits online at:
College Credit from Military Experience
College Credit from Military Experience
Your military experience may be worth »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ credit. You can find official military transcripts at *
*Note: Must either use Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers
Complete your FAFSA
Complete your FAFSA
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans, should fill out the .
Resources Just for You
What is STVA?
The STVA is a military-veteran organization that allows members to network through events, meetings, and »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ service. The STVA provides a link for the St. Thomas »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ to gain insight into the experiences and needs of today's military-veteran student.
*It is not the intent of the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ to imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Dedication to Camaraderie
The STVA works to reconnect transitioning veterans with one another through networking, service, and causal events. Our aim is to help you rebuild that by offering events and a shared space where you can surround yourself with like-minded individuals that share common experiences. Examples include:
- Networking happy hours at local restaurants
- Yearly Christmas party open to our members and their families
- End of semester party
Community Outreach
Every semester the STVA is required to complete a »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ service event that thoughtfully engages the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ and helps provide for the common good. Being a veteran-oriented organization, we partner with organizations that give back to the veteran »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ. Doing this allows us to connect with older veterans from previous generations and learn from their experiences. Earlier organizations we have partnered with include:
- Band of Brothers Outdoors
- MN Veterans Home
- Team Red White and Blue
Contact the STVA: Email the St. Thomas Veterans Association
The Paul and Sarah Karon Veteran's Resource Center is a state-of-the-art center designed to benefit academic and informational support. The center also serves as an area for student veterans to relax, study quietly, or meet and network with fellow veterans on campus.
The ultimate goal of the from the MNDVA is to empower veterans to create and maintain a network to assist in their lives. St. Thomas wants to help you be successful.
You have access to primary care and other needed medical supports. Connecting to VA Care will serve as health care under the Affordable Health Care Act meaning you will not need to purchase healthcare coverage. VA care limits your liability for out-of-pocket expenses and there are VA Health Care professionals that understand the needs of returning service members.
If you are an incoming undergraduate veteran student, you will be invited to participate in a one-day orientation for first-year students or a half-day orientation for transfer students.
These orientation events offer resources fairs, new and current student, staff and faculty meet and greets, and opportunities for parents, spouses, and guests to interact. If you prefer a one-on-one meeting, please contact the Dean of Students Office; be sure to state that you are a benefits eligible veteran and whether you are a first-year or transfer student.
St. Thomas values opportunities to work with student veterans and their families throughout their University experience. St. Thomas' goal is to create a partnership that enhances our students' success. If you have questions or seek direction regarding support for a veteran student call 651-962-6335.
A Network of Support
From networking, social events and »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ outreach to partnerships with veteran-specific specialists, professors and staff, St. Thomas values opportunities to work with you and your family throughout your university experience.
![attendees of the annual veteran's ball](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/veterans-attending-annual-ball.png)
Building Community
We offer events reconnecting transitioning veterans with one another, including networking, service, and causal events such as happy hours and our annual Veteran's Ball. Our mission is to provide opportunities for you to surround yourself with like-minded individuals that share common experiences.
![veteran student smiling and laughing while relaxing in a student lounge](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/veteran-student-relaxing-in-lounge.png)
A Space Designed For You
On campus there is a state-of-the-art resource center designed to benefit academic and informational support. The center also serves as an area for student veterans to relax, study quietly, or meet and network with fellow veterans on campus.
![girl sitting in chair smiling](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/veteran-student-smiling-in-chair.jpg)
Taking Care of You
Allison Kruse, USMC Veteran, said, "Coming in, I'm already older and at a different stage in life than most students here; however I've made my closest friends through the Veteran Resource Center (VRC) that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to connect with. When I see other vets progressing through their degree and graduating, they're showing me that it's possible for me as well. And the amenities in the center, including a kitchen, computers, and study tables, have proven extremely beneficial!
![veteran student wearing Navy sweatshirt lounging in an on campus cafe](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/student-testimonial-veterans-malcolm-chisholm-hermans.png)
Connections to Faculty
Malcolm Chisholm Hermans, EE '25, said, "It was only natural I chose St. Thomas as they offered both smaller class sizes than other universities and the ease of interacting with professors who are predominantly former industry leaders in their given fields."
![veteran student in uniform](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/student-testimonial-veterans-sophie-woessner.png)
Our Mission is Your Success
Sophie Woessner, EE '23, said she chose the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ "because of the small, tight »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ. The »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ of Engineering wants to see students succeed and they give us the tools to do so."
![veteran student in uniform](/_media-library/_images/student-life/veterans/770x770/student-testimonial-scott-russell-porter.png)
Finding Your Fit With St. Thomas
Scott Russell Porter, ME '22, saw St. Thomas as a great fit for himself. "Small class sizes, a highly rated engineering school, professors who are there for me and I made connections to an intership that I turned into a full-time job."
Contacts for Student Veterans
-
Director, Veteran Services
Norman Ferguson, Jr.
MHC LL17D
651-962-6335
ferg1727@stthomas.edu -
Dean of Students Office
651-962-6050
deanstudents@stthomas.edu -
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Certifying Official, Undergraduate Contact
Nick Doten
dote6519@stthomas.edu
651-962-6658 -
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ Certifying Official, Graduate Contact
Nicole Brumley
nicole.brumley@stthomas.edu
651-962-4705 -
Financial Aid, Undergraduate Contact
Amanda Cantú
amanda.cantu@stthomas.edu
651-962-6555 -
Financial Aid, Graduate Contact
Chad Nosbusch
CRNOSBUSCH@stthomas.edu
651-962-4051