The University of St. Thomas 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 University of St. Thomas 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 100 majors to choose from, plus a number of opportunities for internships and career mentorships.
The University of St. Thomas is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. 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. Furthermore, students 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 or651-962-6555.
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.
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 are able to surround yourself with like-minded individuals that share common experiences. Examples include:
Every semester the STVA is required to complete a community service event that thoughtfully engages the community and helps provide for the common good. Being a veteran oriented organization we partner with organizations that give back to the veteran community as a whole. Doing this allows us to connect with older veterans from previous generations and learn from their experiences. Earlier organizations we have partnered with include:
In 2017 a group of campus Veterans advocated for a space on campus dedicated to helping student veterans. Since then St. Thomas has fully committed to a state of the art center that does exactly that: the Paul and Sarah Karon Veterans Resource Center.
Located in Murray Herrick Center lower level 17, the center and its director (Norman Ferguson) are committed to offering continuing benefit, academic, and informational support. Additionally the center serves as an area for student veterans to relax, study quietly, or meet and network with fellow veterans on campus. *It is not the intent of the University to imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.
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 that can occur from trips to the emergency room. You can also work with VA Health Care professionals that understand the needs of returning service members.
The ultimate goal of the Higher Education Veterans Program is to empower veterans to create and maintain a network to assist in their lives. The active members of the military have a service network in place to help with all the needs of the military community. Yet, once the service person and families leave that network, they are on their own to navigate life and the community. St. Thomas wants to help them be successful.
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.
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. Many veterans appreciate these group opportunities as they include resources fairs and other opportunities to meet new and current students, staff and faculty. These programs also include opportunities for parents, spouses, and guests. Others prefer an individual appointment.
To discuss options, contact the Dean of Students Office (orientation@stthomas.edu, 651-962-6051). Be sure to state that you are a benefits eligible veteran and whether you are a first-year or transfer student.
Norman Ferguson, Jr.
MHC LL17D
651-962-6335
ferg1727@stthomas.edu
651-962-6050
deanstudents@stthomas.edu
Undergraduate contact:
Nick Doten
dote6519@stthomas.edu
651-962-6658
Graduate contact:
Nicole BrumleyUndergraduate contact:
Amanda Cantu
amanda.cantu@stthomas.edu
651-962-6555
Graduate contact:
Chad Nosbusch
CRNOSBUSCH@stthomas.edu
651-962-4051