ACE Credits
The first step in claiming the credits you have earned is to request a transcript from your military service. Each service will provide unofficial personal copies and send BHSU an official copy of your transcript at no charge. Each service branch has their own system for recording military education and experience credits:
Army
- The Army employs the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS). AARTS automatically captures your academic credits from military training, and Standardized tests and provides a transcript in civilian language. The AARTS system is available for enlisted soldiers only. Visit the AARTS website to learn more.
- Army Officers must use the form DD 295 (Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service) to report their military training and experience.
- If interested in applying for Federal Tuition Assistance please review the Tuition Assistance instruction page, or go to GoArmyEd.com
Navy and Marine Corp
- The Navy and Marine Corps utilize the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) system. This system provides a description of your military schooling and work history, and standardized test scores. You do not have to be active duty to utilize the SMART system.
- Visit the SMART website to learn more, and to complete the Official SMART Transcript Request Form.
- If interested in applying for Federal Tuition Assistance please review the Tuition Assistance instruction page, or go to Navycollege.navy.mil
Air Force
- The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) automatically captures your training, experience and standardized test scores. This transcript is available for all current and former active duty, guard, and reserve Air Force members. Transcript information may be viewed at the CCAF website.
- If interested in applying for Federal Tuition Assistance please review the Tuition Assistance instruction page, or go to My.af.mil
Coast Guard
- The Coast Guard Institute (CGI) requires each service member to submit documentation of all training (except correspondence course records), along with an enrollment form, to receive a transcript. Visit the Coast Guard Voluntary Education web page to learn more about the specific requirements.
- If interested in applying for Federal Tuition Assistance please review the Tuition Assistance instruction page, or go to the USCG education website.
Veterans
- Under most circumstances, Veterans are eligible to use their former service branches’ transcript program. However if you are not eligible for AARTS, SMART, CCAF, or CGI systems, you will need to fill out form DD-295 and provide your DD-214 Discharge Document to receive credit for your experience.
- Visit Military.com for links to commonly used >forms
Benefits
Black Hills State University is committed to helping veterans and their dependents make the best of their VA educational benefits. Contact BHSU VA Certifying Official, Greg Krajewski at 605-642-6415 with questions.
No matter what benefits you may be eligible for, please consider completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.
To check your benefits call 1-888-442-4551 (24 hours a day) or go to www.ebenefits.va.gov
GI Bill® Information
www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Check your benefits
1-888-442-4551
Chapter 33: The Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Apply for Benefits
- Visit the GI Bill® website to apply. After going to site, click on green button that says, "Find Your Education Benefits Form".
- Provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the BHSU VA Certifying Official (received 6 - 8 weeks after applying)
Chapter 30: GI Bill® - Active Duty
- Apply for Benefits
- Visit the GI Bill® website to apply. After going to site, click on green button that says, "Find Your Education Benefits Form"
- DD 214 (provide to Registrar's Office as well)
- Kicker paperwork (if applicable)
- Provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official (received 6 - 8 weeks after applying)
Chapter 1606: GI Bill® - National Guard
- Apply for Benefits
- Visit the GI Bill® website to apply. After going to site, click on green button that says, "Find Your Education Benefits Form".
- NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility - DD Form 2384-1)
- Kicker paperwork (if applicable)
- DD 214 (provide to Registrar's Office as well)
- Provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official (received 6 - 8 weeks after applying)
Chapter 35: Survivors & Dependents Education Assistance
Apply for Benefits
- Visit the GI Bill® website to apply. After going to site, click on green button that says, "Find Your Education Benefits Form"
Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation
Apply for Benefits
Meet with Voc Rehab counselor to complete paperwork:
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
2050 West Main St. Suite 8
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: 605-341-8165
Notify BHSU VA Certifying Official when registered for classes
Air/army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance
Go to the Tuition Assistance webpage for information and application procedures.
air/Army National Guard state Tuition Assistance
- Army Guard: Go to the State TA website to apply and or contact your Education Service Officer, SSG Kennedy at 605-737-6087.
- Air Guard: Contact your Education Service Officer, SMSgt Langloss at 605-988-5461.