EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

At BHSU, we will accept up to 30 credit hours of non-traditional course work and training. These can come from different sources such as DANTES and ACE Credits. We will be happy to work with you to access your current transcript and what can be used to match the requirements of the program you are interested in pursuing.

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.
• 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

• 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.

For questions about benefits, please use the following resources:

• GI Bill Website- www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
  The GI Bill website should be the first stop for student questions. It contains information, online application for benefits, change program/school forms, etc. 
• VA Education Call Center- 888-442-4551
  This is where students can verify benefits, follow up on payments, and ask general questions. 
• eBenefits- www.ebenefits.va.gov
  Here students can check their benefits status as well as the amount of benefit remaining. 

The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program provides an opportunity for students to receive college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional college classroom. BHSU administers the DSST exams year-round in the Office for Academic Success

The following is a list of DSST tests along with the minimum scores acceptable for granting college credit within the South Dakota Public University System.