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Veterans Admissions

Welcome, and thank you for your service!

SMC is proud to support military veterans by providing specialized admissions advising by staff trained to help veterans make the most of their VA benefits. 

Veterans who enroll at Southwestern Michigan College are eligible for a number of benefits, including paying in-district tuition rates, early registration, and access to the Veterans Lounge, a place where vets can study, relax, and connect.  

SMC has been named a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

After applying for admission, our veterans’ advisor will work with you to navigate all the necessary paperwork for a successful enrollment.  

How to Apply for Admission and VA Benefits at SMC

Below is an overview of the steps you should take. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the contact information found on this page.

  • 1. Apply for or Update Your VA Benefits

    Apply for benefits or request a change of program or place of training at va.gov/education.

    Benefits are approved by the VA; SMC makes no determination in the eligibility for benefits.

  • 2. Apply to SMC

    You need to apply as a degree- or certificate-seeking student to be eligible for VA benefits. Fill out the free application online here. You should receive a decision letter via email and/or mail in one to two weeks.

    If accepted, the decision letter will contain a link to your Admitted Student Portal, where you’ll find your login credentials for SMC Wired and your SMC email as well as the status of your transcript and more.

  • 3. Request Transcripts from the Military

    We will need final, official transcripts from your high school and from any colleges you have attended. If applicable to your degree, you should also request your military transcripts through jst.doded.mil.

    To be eligible for admission, you must provide proof of high school completion in one of the following forms:

    • Final high school transcript
    • High school diploma
    • GED
    • Completion of a home school program

    Please note: individuals with a Certificate of Completion, Alternative Diploma, or equivalent high school status are not eligible for enrollment in a degree or certificate program.

    Work with your high school counselor and/or college records office to have transcripts sent directly to SMC.

    How to submit transcripts:

    • High school transcripts: Send ATTN: Admissions
    • College and military transcripts: Send ATTN: Records

    Learn more about transferring college credit to SMC.

  • 4. Meet with an SMC Advisor

    Meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC) to create an educational plan that will maximize your VA benefits. Contact askanadvisor@swmich.edu or 269-782-1303 to set up an appointment.

    Please note that you may need to complete placement tests when you come in.

  • 5. Meet with the School Certifying Official

    Contact veterans@swmich.edu or 269-783-2176 to set up an appointment.
    You will need to bring your Certificate of Eligibility. Your certificate will be mailed to you by the VA after you apply for VA benefits. It may take up to 30 days to receive the certificate.

  • 6. Attend New Student Orientation

    All new students are expected to attend an orientation session to register for classes and learn about campus resources and how to succeed at SMC. Sign up for orientation here.

Veterans Resources

Check out the resources available to veterans. If you have any questions, get in touch with the SMC school certifying official using the contact information on this page.