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 Bronze-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

Request your transcripts at jst.doded.mil.

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.

Community Resources

Be sure to check for your local chapter on each site.

American Legion

AMVETS

Center for Women Veterans

Disabled American Veterans

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Helpful Living

Debt Management Center

GI Bill® Comparison Tool

Military Records – DD-214

VA Compensation Benefits

VA Life Insurance

Veteran Friendly Employers

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V/A). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Personal Wellness Resources

Benton Harbor VA Clinic
115 W Main St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-934-9123

Cass County Veterans Affairs
120 N Broadway St.
Cassopolis, MI 49031
269-445-4472

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

Military/Veterans Experience Group
317 N Paul St.
Dowagiac, MI 49047
269-795-6688

St. Joseph County VA Clinic
1540 Trinity Pl.
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-272-9000

Vet Center South Bend
4727 Miami St.
South Bend, IN 46614
574-231-8480

Veteran 24/7 Call Center
1-800-MICH-VET

Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255