Dakota County Technical College has shown its commitment to being a veteran friendly campus by being proclaimed a Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Company in 2010, opening a newly remodeled Military and Veterans Service Center in 2016. Military Times has ranked Dakota County Technical College #55 in the nation, #5 in the Midwest, and #2 for Career and Technical Education Best for Vets: Colleges 2023. DCTC has been ranked nationally by Best for Vets ten years in a row.
DCTC is dedicated to meeting the needs of student-veterans and active-duty service members. Some veterans face personal, relationship, education and employment challenges. Veteran’s families also may need support while their loved ones serve overseas and when they return home. DCTC, working with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, provides additional training on supporting veterans to counselors, student affairs staff, faculty, and administrators.
Dakota County Technical College is approved to process DoD Tuition Assistance for all its degree programs. FTA is available for those serving in the Armed Forces. Each branch of service has its own FTA policies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard). As required by Federal Regulations, every 3-6 years the U.S. Department of Education (ED) reviews and certifies DCTC to participate in Financial Aid programs, including adequate staff levels, expertise, and training, as well as required processes and systems. Those with specific questions regarding FTA eligibility should get in contact with their unit’s Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor.
Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard (ARNG) – Federal Tuition Assistance
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Air Force Tuition Assistance
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Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
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Navy Tuition Assistance
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Marine Corps Tuition Assistance
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DCTC has a policy that returns any unearned tuition assistance (TA) funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the period for which the funds were provided to the military Service Branch. Students who use Tuition Assistance (TA) are expected to remain enrolled in the course throughout the duration of the semester. If a student using TA withdraws from the course, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of the benefit that was originally authorized. To remain in compliance with the Department of Defense's policy, Dakota County Technical College will return any unearned TA funds through at least 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA that is returned is based on the date of withdrawal from the course. After 60% of the semester has passed, TA will not be evaluated for a return to the DOD.
The College Scorecard is a consumer planning tool and resource to assist prospective students and their families as they evaluate options in selecting a school.
The College Navigator is a consumer tool that provides school information about tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates, and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool.
The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet is a model financial aid award letter designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about college costs and financial aid so they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school. For a personalized Financial Aid Shopping Sheet, please see your Academic and Financial Aid Advisor. To see Financial Aid for our general College Financing Plan/Shopping Sheet. More information regarding Financial Aid./
The Paying for College website contains a tool that can be used by prospective students to compare detailed financial information for up to three schools at a time. This site also includes general information about financial aid and financial literacy.
The designated point of contact for VA students is Jill Fiedler, DCTC Veteran Services Coordinator and VA School Certifying Official.
If you are receiving Tuition Assistance (TA) and are seeking access to Education access and Disability Resources, please view our webpage for more information.
The Net Price Calculator is a tool for students and parents to use to get an estimate of what it may cost to attend Dakota County Technical College. These costs include not only tuition and fees, but books, transportation and other costs of living while attending college.
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Transfer Military Courses for College Credit
Register at Joint Services Transcript (JST) and have your JST be sent to DCTC.
View the Guide to the Evaluations of Education Experiences in the Armed Services to see which military courses may equate to college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
What are general options for credit for prior learning (CPL) or prior learning assessment (PLA)?
DCTC also offers programs that use 30 credits of Technical Electives, which can help you earn your degree faster:
For more information, contact Kirstin Nelson.
Established in spring 2007 in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, The Military and Veteran Service Center provides support to military members, veterans, and their families as they transition to college and beyond. The Center is committed to offering information and assistance as well as a welcoming space for students to gather for peer support.
The Center is located in Room 2-302 and is staffed by MDVA Coordinator and College Veteran Services Coordinator/School Certifying Official who are committed to helping veterans reach their higher education goals.
Services Offered
Important Links
Hours:
August through May:
0700-2030 Monday-Thursday, 0800-1630 Friday
June and July:
0730-1530 Monday-Thursday, 0730-1300 Friday
Listed below are resources on campus that can be beneficial to veterans and all students.
A one-stop resource for information and referrals regarding veteran’s benefits and rights.
Assists students and alumni to develop, evaluate, and implement their career plans.
Provides tutoring, testing, study and success planning to help students complete what they have started.
Provides accommodations and assistance to ensure equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities.
In addition to Veterans Education Benefits, veterans may apply for federal and state student financial aid.
The Mobile Pantry and Lunch Box are free for any DCTC student in need of food support.
A licensed practical nurse provides initial assessment and treatment of injuries and illnesses on campus.
DCTC is a stop on MVTA’s Route 420, which connects directly to Rosemount and the Apple Valley Transit Center, offering multiple connection points.
DCTC offers a wide variety of scholarships, including those that are military and dependent specific.
Provides listening sessions, identifies barriers, coordinate resources and assists students to develop a success plan to overcome those barriers.
A college retention program with the goal of helping students navigate the college experience from acceptance to graduation or transfer to a four-year college.
Listed below are resources off campus in Dakota County that can be beneficial to veterans.
Veterans Career Resources
Mission
The mission of the Dakota County Technical College Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee is to support the success of students, faculty, and staff, who are veterans, current service members and their family by honoring their service; advocating for military-friendly policies and practices; and providing access to veteran’s benefits.
Objectives
Committee Members 2024-2025
Military & Veteran Network on Campus
DCTC is proud to recognize the following employees for their military service.
DCTC also offers a Veterans Mentoring Program. View the brochure for more information.
The following military-friendly procedures reflect the spirit of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Company Status awarded to Minnesota State and Dakota County Technical College.
Application fee waived if indicated on application for Military personnel, veteran, dependent of a veteran or spouse of military personnel/veteran.
Admissions will accept Military DD214 as an alternate high school diploma or GED.
Veterans can register for classes during pre-advising week — this is one week earlier than the general student population.
DCTC has two reserved parking spaces in each parking lot for veterans and current military.
When requesting a transcript in-person, bring your military ID, DD214, or VAMC ID card to have the transcript request fee waived. Students must pay to have official transcript sent to other colleges or universities for online requests through the National Clearing House.
These individuals may: (1) withdraw from one or more courses for which tuition and fees have been paid that are attributable to the courses (2) be given a grade of incomplete and be allowed to complete the course upon release from active service, upon completion of medical treatment, or upon sufficient medical recovery under the postsecondary institution's standard practice for completion of incompletes (3) continue and complete the course for full credit. Class sessions the student misses due to performance of active military service or due to the person's medical treatment or medical condition must be counted as excused absences and must not be used in any way to adversely impact the student's grade or standing in the class.
Withdrawal and Readmission: Students who choose to withdraw must be readmitted and reenrolled as students at the college and university, without penalty or redetermination of admission eligibility, within two years following release from the state or federal active military service or following completion of medical treatment or sufficient recovery from the student’s medical condition.
Students should work with DCTC's School Certifying Official (SCO) to complete the proper paperwork and must complete a registration appeal stating which option they are seeking.
GI Bill students who are eligible and have applied for but not yet received veterans’ benefits will have their tuition deferred until no later than the expected date of benefits. These students must: 1) have a Veterans Benefits Form on file with the School’s Certifying Official 2) Submit proper documentation, i.e., VA Certificate of Eligibility 3) must be 100% eligible for Chapter 33.
DCTC will not require a student to use his or her federal financial aid, or other sources of payment for tuition and fees while it awaits VA payments within the 90-day period. DCTC may require the student to pay the unmet portion of tuition payments as a result of a student qualifying for less than 100% of the maximum amounts payable.
Students with questions should contact DCTC's Certifying School Official (CSO).
Credit achieved through military training will be considered for transfer according to ACE's Military Guide and evaluated for transfer. Veterans Education Transfer System (VETS) is an online application that helps past, present and future servicemen and servicewomen determine how their military training can count for credit at Minnesota State institutions.
All students pay the same resident tuition rate.
About DCTC Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Challenge Coins
Challenge coins are awarded to employees who are veterans, and veterans, service members, and their dependents utilizing military benefits upon the completion of a degree or diploma at Dakota County Technical College.
Additionally, through a rigorous nomination process, challenge coins may be awarded to employees who have demonstrated outstanding support of students in the military community. Download the form below to nominate an employee!
Challenge Coin Recipients
The following individuals have been awarded a challenge coin by the DCTC Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee for their outstanding support for the military community.
Kathy Bachman
Regional Coordinator – MN Department of Veteran Affairs
Awarded November 2018
Kathy served in the U.S. Navy, her husband served in the U.S. Army Reserve and as a U.S. Navy Seabee, she has a son who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and a daughter currently serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Kathy has worked in Veterans Affairs for 11 years, dedicating her career to supporting our military community. Kathy supports the success and well-being of veterans through her role on campus managing the Military and Veterans Service Center, ensuring the space is warm, welcoming, and meets the needs of our student-veterans. Kathy was instrumental in securing funding for the current Military and Veterans Service Center. When Kathy learns of needs that veterans have, she utilizes her support network to meet the need. One example of this is when a student-veteran needed living room furniture and Kathy was able to find someone who had furniture that needed a new home through her network. Meeting this need helped the veteran’s wellbeing and financial stability.
Scott Gunderson
Business Management Faculty
Awarded November 2018
Scott has been a strong advocate of Credit for Prior Learning and ensuring veterans are awarded credit for their military experience. Scott spearheaded the creation of the Technical Management degree with veterans in mind so they could gain up to 40 credits toward the degree for their military experience. Scott’s students who are veterans say that he is understanding their needs and what they are going through. He always has their best interests in mind, and goes above and beyond to support their success inside and outside of the classroom. Read Scott’s full bio.
Diane Frandrup
Registration Coordinator
Awarded November 2019
Diane has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support our student-veterans. She coordinates awarding challenge coins to veteran-graduates and volunteered at the Veterans Club BBQ fundraiser. Additionally, she has volunteered multiple years at Support Our Troops Haunted House, and has coordinated the Student Affairs Adopt a Veteran for the Holidays multiple times. Several of Diane’s family members have served in the military, and she brings this first-hand experience and knowledge to our campus to support our student-veterans.
Anne Johnson
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
Awarded November 2018
Anne’s brother served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years serving two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
Anne is the administrative champion on campus for veterans. The increase in focus on veteran’s services and initiatives in recent years on campus is due to Anne’s dedication to serve our student-veteran population. Anne wrote the Title III Grant which provides funding for staff positions focused on increasing usage of credit for prior learning and supports the success of adult learners and veterans. Anne was also the principle administrative ally who advocated for a larger veteran’s center space to ensure veterans’ needs were met. The number of visits to center have tripled since moving to the new location.
Brett Kolles
English Faculty
Awarded November 2018
Brett has connected with countless veterans through his classes and has remained in close contact with some long after graduation.
Brett ensures that student-veterans in his classes know where to get support. During his classes, he lets his students know that there is a veteran’s center on campus, that his door is always open, and if he doesn’t know the answer to a question a veteran has, he will find out it. As Lions Club Advisor, Brett has supported and coordinated campus-wide events on PTSD and suicide awareness. Brett’s students see him as an advocate for veterans. When one of his students told him she was having issues with the VA, Brett connected her to Veterans Affairs staff on campus who were able to help get her the answers she needed. Read Brett’s full bio.
Kerry Lurken
Veterans Services Coordinator
Awarded November 2019
Kerry served as DCTC's School Certifying Official for 12 years, and was the go-to staff member for military students for any issues regarding classes, VA benefits, and personal issues. Kerry has coordinated multiple trainings and presentations on military benefits for students and employees. Kerry is a long-time member of the beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee and previously served as Veterans Club Advisor. He has also volunteered at many campus and fundraising events for veterans.
Nicole Meulemans
Director of Student Life
Awarded November 2018
Nicole’s father served in the U.S. Navy.
In 2009, Nicole began collaborating with the campus community as well as the City of Rosemount to come up with a plan to serve veterans, current military and their family members. The result of her efforts paid off and in 2010 DCTC became the first campus in the metro area to earn the proclamation of a Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Campus. Nicole continued supporting the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon initiative by attending Minnesota State Conferences where she was able to share best practices on how to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campus. Nicole continues to support veterans, current military and their family members by volunteering in her spare time for Flags for Fort Snelling, assisting Rosemount Yellow Ribbon, and packing back packs for children of service members. Read Nicole’s full bio.
Anna Voight
Associate Director of Student Life
Awarded November 2018
Anna's brother served in the MN Army National Guard serving a tour of duty in Iraq, and her grandfathers served in the Army and Air Force serving in WWII and the Korean War, respectively.
Anna has served as Chair of the Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Committee since 2016 and has done an exceptional job moving initiatives forward in support of our student veterans and their families, including implementing the DCTC Challenge Coin for student-veteran graduates, faculty, and staff; adding campus signage about the BTYR designation and reserved parking spaced for veterans; and planning a veterans orientation welcome event for incoming veterans. Anna has implemented a continuous improvement process for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee initiatives and goals to focus on quality, and worked with the campus’s Institutional Research department to create a military-specific program evaluation to help improve programming. With her leadership DCTC has risen to ##6 in the nation and ##1 in Minnesota as the best technical college for veterans (as of 2018), according to Military Times Magazine. Read Anna’s full bio.
Gina Zimmer
Customized Training Admin Support
Awarded November 2019
Gina is passionate about supporting our student-veteran population. She has served on the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee for three years and she will do whatever is needed to support our veterans. She has volunteered at Veterans Club fundraisers, packing backpacks for military kids, and has supported Toys for Military Kids. Gina goes above and beyond to support our veterans on campus and will do whatever it takes to help them succeed. Gina’s Grandfather, Father in Law and three Uncles, have served in the Army and is proud of her families service and sacrifice.
DCTC periodically conducts a veteran satisfaction survey to learn how we can better support veterans on campus.
Starting college as a veteran can at times be complex and often requires some time for adjustment. Connecting with other veterans on campus can help overcome the stress and challenges of this transition. We offer student veterans opportunities to meet other veterans on campus and join together for camaraderie and peer support through the Veterans Club.
Students interested in joining can submit a Student Life Interest Form or contact the club advisor.
