You have served your country proudly and are returning home to Arkansas, or perhaps have chosen to settle here from another location. Thank you for your service, and we are happy you have chosen Arkansas as your home.

As a result of your military service, one of the benefits you have earned is your G.I. Bill. The information here is intended to provide veterans and other eligible recipients of educational benefits with a starting place to find out about the benefits you may have and how you may use them.

We sincerely want you to find a quality education or training program that matches your interests, abilities, previous education and training and personal goals. You have worked hard and served your country well to achieve these educational benefits, and we want to help you make the best of them.

History and Purpose

In 1944, authors of the original G.I. Bill for World War II veterans recognized the responsibility of the state for the education of its citizens. They requested each state to establish a State Approving Agency (SAA) for purposes of the laws relating to veterans' education and training. Authors of future laws have continued to provide for the approval of courses and training programs by State Approving Agencies.

Chapter 36, Title 38, U. S. Code authorizes and the governor of the state of Arkansas has designated that the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education is the agency to approve educational institutions and business establishments that wish to enroll veterans and eligible beneficiaries under the G.I. Bill.

In Arkansas, the SAA has the single responsibility for approval of all schools and training sites that wish to provide veterans' education and training. The SAA approves all public and private university, college, and technical/vocational school programs so that the veteran can use his/her education benefits. In addition, the Arkansas SAA is responsible for approval of On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship programs that are offered to veterans.

The SAA evaluates the curricula, physical facilities, faculty qualifications, administration, and policies/procedures of each school or training program prior to approval. On-site visits to examine student records and application of policies and procedures are conducted annually. These visits are to monitor continued compliance with VA regulations and to ensure the quality of the program that is offered to veterans.

Program Criteria for Approval

Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Muskogee VA Regional Office

P.O. Box 8888

Muskogee, OK 74402

Toll Free Telephone: 1-888-442-4551
Email: muskrpo@vba.va.gov
For Information Visit: GI Bill

Links

U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Army
U.S. Airforce
U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Corp
U.S. Coast Guard
Department of Veterans Affairs Education (Benefits, Forms, and Pamphlets)
VA Education Institutions (Search Site)
VA School Certifying Official Handbook
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
National Association of State Approving Agencies
Department of Labor
E-Benefit (VA gateway to benefit information)
Troops to Teachers