Veterans Affairs and State Approving Agency

The Maryland Higher Education Commission serves as the official State Approving Agency (or SAA), an approving authority for the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The SAA has approved and supervises over 400 postsecondary institutions that are legally operating in Maryland, including public and private colleges, universities, community colleges, training academies, high schools and private career schools.

In order for a veteran, reservist or dependent to use their GI Bill® benefits, the program must be approved by a State Approving Agency.

The Maryland State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs has been designated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to approve programs in accordance with the standards and provisions of Chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of Title 38, U.S.C., and Chapters 1606 and 1607 of Title 10, U.S.C..

MISSION

To promote and safeguard quality education and training programs for all Veterans and other eligible persons.
To increase the awareness of every Veteran, Service Member and/or eligible dependent concerning the full range of both educational and training opportunities available in the State of Maryland.
To protect the GI Bill® resources available for those programs.

CORE VALUES

Engage: Actively connect with veterans, training providers, and educational institutions to foster a collaborative and supportive community dedicated to the success of our veterans.
Inform: Provide clear, accurate, and timely information to veterans and educational institutions to empower informed decision-making and enhance the quality of education and training programs.
Support: Offer comprehensive assistance to GI Bill® approved training providers and organizations to ensure they maintain their approval and comply with federal policies and regulations, thereby enhancing educational opportunities for veterans.

RESOURCES FOR GI BILL® APPROVED INSTITUTIONS

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING & NON COLLEGE DEGREE SCHOOLS

MD SAA Catalog Review/Program Submission Portal (IHL & NCD) 

Uniform Application 22-10287 (IHL's Only)

Uniform Application 22-10288-Worksheet A (NCD's Only)

MD SAA Program Review Form for Uniform Application (IHL & NCD)

*TRAINING RESOURCES & GUIDES*

SAA CATALOG REVIEW & UNIFORM APPLICATION WEBINAR FOR IHL's (RECORDING)

SAA CATALOG REVIEW & UNIFORM APPLICATION WEBINAR FOR IHL's (PPT SLIDES)

CATALOG SUBMISSION FULL REVIEW (36 MONTH) GUIDE FOR IHL's

CATALOG SUBMISSION ANNUAL REVIEW GUIDE FOR IHL's

CATALOG SUBMISSION MODIFIED REVIEW GUIDE FOR IHL's

Note: Applications must be sent online through the MD One Stop portal for all GI Bill® approved IHL and NCD institutions and training facilities. Applicants seeking initial GI Bill® approval must contact the SAA prior to the completion and submission of an application. Failure to do so will result in the return of your application and delay in the review process.

INDEPENDENT FLIGHT FACILITIES

MD SAA Uniform Application 22-10288-Worksheet B (Vocational Flight)

MD SAA Flight Program Inventory Form

MD SAA Flight Facility Calendar Template

Note: Applications must be sent via email to our general e-mail inbox at vaeducationbenefits.mhec@maryland.gov. Applicants seeking initial GI Bill® approval must contact the SAA prior to the completion and submission of an application. Failure to do so will result in the return of your application and delay in the review process.

LICENSING & CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS

Uniform Application 22-10288-Worksheet C (L&C's Only)

Uniform Application 22-10288A-Worksheet C Exam or Test List (L&C's Only)

Note: Applications must be sent via email to our general e-mail inbox at vaeducationbenefits.mhec@maryland.gov. Applicants seeking initial GI Bill® approval must contact the SAA prior to the completion and submission of an application. Failure to do so will result in the return of your application and delay in the review process.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS

Uniform Application 22-10288-Worksheet F (High Schools Only)

Uniform Application 22-10288A-Workseet F Program List (High Schools Only)

Note: This application is only for the approval of Public and Private High Schools. Please contact the SAA for instructions about the application process before completing and submitting any documentation. Failure to do so will result in the return of your application and delay in the review process.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS FORMS

VA Form 22-8794: Designation of School Certifying Officials

VA Form 22-1919 Conflicting Interests Certification for Proprietary Schools

VA Form 10-0144A Compliance With Equal Opportunity Laws

Electonic Fund Transfer (EFT) Information

SCO RESOURCES

School Certifying Official Training Portal

School Certifying Official Training Portal Instructions

School Certifying Official Handbook

WEAMS Public Program Inventory (List of Approved Programs)

Department of Veterans Affairs: Resources for Schools

INSTITUTIONS & ORGANIZATIONS INTERESTED IN GI BILL® APPROVAL

Education and training providers (located within the State of Maryland) interested in GI Bill® approval must submit an inquiry to our general e-mail inbox. Please do not complete or submit any application prior to contacting us. Failure to do so will result in the return of your application and delay in the review process. If you are not located within the State of Maryland, please find your SAA of jurisdiction here.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS & ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS

Department of Veterans Affairs: About GI Bill® Education Benefits

Department of Veterans Affairs: How to Apply for the GI Bill®

Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill® Comparison Tool

Restoration of Benefits After School Closure or if a School is Disapproved for GI Bill® Benefits

Note: See requirements for Maryland Postsecondary School Closures and Closed School Transcripts

Do You Have Questions for Another State Agency? Find a Veterans Liaison here.

MHEC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR VETERANS & ELIGILBLE DEPENDENTS

Note: Scholarships and grants are facilitated by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Please send all scholarship and grant related inquiries to osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov or call (800) 974-0203.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship

Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF)

DVMF - State Resource Guide

Maryland National Guard Education Partners

~RECENT UPDATES~

The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2024

Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020

Note: For applications, forms and other requests, please contact us via our general e-mail inbox.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: VAEDUCATIONBENEFITS.MHEC@MARYLAND.GOV

MHEC Switchboard Operator 410-767-3300 or 800-974-0203 -- Fax 410-332-0270

Maryland State Approving Agency for Veterans Education & Training

Agency Staff	Position Title	Email
Everette Jackson, Jr.	Associate Director of Veterans Affairs	everetted.jackson@maryland.gov
Olayta Rigsby	Veterans Affairs Analyst	olayta.rigsby@maryland.gov
Wayne Holmes	Veterans Affairs Analyst	wayne.holmes@maryland.gov
Vacant	Veterans Affairs Analyst

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill