The Maryland Higher Education Commission State Approving Agency (SAA) is responsible for granting the necessary approvals needed for the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay veterans and other eligible persons their G. I. Bill education benefits.  The SAA is the approving authority for schools located in the State of Maryland. 

To start the approval process a school or training institution official may send a letter on the institution's letterhead requesting approval to certify veterans and other eligible persons to receive G. I. Bill education benefits while enrolled in their programs.  The letter of application constitutes an official request from the institution.  Please submit your letter along with the original application packet to:

Maryland Higher Education Commission
State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Benefits
6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201

Veterans Education Benefits
General Inquiries:   vaeducationbenefits.mhec@maryland.gov​

New Institution Approval Application Checklist & Packet (IHL's & Private Career Schools/NCD) (PDF)  or (MSDOC)

Accredited Public & Private High Schools - (Please contact the SAA Director for specific details) - (PDF) OR (MSDOC)

Institutional Approval Updates:

For an eligible student to receive their G. I. Bill education benefits they must be matriculated in a VA/SAA approved program, and attend during a term (of time) under which it has been approved.  It is the responsibility of the institution to maintain current approvals.  The SAA assists institutions with maintaining program information and approval.  Institutions are required to send the SAA 1 copy of their student catalog every time a new edition is published, or at least once every 3 years.  Institutions are also expected to keep the SAA informed on a change of ownership, change in policy, new programs, program changes, and current or projected term dates.

Each state has a State Approving Agency (SAA) responsible for granting the necessary approvals needed for the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay veterans and other eligible persons their G. I. Bill education benefits. The Maryland Higher Education Commission's SAA is the approving authority for licensing and certification entities based in the State of Maryland.  To start the approval process an official of a testing entity may send a letter, on letterhead, requesting approval. The letter of application must be an official request of the entity.  To make application, please write and send the completed form to: 

Maryland Higher Education Commission
State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Benefits
6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor, 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Application for Training Establishment seeking approval for Licensing and Certification (PDF) or(MSDOC)
    
Licensing and Certification Programs & Test Reimbursement​​

List of State Approving Agencies

New VA Contact # for School Certifying Officials ONLY   (855)225-1159  (Mon-Fri, Hours 7 am - 5 pm)
You must have your facility code available