Minnesota Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Minnesota serves approximately 314,000 veterans - about 7.0% of the state's population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Minnesota, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Minnesota veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: Minnesota has 1 VA health care system with multiple campuses, 8+ community-based clinics, and excellent private healthcare options

Education: Free tuition at state schools for dependents of deceased/100% disabled veterans, strong GI Bill support, Yellow Ribbon programs

Employment: State hiring preference, Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M, General Mills), medical device industry, strong economy with low unemployment

Veteran Population Hotspots: Hennepin County (Minneapolis - 45,000+), Ramsey County (St. Paul - 25,000+), Dakota County (25,000+)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Minnesota

Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Minnesota's VA healthcare is consolidated under the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, which operates multiple campuses throughout the state.

Minneapolis VA Medical Center (Main Campus)

Address: One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Phone: (612) 467-3000 Toll-free: 1-866-414-5058 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 200+ beds (tertiary care)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services (comprehensive PTSD treatment)
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, cardiovascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation services
• Women's health
• Prosthetics
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory and imaging
• Geriatrics
• Palliative care

Specialty programs:

• Polytrauma support clinic
• PTSD residential rehabilitation program
• Substance abuse treatment (residential and outpatient)
• Homeless veteran services
• Blind rehabilitation
• Spinal cord injury care
• Telehealth services

Parking: On-site parking available

Serving: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and much of Minnesota

St. Cloud VA Health Care System

Address: 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303 Phone: (320) 252-1670 Toll-free: 1-800-247-1739

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health
• Surgery
• Specialty clinics
• Laboratory and imaging
• Pharmacy
• Geriatrics

Serving: Central Minnesota including St. Cloud, Brainerd, and surrounding areas

This campus provides comprehensive outpatient services and some inpatient care, reducing the need to travel to Minneapolis for many services.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Minnesota has an extensive network of CBOCs providing primary care and mental health services:

Duluth VA Clinic

Address: 4402 Haines Road, Duluth, MN 55811 Phone: (218) 723-7773 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth, laboratory

Serving: Northeastern Minnesota and Lake Superior region

Rochester VA Clinic

Address: 5940 Corporate Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901 Phone: (507) 252-0885 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty clinics

Serving: Southeast Minnesota, Mayo Clinic area

Bemidji VA Clinic

Address: 705 5th Street NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: (218) 755-6560 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: North-central Minnesota

Hibbing VA Clinic

Address: 1101 East 37th Street, Hibbing, MN 55746 Phone: (218) 263-9698 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: Iron Range region

Mankato VA Clinic

Address: 1250 East Adams Street, Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (507) 385-5600 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: South-central Minnesota

Montevideo VA Clinic

Address: 1025 North 13th Street, Montevideo, MN 56265 Phone: (320) 269-2222 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: Southwest Minnesota

Fergus Falls VA Clinic

Address: 1821 North Park Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-1400 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: West-central Minnesota

Maplewood VA Clinic

Address: 2785 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109 Phone: (651) 290-3040 Services: Primary care, mental health

Serving: Eastern Twin Cities metro, Ramsey County area

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide free counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members.

Minneapolis Vet Center Address: 2480 University Avenue SE, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone: (612) 725-2022

St. Paul Vet Center Address: 550 County Road D West, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55112 Phone: (651) 644-4022

Duluth Vet Center Address: 405 East Superior Street, Suite 160, Duluth, MN 55802 Phone: (218) 722-8654

Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, readjustment counseling

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Minneapolis VA Health Care System: Generally rated above average for quality of care with strong mental health and PTSD programs

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you don't plan to use it immediately. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.

Private Healthcare Access

Minnesota is home to some of the nation's best healthcare systems:

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester) - Internationally renowned
• University of Minnesota Health (Twin Cities)
• Allina Health (Twin Cities)
• HealthPartners (Twin Cities)
• Essentia Health (Duluth and northern Minnesota)

Many veterans with other insurance use private healthcare supplemented by VA services.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit Minneapolis VA Medical Center or any CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Minnesota operates several state veterans homes providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care:

1. Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis

Location: 5101 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Phone: (612) 467-3500 Beds: 335 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care, domiciliary

2. Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings

Location: 1200 East 18th Street, Hastings, MN 55033 Phone: (651) 438-8500 Beds: 242 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

3. Minnesota Veterans Home - Luverne

Location: 1300 North Kniss Avenue, Luverne, MN 56156 Phone: (507) 283-1100 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care

4. Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls

Location: 1821 North Park Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Phone: (218) 739-1500 Services: Skilled nursing

5. Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay

Location: 45 Banks Boulevard, Silver Bay, MN 55614 Phone: (218) 226-6300 Services: Skilled nursing

Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received honorable or general discharge. Some homes accept spouses.

Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs.

How to apply: Contact facilities directly or visit mn.gov/mdva

Education Benefits for Minnesota Veterans

Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased/100% Disabled Veterans

This is Minnesota's premier education benefit for veteran families.

Minnesota State Grant for Dependents of Veterans

Eligibility:

• Children (and spouses in some cases) of veterans who:
  • Died as a result of service-connected disability
  • Are rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA
  • Are classified as Missing in Action or Prisoner of War
  • Died on active duty or from service-connected causes
• Must be Minnesota resident
• Must be under age 30
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

Benefit amount:

• Free tuition at Minnesota State system schools
• Covers undergraduate and graduate programs
• Also provides stipend for books and fees

Qualifying schools:

• Minnesota State University campuses (formerly MnSCU):
  • Bemidji State University
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Minnesota State University Moorhead
  • Metropolitan State University
  • St. Cloud State University
  • Southwest Minnesota State University
  • Winona State University
• All Minnesota State community and technical colleges (30 campuses)

Duration: Until bachelor's degree is earned or student reaches age 30

How to apply:

1. Apply through Minnesota Office of Higher Education
2. Provide VA rating documentation or death certificate
3. Provide proof of relationship to veteran
4. Apply annually for renewal

This is one of the most generous dependent education benefits in the country.

Minnesota GI Bill State Tuition Reimbursement

Eligibility: Minnesota veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are eligible for federal education benefits

Benefit: Reimbursement for tuition and fees not covered by federal GI Bill benefits at Minnesota public schools

Maximum: Up to 50% of tuition costs at Minnesota public institutions

How to use: Enroll in Minnesota public school, use federal GI Bill first, then apply for state reimbursement for remaining balance

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Minnesota schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program:

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots (varies by year and program) Participation: Undergraduate and graduate programs BAH rate: ~$1,900/month (varies annually) Veteran enrollment: 2,000+ student veterans

Contact: Veterans Services Office Phone: (612) 625-5855 Website: veterans.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota has one of the best veteran support programs in the country.

Minnesota State Universities

Yellow Ribbon: Most Minnesota State campuses participate to varying degrees Check: GI Bill Comparison Tool for specific campus participation

Private Colleges

Several Minnesota private colleges participate, including:

• St. Thomas University
• Augsburg University
• Hamline University
• College of St. Benedict/St. John's University

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Minnesota public schools, regardless of residency status.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Minnesota while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge

Top GI Bill Schools in Minnesota (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - 2,000+ student veterans
2. St. Cloud State University - 800+
3. Minnesota State University, Mankato - 700+
4. Metropolitan State University - 600+
5. Winona State University - 500+
6. Bemidji State University - 400+
7. Minnesota State University Moorhead - 350+
8. University of St. Thomas - 300+
9. Century College - 300+
10. Normandale Community College - 250+

Employment Resources for Minnesota Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Minnesota law provides hiring preference to veterans for state government positions.

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Disabled veterans receive additional preference (10 points)
• Non-disabled veterans receive 5-point preference

How it works: Veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive preference points added to their application scores.

Where to apply: mn.gov/careers (Minnesota Management and Budget)

Minnesota has over 30,000 state employees, making this a significant opportunity.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) - Veterans Services

Phone: (651) 259-7114 Toll-free: 1-888-GET-JOBS Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing
• Interview preparation
• Skills assessment
• Career counseling
• Training program referrals
• Apprenticeship connections

CareerForce Centers: Located throughout Minnesota with veteran employment specialists

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Fortune 500 Headquarters (Twin Cities)

Minnesota is home to 18 Fortune 500 headquarters - more per capita than almost any state.

UnitedHealth Group Headquarters: Minnetonka, MN Industry: Healthcare, insurance Employees: 440,000+ worldwide (80,000+ in Minnesota) Veteran programs: Active military hiring initiatives Typical roles: Healthcare administration, IT, data analytics, claims, customer service Average salary: $60,000-$120,000 Website: careers.unitedhealthgroup.com

Target Corporation Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN Employees: 450,000+ (headquarters: 8,500+) Veteran programs: Team Target Military program, SkillBridge partnerships Typical roles: Supply chain, logistics, retail management, IT, corporate Average salary: $50,000-$100,000 Website: corporate.target.com/careers

3M Company Headquarters: Maplewood, MN Employees: 95,000+ worldwide (11,000+ in Minnesota) Veteran programs: Active military recruitment Typical roles: Engineering, research, manufacturing, sales Average salary: $70,000-$120,000 Website: 3m.com/careers

General Mills Headquarters: Golden Valley, MN Veteran programs: Veteran hiring initiatives Typical roles: Supply chain, manufacturing, sales, marketing Average salary: $60,000-$110,000

Best Buy Headquarters: Richfield, MN Veteran programs: Strong veteran recruitment Typical roles: Retail, IT, logistics, corporate

Medical Device Industry (Strong in Minnesota)

Minnesota is the medical device capital of the world.

Medtronic Headquarters: Fridley, MN (global headquarters) Industry: Medical devices Employees: 95,000+ worldwide Veteran programs: Active recruitment Typical roles: Engineering, research, manufacturing, quality, regulatory Average salary: $70,000-$130,000 Website: medtronic.com/careers

Boston Scientific (Minnesota operations) Location: Arden Hills, Maple Grove Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, R&D

Abbott (St. Jude Medical - acquired) Location: St. Paul area Typical roles: Medical device engineering, manufacturing

Stryker Locations: Multiple Minnesota sites Typical roles: Medical device manufacturing, sales

Zimmer Biomet Locations: Minnesota operations Typical roles: Orthopedic device manufacturing

Healthcare Employers

Mayo Clinic Location: Rochester, MN Employees: 70,000+ One of the world's premier medical centers Veteran programs: Values military healthcare experience Typical roles: Nursing, medical technicians, research, administration Website: jobs.mayoclinic.org

Allina Health Locations: Twin Cities metro Employees: 28,000+ Typical roles: Clinical and non-clinical healthcare

HealthPartners Locations: Twin Cities Employees: 24,000+ Typical roles: Healthcare providers, administration

Essentia Health Locations: Duluth and northern Minnesota Typical roles: Clinical care, administration

Technology and Financial Services

U.S. Bank Headquarters: Minneapolis Employees: 70,000+ Veteran programs: Military hiring initiatives

Ameriprise Financial Headquarters: Minneapolis Typical roles: Financial services, IT

Delta Air Lines (major hub at MSP airport) Veteran programs: Strong military hiring Typical roles: Pilots, mechanics, ground operations

Sun Country Airlines Headquarters: Minneapolis Typical roles: Aviation

Manufacturing and Industrial

Cargill Headquarters: Wayzata, MN Employees: 155,000+ worldwide Typical roles: Agriculture, food processing, supply chain

Ecolab Headquarters: St. Paul Typical roles: Chemical engineering, sales, service

Polaris Industries Headquarters: Medina, MN Typical roles: Manufacturing, engineering (recreational vehicles)

Defense Contractors

While Minnesota doesn't have the defense contractor presence of Virginia or California, there are opportunities:

Lockheed Martin - Small presence Northrop Grumman - Limited operations General Dynamics - Some facilities BAE Systems - Minnesota operations

Minnesota National Guard Employment

Minnesota National Guard members have access to:

• State active duty opportunities
• Federal technician positions
• Strong state support and employer partnerships

Apprenticeship Programs

Minnesota offers registered apprenticeship programs in skilled trades:

• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Carpentry
• Industrial maintenance
• Construction

GI Bill can be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Phone: (651) 284-5005 Website: dli.mn.gov

Veteran Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Phone: (651) 296-3644 Toll-free: 1-877-898-9090 Website: uimn.org

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Address: 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: (651) 296-2562 Toll-free: 1-888-546-8742 Website: mn.gov/mdva

Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, advocacy

County Veterans Service Officers: Available in all 87 Minnesota counties. Find yours at mn.gov/mdva

American Legion - 500+ posts throughout Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 400+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters AMVETS - Posts throughout Minnesota Military Order of the Purple Heart - Chapters in state

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management available through Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Stand Down Events: Annual events in Twin Cities and Duluth providing services, clothing, medical care

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans: Provides housing and support services Phone: (612) 746-4600

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Minneapolis VA Mental Health: (612) 467-3000 St. Cloud VA Mental Health: (320) 252-1670

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Bereavement

Legal Assistance

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) - Legal Clinic Free legal services for veterans Phone: (612) 746-4600

Volunteer Lawyers Network Free legal help for low-income veterans Phone: (612) 752-6677

County and Regional Veteran Resources

Hennepin County (Minneapolis/Bloomington)

• Veteran population: 45,000+
• VA Medical Center: Minneapolis VA (main campus)
• Vet Center: Minneapolis
• Major employers: Target, UnitedHealth, Medtronic, 3M, healthcare systems

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (612) 348-4444

Ramsey County (St. Paul)

• Veteran population: 25,000+
• VA Clinic: Maplewood CBOC
• Vet Center: St. Paul
• State Veterans Home: Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis (nearby)
• Major employers: 3M, Ecolab, healthcare, state government

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (651) 266-1380

Dakota County (Burnsville, Eagan, Apple Valley)

• Veteran population: 25,000+
• Proximity: Close to Minneapolis VA
• Major employers: Thomson Reuters, Blue Cross Blue Shield

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (651) 554-5528

St. Louis County (Duluth)

• Veteran population: 20,000+
• VA Clinic: Duluth CBOC
• Vet Center: Duluth
• Major employers: Essentia Health, St. Luke's Hospital, shipping/port

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (218) 726-2760

Olmsted County (Rochester)

• Veteran population: 12,000+
• VA Clinic: Rochester CBOC
• Major employers: Mayo Clinic (70,000+ employees)

County Veterans Service Office Phone: (507) 328-7300

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Minneapolis VA provides excellent care with campuses throughout Minnesota
2. Use free tuition benefit - If you're 100% disabled or deceased, your children get free tuition at state schools
3. Leverage state hiring preference - Minnesota state government employs 30,000+ with veteran preference
4. Target Fortune 500 companies - 18 headquarters in Minnesota, most actively recruit veterans
5. Explore medical device industry - Minnesota is global leader with strong veteran hiring
6. Connect with county VSO - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned

Minnesota's veteran support infrastructure is excellent, with strong healthcare, generous education benefits, and exceptional employment opportunities in one of the nation's strongest economies.

Additional Resources

• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: 1-888-546-8742 | mn.gov/mdva
• Minneapolis VA Health Care: (612) 467-3000 | va.gov/minneapolis-health-care
• Minnesota CareerForce: 1-888-GET-JOBS | mn.gov/deed/careerforce
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
• State Job Search: mn.gov/careers

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.