SAA Program Categories

Institute Of Higher Learning (IHL)

IHL’s are universities, colleges, community colleges, technical and/or business schools offering instruction at the post-secondary level which leads to an associate (or higher) educational degree. To be eligible for approval, the institution must be empowered by the appropriate state education authority (under state law), or accredited by a recognized accrediting agency to grant such degrees. This designation also includes hospitals that offer educational programs at the post-secondary level. Qualifications for IHL schools

Non-College Degree (NCD)

This category includes certificate programs, offered at post-secondary schools, which do not lead to a standard college degree. To be eligible for approval, the institution must be empowered by the appropriate state education authority to operate as a school in Michigan. NCD programs are normally offered at Community Colleges, cosmetology schools, business colleges, hospitals, trade schools, truck driving training, etc. Qualifications for NCD schools

Apprenticeship (APP) / On-the-Job Training (OJT)

This is an industry-based training in which a veteran or eligible person earns an entry-level wage while training for a designated skill or trade in a goal-oriented program. OJT and Apprenticeships offer a variety of training experiences. The majority of trades listed in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) are approvable providing that the establishment can satisfy the approval criteria. The VA sends apprenticeship or OJT payments directly to VA beneficiaries, not to the training facility. Qualifications for Apprenticeship Training / Qualifications for OJT Training

Vocational Flight Training

The VA offers flight training benefits to those who want to advance their pilot qualifications. Allowable Flight Training includes the training necessary for the attainment of a recognized vocational objective in the field of Aviation (i.e. Commercial Pilot and Instrument Pilot). The VA offers flight training benefits to those who want to advance their pilot qualifications. Allowable Flight Training includes the training necessary for the attainment of a recognized vocational objective in the field of Aviation (i.e. Commercial Pilot and Instrument Pilot). 

The veteran or other eligible dependent must first obtain their Private Pilot license at their own expense since the GI Bill® does not cover the training cost associated with this avocational objective. Please note that flight schools must be Part 141 approved and have been in operation for the previous 24 months prior to applying for approval.

Interested flight schools must also have a policy by which they evaluate prior learning and training and award credit when appropriate. Please contact the MISAA for more information and to apply at MISAA@Michigan.gov.

Licensing & Examinations

Licensing or Certification demonstrates an individual’s possession of the knowledge or skill required to enter into, maintain, or advance in employment in a predetermined and identified vocation or profession. Having licensing or certification tests officially approved lets veterans and other beneficiaries receive reimbursement for test-taking costs. State or local licensing approval requirements are minimal. For nongovernmental organization, tests must be generally accepted within the industry, must have existed for at least two years, and must meet other requirements. The VA sends test-taking payments directly to VA beneficiaries and not to the organization. Qualifications for L&E approval