Military & Veteran Services

What being a 'Veteran-friendly' college means at NMC

At NMC, we are dedicated to supporting our veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard, and your families in achieving your academic and personal goals. As you transition to this new chapter, think of us as your team, ready to stand beside you on this next mission. We understand and value the skills and experiences you bring to our campus. More than just military-friendly, we’re fully veteran-ready and committed to your success.

Rest assured, we’ve got your six!

In 2025, NMC was one of only two community colleges in Michigan to earn Military Friendly® School status by the online community MilitaryFriendly.com.

The award was based on NMC’s performance in multiple categories of service to military and veteran students. The most heavily weighted, at 30 percent each, are military student support and retention, and graduation and career outcomes. Read more here.

​Getting Started

NMC prides itself on having many services specifically designed to support your individual needs. We will not only ensure that you have a smooth transition but will make sure that you have the necessary support and resources to accomplish your educational goals.

Thank you for your interest in NMC and, more importantly, for your service to our country!

• CONTACTS

  • Veteran Services — veterans@nmc.edu
  • Colleen Burry, Point of Contact, School Certifying Official — (231) 995-1048 or cburry@nmc.edu
  • Alyssa Irani, Registrar, Point of Contact, School Certifying Official — (231) 995-1058 or airani@nmc.edu
  • Ryan Deering, SVA Chair —  (231) 995-2774 or rdeering@nmc.edu 

• Eligibility For VA Educational Benefits Rests Solely With The VA

  • You may contact them by calling (888) 442-4551 or visiting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Apply for VA Education Benefits
  • Other Helpful Resources

New student Checklist:

• Apply for admission

• Apply for and/or transfer VA education benefits from another school to nmc

  • Reservists, National Guard or active duty intending to use Tuition Assistance or GI Bill® are encouraged to speak with their Education Officer.

• Email your va Certificate of eligibility to veterans@nmc.edu

• Request official transcripts

• Request Military transcripts

  • Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard — ORDER HERE
  • Air Force — ORDER HERE

• Sign up for New student orientation

• Apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student aid)

• Purchase Books

• Complete Continued VA Benefits Request Form Each Semester of Enrollment

Current student Checklist:

• Complete Continued VA Benefits Request Form Each Semester of Enrollment

• MGIB-Active Duty (Ch 30) and MGIB Select Reserve (CH 1606)

  • You are required to verify enrollment on the last calendar day of the month each semester of enrollment.
    • VA's Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at gibill.va.gov/ wave
      OR
    • Call the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at (888) 442-4551 (Education Call Center).

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (CH 33) and survivors' and dependents educational assistance (CH 35)

  • You are required to verify monthly enrollment each semester.
    • You can opt in for text messaging by calling (888) 442-4551 (Education Call Center)
      • Once you have opted in, you will reply to a VA text message to verify your enrollment.
    • If you prefer not to opt in to text messaging, you are required to call in your attendance verification each month you are enrolled by calling (888) 442-4551 (Education Call Center).

In compliance with the Veteran Affairs SIT-REP Act, Northwestern Michigan College will not impose any penalty, including but not limited to, the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, institutional facilities/resources, or require students to borrow additional funds for which interest or other charges are assessed, on any eligible students that are unable to meet their financial obligations because of a delayed GI Bill® payment. Students who are unable to make payments to NMC due to delayed GI Bill® payments should contact NMC's School Certifying Official, Alyssa Irani, at (231) 995-1058 or veterans@nmc.edu.

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 Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.