Hiring Our Heroes - St. Louis
MOU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to St. Louis-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veteran Education in St. Louis (2026 Guide)
St. Louis, Missouri veteran education benefits: GI Bill, state tuition waivers, and free academic counseling for veterans and dependents.
About education for veterans in St. Louis
St. Louis (population 301,578) is one of the larger metros in Missouri, and several local and statewide programs serve veterans here. Most VA-administered care for St. Louis is delivered through John Cochran VA Medical Center. This page lists verified education resources filtered to St. Louis, plus the broader Missouri guide for help that is available statewide.
Veterans in crisis: dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net (24/7).
Education benefits are among the most valuable rewards of military service. Missouri veterans have access to federal programs like the GI Bill plus state-specific education benefits that can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. With approximately 390,000 veterans in the state, Missouri has built support systems to help veterans succeed academically.
This guide covers every major education benefit available to Missouri veterans, including federal programs, state tuition benefits, vocational training, and how to find veteran-friendly schools.
Education resources in St. Louis
St. Louis American Job Center - Veterans Services
MODepartment of Labor American Job Center serving St. Louis veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Student Veterans of America - St. Louis Chapter
MOStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the St. Louis area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
St. Louis Veterans Upward Bound
MODepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving St. Louis-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
St. Louis Community College Veterans Resource Center
MOVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the St. Louis area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - St. Louis
MOVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected St. Louis veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Statewide education resources serving St. Louis
These Missouri programs are not based in St. Louis but accept residents.
Student Veterans of America - Lee's Summit Chapter
MOStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Lee's Summit area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Lee's Summit Veterans Upward Bound
MODepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Lee's Summit-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Independence Community College Veterans Resource Center
MOVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Independence area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America - Columbia Chapter
MOStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Columbia area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Columbia
MOVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Columbia veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Springfield Community College Veterans Resource Center
MOVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Springfield area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Kansas City Community College Veterans Resource Center
MOVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Kansas City area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America - Independence Chapter
MOStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Independence area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can a veteran get education help in St. Louis?
- Start with the resources listed on this page, which are filtered to St. Louis and the surrounding Missouri area. If you do not see what you need, expand to the full Missouri education guide or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 for an immediate referral.
- What is the closest VA facility to St. Louis?
- Veterans in St. Louis are typically served by John Cochran VA Medical Center. Call 1-877-222-8387 or visit VA.gov/find-locations to confirm the right campus, clinic hours, and what services are offered before you travel.
- Are these St. Louis education resources free for veterans?
- Most listed resources are free or low-cost for eligible veterans. Eligibility, copays, and waitlists vary by program, so confirm cost and required documents (DD-214, VA award letter, proof of residency) when you call.