Why Michigan for Transitioning Service Members

• Between the beautiful Great Lakes and 11,000+ inland lakes, we have 3,288 miles of shoreline - more than any state except Alaska. 
• We're a top-5 state for low cost of living and a top-10 state for housing affordability (U.S. News). 
• 13,000+ miles of hiking trails and paths. 
• Five national parks, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - dubbed the Most Beautiful Place in America (Good Morning America). 
• The best of all seasons: Swimsuit? - check. Fall colors? - check. Snowmobiles and skis? - check. 
• Free fishing and hunting licenses for 100% disabled veteran residents. 
• Rural beauty and urban excitement - from historic lighthouses to 400+ breweries to professional sports teams, there's something for everyone. 
• LEARN MORE AT PURE MICHIGAN.

• Nearly 400 MVAA-certified Veteran-Friendly Employers. 
• Booming industries, with diverse opportunities in manufacturing, health care, automotive, defense, cybersecurity, agribusiness, government, information technology, life sciences, education, etc. 
• Diverse opportunities for diverse lifestyles - including urban, suburban and rural working and living. 
• Veterans make an average of $82,893 a year in Michigan, fifth highest in the nation, a 2020 study found. 
• Employment opportunities for spouses of veterans.

• 61 MVAA-certified Veteran-Friendly Schools.
• 93 colleges and universities.
• 1,000+ registered apprenticeship programs, some with opportunities for GI Bill® use.
• Opportunities for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans through GI Bill®, free college opportunities, Children of Veterans Tuition Grant, and more.

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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

• 5 VA Medical Centers.
• 18 VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics; 8 VA Outpatient Clinics.
• 8 VA Vet Centers (Community-Based Counseling Centers).
• Learn more in the health care section of our website.

• Our Veteran Resource Service Center technicians are available 24/7/365 at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to help connect you to the education, health care and other benefits and services you earned for your service. 
• A network of accredited Veteran Service Officers located around the state to help you file VA benefit claims. 
• Emergency aid available to eligible veterans and their families through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and other sources.