The State Approving Agency (SAA) was established by act of Congress in 1947 to ensure that Veterans/eligible dependents can use the GI Bill educational entitlement in an approved educational program. The primary function of the Kansas State Approving Agency is to review, evaluate, and approve quality educational and training programs for Veterans benefits.

Programs that can be approved include institutions of higher learning (colleges and universities), non-degree institutions (vocational and technical schools), apprenticeship programs, other on-the-job training programs, and flight schools.

The Kansas SAA reviews the appropriateness of each program relative to the state's standards and laws, in addition to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rules and regulations and other applicable laws and regulations. The program is then either approved or disapproved. Continuous supervision is required of approved programs. There are over 145 programs currently approved in Kansas for Veterans educational benefits both degree and non-degree granting.

All of the above courses or training must lead to an educational, professional, or vocational objective. Courses such as bartender and personality development are vocational and recreational in character and are specifically prohibited from approval by law.

Applications

All applications (Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-Institutions of Higher Learning) must be completed and submitted by the school certifying official, registrar or supervising instructor. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Useful Links

OJT "On-the-Job" Training Brochure
This is an overview of eligible apprenticeship and job training program for the GI Bill® and possible monthly benefits. There are websites and contacts for further information.

GI Bill® Brochure
This is an overview of the GI Bill® Chapters and the education and training programs for which they can be used. You will find websites and contacts for further information.

Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training:

• Education and Training Home (va.gov)
  • View a map list of schools by state
  • GI Bill® Comparsion Tool

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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Contact Information

Brigette Hayes
Kansas Office of Veterans Services
700 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 1004
Topeka, Kansas  66603
Phone (785) 338-1900
Fax (785) 296-1462
Email: saa.kansas@ks.gov

Lori Thompson
Kansas Office of Veterans Services
700 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 1004
Topeka, Kansas  66603
Phone (785) 338-1815
Fax (785) 296-1462
Email: saa.kansas@ks.gov

Eric Rohleder (Kansas SAA Director)
Kansas Office of Veterans Services
700 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 1004
Topeka, Kansas  66603
Phone (785) 296-3976
Fax (785) 296-1462
Email: eric.rohleder@ks.gov