Going from a military life to civilian life can be challenging for veterans and active-duty service members. They face many obstacles as they transition to a regular civilian lifestyle, such as balancing work, family, and school responsibilities.
The change from a structured military environment to a more ambiguous civilian world can be disorienting and frustrating. Many veterans feel unsure about the next steps in pursuing higher education.
But don’t worry! Not all colleges and universities are the same when it comes to meeting the needs of our military heroes. It’s important to identify colleges that are genuinely supportive of military students and offer the resources they need.
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Exploring Military-Friendly Schools
When veterans and active-duty service members are considering colleges, they should carefully research whether a school actively enrolls other military-affiliated students.
They should find out if the school accepts the education benefits available to them, has a dedicated office for military and veteran affairs, and values their military training by awarding school credits.
GI Bill® Benefits
The GI Bill® is an essential education benefit that provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. Look for colleges that are approved to receive GI Bill® benefits and have dedicated staff to assist with the application and certification process.
Teaming Up
Enrolling Other Military-Affiliated Students
Finding fellow veterans attending a college is a good sign. These pioneers pave the way for others and help create a supportive environment.
Even if a college doesn’t have a long history of actively recruiting veterans, there are best practices they can follow to better support and engage veterans in their pursuit of education.
By learning from experienced institutions, these colleges can improve their services for veterans.
Academic Programs and Flexibility
Consider the academic programs and degrees offered by the college. Look for institutions that offer programs relevant to your career goals and provide flexibility in scheduling, such as online courses or evening classes, to accommodate the unique challenges of military life.
Opening Doors
Accepting Educational Benefits
Our veterans have access to various tuition assistance programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
These programs cover housing stipends, supplies, tuition, fees, and other financial benefits based on their length of service. It’s important to explore the government benefits and additional advantages offered by state veteran departments.
Veterans deserve every opportunity available to support their educational dreams.
A Supportive Fortress
Veteran and Military Services on Campus
Military and veteran resource centers are valuable places for military-affiliated students to connect, share experiences, and seek support.
These centers create a nurturing atmosphere through specialized initiatives and programs, including service dog companionship and Green Zone training.
Mentors, who can be faculty, staff, or veterans themselves, guide and ensure the needs of these exceptional individuals are met.
Together, they form a united front against the challenges veterans face in their educational journey.
Recognizing Military Training
Earning Credits
Some colleges recognize the value of military training and offer credits for hands-on experiences. While this can shorten the time and cost needed to earn a degree, it’s important to consider more than just the number of credits awarded when choosing a school.
The goal is to find a college with a higher likelihood of graduation and a wide range of opportunities. Seeking expert advice in this area can help veterans make an informed decision.
Academic Programs and Flexibility: Consider the academic programs and degrees offered by the college. Look for institutions that offer programs relevant to your career goals and provide flexibility in scheduling, such as online courses or evening classes, to accommodate the unique challenges of military life.
Tips for Veterans Applying to College
Mapping the Path: Before leaving the service, veterans should consult educational assistance officers at military installations. These officers are helpful resources and can provide guidance on educational opportunities.
Researching Military-Friendly Colleges
To identify military-friendly colleges, you can utilize various resources, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs’ GI Bill® Comparison Tool, which allows you to compare schools based on factors like graduation rates, retention rates, and veteran-specific support services. Additionally, organizations like Military Times, G.I. Jobs, and Military Friendly® publish annual rankings of military-friendly colleges that can provide valuable insights.
Conclusion
Selecting a military-friendly college is an important step in your academic journey as a veteran or active-duty military personnel. Remember to research multiple options, visit campuses if possible, and connect with current military-affiliated students to gain firsthand insights. The right college will provide you with the resources and support needed to thrive academically and personally as you transition to civilian life.
