After years of challenging and selfless service, many members of the military hope to pave their own way in a new career. Whether they made the decision to pursue higher education after their service or if they joined the military with this goal in mind, veterans can find it challenging to adjust to life as a student. Nonetheless, research shows that 12.5 percent of veterans earn associates degrees, and more veterans attain bachelor’s degrees than non-veterans.
In order to help veterans achieve these milestones, many colleges have developed programs that specifically cater to the needs of veterans. Through these programs, many veterans are able to establish successful and fulfilling careers in the civilian workforce.
What Makes a College Military Friendly?
The term military-friendly often refers to a certain standard that an organization or institution upholds to create a warm and friendly environment for those who served and have unique needs. While many schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, this doesn’t necessarily make them comfortable environments for veterans.
While researching colleges, it can be challenging to assess which schools will best accommodate a veteran’s needs. However, a few key features can indicate a true military-friendly institution. While exploring their options, many former servicemen and women consider the following:
- Liaison or Service Director Does the school have a dedicated liaison or service director who understands the unique needs of veterans and then assists with benefits and admission? Surprisingly, many schools prefer to merge these positions with the offices of admissions or registration and are unable to provide adequate support to veterans.
- Counseling Services Does the school offer high-quality counseling services? Veterans often seek academic, financial, and personal counseling while in school. Before committing to a college, it’s good to understand what resources you can access through the school.
- Credits Does the school accept military credits per the American Council on Education (ACE)? Military-friendly schools can easily accommodate the transfer of credits and know how to evaluate ART, SMART, and CCAF transcripts.
What About Online College?
Barrett Bogue, vice president for public relations and chapter engagement at Student Veterans of America, has said, As a nontraditional student, you have demands in life that traditional students do not have. You’re more likely to be married. You’re more likely to have a family and to have a part-time or full-time job.
For veterans who fit this description, taking courses online is often the best way to complete a degree. Benefits of taking courses online include:
- Comfort Many veterans deal with either physical or invisible traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder. By taking classes online, veterans can separate their pursuit of education from the other stresses of transitioning back into civilian life.
- Flexibility and Convenience As Bogue described, many veterans have a lot on their plates. Unlike most students who start college right out of high school, veterans often have families, jobs, and other considerable responsibilities.
Online classes allow students to work at their own pace. Without fixed login and logout times, online students can plan their study time around the rest of their busy lives. For veterans adjusting to civilian lifestyle, this can reduce the stresses of the transition.
- Support Just because online colleges don’t meet with students face-to-face doesn’t mean they don’t offer them support. Many online schools for veterans employ staff members who assist with tasks like filing for VA benefits.
Make a Decision That’s Right for You
Many online and traditional schools alike offer excellent support to veterans and their family members. However, what’s right for one veteran may not be what’s right for you. When deciding how to pursue higher education after military service, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and difficulties associated with each of your options. Whichever path you choose to take, you will always have educational opportunities made possible through your years of service.
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