Hello, I plan on joining the military after high school and also want to attend college. I heard that some colleges are supportive of military deployment. Does anyone have any insight on these kinds of colleges?
Indeed, many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer a variety of supports and accommodations for students who are serving in the military, which can make deployment while enrolled in school a bit smoother. These accommodations can include tuition reductions, priority registration, leave of absence options during active duty, and more.
One example is the University of North Carolina system, which allows any student who is a reservist or guardsman called to active duty in the armed services to receive a full refund of tuition and required fees, or to be given a grade of incomplete or administrative withdrawal (W) in each class they're enrolled in, depending on what the student prefers.
Another example is Arizona State University, which has a Pat Tillman Veterans Center that assists veterans, active duty military members, and their dependents with various services. One service is offering assistance during deployment, where they guide enlisted students on the best course of action pertaining to their studies and guide them through the readmission process when they return.
Penn State University also has a Military Services department that assists student veterans and currently-serving military personnel navigate university policies, procedures, and federal aid and benefits. For students who are recalled for active duty, the school allows them to re-enroll without having to pay an application fee.
Remember, when looking into colleges, don't shy away from reaching out to their Veteran Resources or similar office. They're there to help and can provide a wealth of information on how they can assist during your period of service.
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