Resources for military families in college?

Hello folks, my family is deeply entrenched in the military, and I'm the first one considering going to college. Are there schools known to have resources or provisions particularly beneficial for students from a military background?

Indeed, many colleges and universities offer resources and support services particularly suited for military-related students, whether active duty, reservists, veterans, or dependents.

Firstly, it's important to consider institutions that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps students avoid paying out of pocket for tuition and fees associated with education that may exceed the national maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill reimbursement. In Yellow Ribbon schools, the college or university can voluntarily fund tuition and fees not covered by the GI Bill, and this voluntary contribution is then matched by the U.S Government.

Georgetown University, for instance, is considered a top Yellow Ribbon school due to its unlimited contribution matches and absence of a cap on the number of students who can participate. Other schools such as Northeastern University, Columbia University, and Dartmouth also have similar robust programs.

Furthermore, resources available to military-focused students often extend to academic counseling, career guidance, and health services. Institutions like Arizona State University and Syracuse University have their own dedicated centers for military-related students, providing comprehensive resources such as academic support, networking events, and assistance in transitioning to campus life. Syracuse's Institute for Veterans and Military Families offers programs that help with entrepreneurship and navigating the job market after graduation.

Through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, otherwise known as the GI Bill, a broad array of benefits are available such as educational benefits, home loans and reinvestment in businesses. You may want to consult the VA's GI Bill comparison tool to learn how benefits could be applied at different institutions.

Aside from the above, another resource at the disposal for students interested in military service is the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Participating in ROTC during your time at college can not only ensure full or partial financial assistance via scholarships, but also paves the way for a career in the military upon graduation.

A key point to consider is that each college's resources and programs can vary significantly. It would be prudent to reach out to individual college's veteran affairs office or equivalent, if available, to understand what's on offer and how they can be of assistance in your unique situation.

Lastly, a variety of external scholarships exist that are specific to military families, such as the ThanksUSA Scholarship Program, the Heroes' Legacy Scholarships, and the AMVETS National Scholarship Program. I would recommend that you explore these to see if there are additional financial resources that you can take advantage of.