Hey everyone, I'm currently serving in the US military and planning on transitioning to college when I finish my service by next year. I'm considering colleges in California. Any advice on which colleges have great support for veterans?
There are several colleges in California that are particularly supportive of veterans. Here are a few:
1. Stanford University: This university provides priority registration for veterans and has an Office for Military-Affiliated Communities which serves as a one-stop shop for all inquiries and services related to serving the military community. They have also developed the Stanford 2 to 4 program, which aims to support community college transfers, a pathway that many veterans use to gain admission to Stanford.
2. University of Southern California (USC): They have a dedicated office for veteran services which provides resources on getting GI Bill benefits, campus cultural activities specifically for veterans, and academic counseling.
3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA has a Veterans Resource Office established to assist veterans in their transition. They also offer a Veteran Peer Mentor Program, and students can participate in the Student Veterans of America UCLA chapter for additional support and camaraderie.
4. California State University, San Bernardino: This university has a Veterans Success Center which offers services such as academic support, career services, counseling and psychological services, plus disability accommodations.
5. San Diego State University: SDSU has a Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center that offers a space for veterans to find support and resources.
While these colleges have dedicated resources for veterans, remember to review their academic programs to ensure they offer the courses and degree programs that align with your career goals. You should also consider factors such as campus culture and geographical location to ensure they're a good fit for you. It's also a good idea to reach out directly to these Veteran offices at the colleges you are interested in, to better understand their programs and support systems, as well as how to initiate the process of applying for and receiving benefits under the GI Bill. Good luck on your transition, and thank you for your service!
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