Starting College at 26 after Military Continuance

Significant question. I’m currently 25, about to get out of the military and I'm thinking of hitting the books again at 26. Is it way too late for me? Are there colleges that particularly welcome older students and veterans? Frankly, I'm lost here and could do with some advice.

You're definitely not too late to go to college! As a matter of fact, many students go to college later in life after having gained work or military experience. Furthermore, colleges tend to appreciate non-traditional students as they bring diversity and a unique perspective to campus, so it won't necessarily be an obstacle to your admission.

In terms of colleges that welcome older students and veterans, there are actually quite a lot. Schools like Columbia University and Syracuse University are known to have strong programs for veterans, for instance. You should consider colleges based on what you want to study, the support services they offer for veterans, and financial considerations.

You should also look into the benefits provided under the GI Bill, which can help significantly with college costs. Colleges with a "Yellow Ribbon Program" can provide additional funds without affecting your GI Bill entitlement. These institutions enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund tuition and fee costs exceeding those covered by the GI Bill.

Applying to college is not entirely different for non-traditional students. You'll need to complete applications much like high school students do, which will likely involve writing essays, submitting transcripts, and perhaps getting recommendation letters. However, your military service can provide compelling material for your application and essay. You've likely learned valuable skills, faced unique challenges, and have interesting experiences to write about.

Going back to school at any age is a big decision, but there are plenty of resources out there to help you. Best of luck with your college journey!