Hi, I just retired and I'm looking at some 'military-friendly' colleges. I’m just wondering, are there more benefits in these schools for veterans like myself? Any advice would be appreciated.
Definitely, pursuing your education at a 'military-friendly' college can provide you with a number of unique benefits tailored to your needs as a veteran. The specifics can vary between institutions, but here are some common perks:
1. Credit for Military Training: Some schools offer course credit for military training and experience, based on the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. This means your time in the service could potentially shorten your path to a degree.
2. Veteran Affairs Offices and Staff: 'Military-friendly' schools usually have dedicated staff and offices to assist veterans with everything from admissions to counseling.
3. Yellow Ribbon Program Participation: This is an extension of the Post 9/11 GI Bill that can help out-of-state or private school students cover tuition costs beyond the GI Bill's cap. Not all schools participate, so if a school does, that's a good sign it's veteran-friendly.
4. Flexible Scheduling and Online Options: Giving veterans the flexibility to fit classes around other commitments is another common characteristic of military-friendly schools. Some offer online degree programs or night and weekend classes.
5. Veteran-Specific Scholarships: Some of these institutions offer additional financial aid or scholarships specifically for veteran students. This could further alleviate financial stresses.
6. Strong Veteran Communities: These colleges often have a larger veteran student presence, which can provide a supportive community experiencing the same transition from military to academia. Some schools have clubs or associations specifically for veterans.
7. Career Services and Support: Look for colleges with robust career services that can help translate your military experience into civilian job skills, as well as assist with job placement or internships.
Remember, 'military-friendly' is a loose term and can look different in different institutions. Make sure to research each college's specific offerings and how they align with your goals.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.