Military Veterans in college: Pros and Cons?

I'm a military veteran contemplating joining college soon. Can any fellow veterans share their insights on what the pros and cons might be? Any input appreciated. Many thanks!

Entering college as a military veteran presents a unique set of advantages as well as challenges.

First, let's take a look at the pros. Your military experience can lend you a unique perspective, which can greatly contribute to classroom discussions and enrich your college experience overall. Professors and fellow students often appreciate the real-world experience and maturity that veterans bring.

You also have access to financial support such as the GI Bill, which can greatly reduce the cost of tuition. There may also be other grants, scholarships, and programs that specifically target veterans.

Being a veteran can also be advantageous in terms of job hunting after graduation. Your military experience combined with a college degree can make you an attractive candidate to employers, and many companies are looking to hire veterans.

On the downside, making the transition from a military career to academic life can be challenging. Veterans often feel a disconnect from traditional students who do not have the same life experiences. This can make it difficult to connect with peers or feel fully integrated into campus life.

Veterans may also face challenges in terms of adjusting to the academic workload. Military training is quite different from studying for exams or writing research papers, and it can take some time to get used to this new style of learning.

In some cases, veterans may also have to deal with physical or psychological issues stemming from their military service, which could impact their academic success.

Despite some of these challenges, there are many resources available to help veterans succeed in college, from veteran-specific support services to networking groups. It's a good idea to do some research and find out what options are available to you.

These are just a few considerations. You’ll want to take the time to weigh all the pros and cons and decide what's best for you given your specific situation and personal goals.