Hey there, I'm an upcoming senior whose parent serves in the military. I'm currently looking at state colleges in Virginia and was wondering about the type of support and resources they provide for military children?
Virginia is widely known for its commitment to supporting military families, and this extends to their higher education system.
Typically, state colleges in Virginia offer a range of resources and programs for military dependents. This could include dedicated departments or offices, such as Offices of Military and Veteran Services, designed to handle the unique needs of such students. These offices can provide support for various issues, from academic advising to navigating GI Bill benefits.
Many state schools in Virginia participate in the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. This program provides educational benefits to spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict. If you qualify for this, it can significantly defray tuition costs.
There are also various clubs and organizations at these colleges that cater specifically to military families and veterans which can make the transition to collegiate life smoother and build a strong community.
I'd recommend directly reaching out to the specific colleges you are interested in to ask about their specific resources. There are certainly support systems you're likely to find at nearly any school, but the exact level and types will vary from college to college.
Furthermore, I would advise you to check out the College Scorecard website to see how military-friendly the schools you're considering are. This resource provides data on factors such as the percentage of students receiving military benefits.
Overall, the experience of military dependents can be quite positive at state colleges in Virginia, but how well supported you personally feel can be subjective, and depends on your needs and the specific campus culture. I hope you find this overview helpful!
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