College Guide for Military Members and Veterans

The United States has the second largest military in the world, with more than 1,281,900 active members and 801,200 in reserve. Thanks to the G.I. bill and other programs, U.S. military service members and the nation's 22 million veterans can affordably earn a college degree. In fact, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 62% of veterans and military service members are the first in their family to attend college, compared to 43% of non-military students. In this guide, we will examine the benefits and resources that are available to address the unique challenges that military students face.

Understanding Military Statuses

There are few factors that can impact a student's program or financial aid eligibility as fundamentally as military status. Where a student is in their military career can determine the type and amount of financial aid they can receive, what resources are available to them, and whether they can apply their service towards receiving college credit. By understanding the benefits available at each stage of service, you'll know when and how to start planning for college.

Educational Programs

In an effort to develop expertise, drive, innovation, and improve the lives of military personnel, the government has introduced a variety of educational programs specifically for service members and veterans. While some of these programs are designed to train personnel in advanced skills and concepts that are crucial to military operations, others help personnel transition back into civilian life and employment. Many of these programs offer free or discounted tuition to eligible participants, as well as employment assistance and advocacy services.

Depending on your service branch and status, you may be qualified for one or more of these programs. All branches of the military employ counselors who are responsible for helping service members determine which programs and services they are eligible for. Veterans can also receive assistance by contacting a counselor through their former branch, or through veterans affairs organizations.

Training Commands

Training commands don't grant degrees, but they do provide service members with a comprehensive education and life-changing opportunities. Building on skills developed during service, members of a training command will develop a MOS in one or more specialized areas. Depending on the branch, these areas could include everything from combat arms to emergency medicine. Some MOSs prepare personnel for other opportunities in the military or civilian education programs, or both.

Credit for Experience

Some schools allow students to earn prior learning credits for certain life and work experiences, including military service. By submitting a copy of your JST, college counselors can determine how many credits, if any, you may qualify for. You may be required to pass a competency exam in one or more fields or develop a portfolio before these credits are granted. Since these policies differ from school to school, it's important to contact prospective colleges for more information if you're interested in earning credit from your military service.

SKILLS GAINED IN SERVICE

Some colleges offer credit for specialized skills gained through military service. While policies differ considerably between schools, many will examine your JST to determine any credit you may have earned while enlisted, or request a portfolio presentation on certain topics. Some institutions offer standardized exams that measure a student's knowledge of specific subjects and confer credit accordingly. Below, we've listed some common skills that you may earn college credit for.

How to Choose a Military-Friendly College

Veterans and service members face unique challenges in their academic careers. Finding a school that accepts military tuition assistance and credit transfers is sometimes difficult, and deployment complicates matters even further. Fortunately, many colleges have adapted to meet the needs of military students. Military-friendly colleges are dedicated to the success of student service members and offer them additional support, flexibility, and credit opportunities. These institutions understand the needs of veterans and military personnel, and have adapted to meet those needs. Below are a few of the programs and benefits commonly offered through military-friendly colleges and universities.

APPLYING TO COLLEGE

If you've been out of school for a long time, applying to colleges can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, many institutions understand that veterans and military students have a great deal of academic potential. Even if your high school years are far behind you, the skills and experiences you gained through service can enhance your college application. Be sure to include your branch, rank, and any decorations received during your service when applying to college.

Most schools require applicants to submit an essay or personal statement with their application, both of which are great places to describe your military career in detail. You can showcase your desire to learn and the skills you acquired by talking about your specializations, achievements, and individual experiences, especially those related to your prospective degree program.

MILITARY SCHOOLS

There are many military colleges, such as The Citadel, that are well regarded for their prestigious academic programs. These schools are known for instilling discipline, physical strength, and intellectual rigor while preparing students for success in both military and civilian careers. While standards and academics differ from school to school, most combine military training with college-level coursework. Some also emphasize a particular field of study, such as war tactics or maritime law, while others offer a broader range of academic programs. Typically, students at this type of school are not required to perform additional service after graduation, but may still go on to pursue high-ranking military positions.

Service academies and military schools offer exceptional opportunities that benefit students in the service, the workforce, and beyond. However, admission is often highly competitive. Acceptance is usually limited to those with exceptional academic backgrounds, high standardized test scores, and a history of civic engagement.

Financial Aid Programs for Active Duty Military and Veterans

There are a wealth of financial aid opportunities available to active duty military members, veterans, and their families. While some programs offer benefits and tuition assistance to all members, others are specific to branch or status. Most branches provide financial aid counseling to help personnel determine their program eligibility.

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS BY BRANCH ELIGIBILITY

U.S. Army

U.S. Navy

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps

National Guard

Scholarships for the Military and Veterans

Scholarships are a great way to fund your college education. Unlike student loans, scholarships do not need to be paid back. Similar to financial aid programs, scholarship are often awarded by branch and include a variety of different criteria. Regardless of your field, you may wish to apply for a few of the scholarships listed below.

U.S. Army Scholarships

• AMVETS Scholarships : $4,000; must be a veteran or active duty service member not in default on any student loan, or convicted of any drug offense to be considered.

• Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship : $2,500; applicants must be female active duty soldiers or veterans who served or are serving honorably in the Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard. Their children are also eligible for this scholarship.

• Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarships : Varies; open to nursing students who are currently serving in the U.S. Army or have received an honorable discharge.

• Joseph P. and Helen T. Cribbins Scholarship : $2,000; applicants must be enlisted or honorably discharged soldiers who are pursuing a degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited school.

U.S. Navy Scholarships

• Minority Serving Institution Scholarship Program : Varies; applicants must be Navy-Option NROTC members with qualifying SAT and ACT scores who are enrolled in or applying to historically minority-serving institutions.

• Health Professions Scholarship Program : Full tuition plus $20,000 stipend; open to medical students who complete officer development training and pass a physical fitness test.

• Association of the United States Navy Scholarship : $1,000-2,000; applicants must be members enrolled in college full-time while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered.

• Navy SEAL Foundation Scholarships : Varies depending on academic program; open to Navy Special Warfare personnel who meet academic standards.

U.S. Air Force Scholarships

• Walter Beall Scholarship : $2,000-5,000; all Fleet Reserve Association members pursuing engineering, aviation, or aeronautical engineering may apply, but are selected based on financial need and academic aptitude.

• George and Vicki Muellner Foundation Scholarship : $5,000; must be a member of Arnold Air Society or Silver Wing to apply.

• Pitsenbarger Award : $400 and a one year complimentary AFA eMembership; applicants must be graduates of the Community College of the Air Force who are pursuing an undergraduate degree.

• Col. Loren J. and Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship : $5,000; open to Air Force personnel pursuing graduate studies in management or administration who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

U.S. Marine Corps Scholarships

• Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship : $10,000; open to active duty personnel and veterans enrolled full-time in a baccalaureate or graduate-level degree program who demonstrate exceptional academic and service ambitions.

• Frederick C. Branch Leadership Scholarship : Varies; applicants must be NROTC or Marine Corps members attending or planning to attend a historically black college, who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a minimum SAT score of 1000.

• Central Florida Marine Corps Scholarship : Varies; must be an active duty Marine Corps member or honorably discharged veteran who served at least six months and resides in one of seven Florida counties to apply.

National Guard Scholarships

• Combat Medic Service Scholarship : $5,000; open to active duty National Guard members and honorably discharged veterans who have been awarded the Combat Medic Badge for service.

• Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program : Varies; open to active members of the Alabama National Guard who have completed a FAFSA form.

• Dedicated Army National Guard Scholarship : Full tuition, plus additional funds; must be an active duty member participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program to qualify.

• Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program : Full tuition at approved schools; open to current Ohio National Guard members.

Coast Guard Scholarships

• Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Scholarship : Full tuition and up to $3,600 stipend; open to new enlistees accepted into a full-time degree program at a minority serving institution. Must be ages 19-28 as of September 30 of the fiscal year to be considered.

• Coast Guard Essay Contest : $1,500-5,000; active duty members, reservists, and veterans may enter.

• Low VA Rates Military College Scholarship : $2,500; must be a current college student on active duty.

• Veterans United Foundation Scholarship : Varies; applicants must be active duty service members who are enrolled or planning to enroll in college and who demonstrate financial need and personal drive.

Military Families Scholarships

• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation : $30,000; applicants must be the child of an active duty Marine, Marine Corps veteran, or Navy Corpsman who served alongside a Marine unit.

• Military Child of the Year Award : $10,000 plus other gifts; must be a legal military dependant between ages 13-18 to be considered.

• Dolphin Scholarship Foundation : $2,000-3,400; eligible applicants must be the child or stepchild of U.S. Navy Submarine Force members. They must be unmarried, enrolled in school, and under the age of 24 to be considered.

• EOD Warrior Foundation Scholarship : $2,000; must be the spouse, child, or grandchild of a NAVSCOLEOD command graduate and meet academic requirements to be considered.

Resources for Active Military and Veterans

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill .