Can you get a VA loan for college?

The VA doesn't have student loans for college, but there are a number of federal veterans benefits, like the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, that can help pay for your college — and potentially allow you to graduate debt-free.

What is the best degree for veterans?

The best degree for you will depend on your goals. If you want to pursue a career in business, a degree in business administration or analytics might be best. If you want to break into a fast-growing field, you might want to study cybersecurity or information technology. Your skill set and personal goals are key to choosing a major.

What is the most military-friendly college?

There isn't one most military-friendly college. A number of schools have dedicated support offices for veterans and provide specialized career counseling and academic support services.

What percentage of veterans go to college?

Around 32% of veterans over the age of 25 held a bachelor's degree or higher compared to just under 36% of non-veterans, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute.

Guide to College for Veterans and Military Service Members

Updated on October 31, 2024

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Are you a service member? Learn how to navigate common challenges and opportunities when it comes to college for veterans.

Choosing the right college as a veteran or service member can be challenging.

Only 15% of student veterans are traditional college-aged students, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). What’s more, almost half of these students have children.

As a student veteran, you need a college that can support your needs without breaking the bank. Read on to learn how you can succeed in college as a veteran or service member.

Is College for Veterans and Service Members Possible?

Hundreds of thousands of service members and veterans attend college every year. In 2018 alone, nearly 670,000 veterans used VA benefits to further their education.

Many programs help veterans pay for college, with the most notable being the GI Bill®. VA benefits can help you afford vocational training, community college, a bachelor’s degree, and more.

Other financial aid programs cater specifically to active-duty service members. Each branch of the military, for example, offers its own tuition assistance program for students looking to earn a degree.

Finally, many colleges have resource centers for veterans, which typically offer support like career services, tutoring, and peer mentorship.

How to Apply to College as a Veteran or Service Member

You’ll follow most of the same steps as any other college applicant. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when applying to college as a veteran or service member.

Step 1: Apply for GI Bill Benefits

Don’t wait to apply for GI Bill benefits. Check your eligibility, get your documents together, and apply as soon as possible so you can get financial aid.

You should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which provides federal aid to millions of college students each year. The FAFSA is different from the GI Bill, so you’ll need to apply separately.

Step 2: Consider Colleges That Accept Military Service as Credit

Some colleges let you convert military experience into college credit. This can save you both time and money on your degree.

Use the ACE Military Guide to see which colleges accept military experience as credit.

Step 3: Find Colleges With Application Fee Waivers

You usually have to pay an application fee when applying to college, but some schools offer application fee waivers for veterans and service members.

Check schools’ admissions websites to see whether they offer application fee waivers. If they do, see what documents you must submit to qualify for the waivers.

Certain colleges may also waive SAT and ACT requirements based on your service.

Step 4: Gather Your Materials

You’ll generally need the same materials as a non-veteran student to apply for college, though exactly what you’ll need will vary by school.

Common application materials include:

High school transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Resume
SAT or ACT scores

Step 5: Fill Out and Submit Your Applications

Once you’ve got your application materials together, it’s time to apply. Make sure you submit all required materials by the application deadlines.

The Common App is particularly helpful. This platform lets you apply to multiple colleges at once and can save you time since you won’t have to upload documents for every school or write new essays.

Last but not least, don’t forget to note you’re a veteran on your application.

Financial Aid for Veterans and Service Members

If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or member of the National Guard or Reserves, you may qualify for GI Bill benefits to help pay for college tuition.

Criteria vary based on the program you’re applying for. You can find more information on the VA website.

If you have additional higher education costs beyond what the GI Bill covers, the Yellow Ribbon Program can provide extra support.

Keep in mind that these benefits are separate from basic federal aid. Filling out the FAFSA is an essential step when applying to college.

The GI Bill is a popular option, but it isn’t the only financial aid program you can use. Military branches run tuition assistance programs, and many colleges offer scholarships for veterans and their family members.

Popular Colleges for Veterans and Service Members

Here are eight popular military-friendly colleges with dedicated support systems for veterans.

Popular Colleges for Veterans and Service Members
School	Location	Military-Friendly Features
Arizona State University	Tempe, AZ	Robust career and financial support for military students
University of Texas at Arlington	Arlington, TX	Dedicated veterans affairs office to support student veterans and active-duty service members
Texas A&M University	College Station, TX	Resource and support center for veterans and service members and financial aid for veterans
University of Maryland Global Campus	Global	Specialized advising team for military students
Rutgers University	New Brunswick, NJ	On-campus veterans services and advising
University of Central Florida	Orlando, FL	Dedicated office for student veterans and military success
Syracuse University	Syracuse, NY	Well-known for its Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Colorado State University	Fort Collins, CO	Office of Adult Learner and Veterans Services (ALVS) with dedicated support for nontraditional students

College Resources for Veterans and Service Members

Here are common resources veterans and service members should look for on campus.

Veteran Resource Center: Many colleges have veteran resource centers to provide information and foster connections among student veterans.
Career Services: College career centers commonly work with veteran resource centers to offer career services for veterans, including resume-writing support and mock interviews.
School Certifying Official: Every college that accepts GI Bill benefits has a school certifying official in charge of coordinating with the VA so you can receive your education benefits. These officials typically work in registrar offices and veteran resource centers.
Veteran Readiness and Employment: If you’re a veteran with a disability, you may qualify for VR&E services through the VA. Campus benefits include disability accommodations, training, and job coaching.
Mental Health Center: Schools with mental health centers might offer veteran-specific services, such as group counseling.

Frequently Asked Questions About College for Veterans and Service Members

Being a veteran doesn’t necessarily make it easier to get into college, but military experience can help boost your application. Additionally, some schools accept military experience as college credit, which can save you time and money.

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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.