How Military Service Can Affect College Admissions

<p>If you have military experience and are thinking about going to college, you may be wondering how your military service may impact your college experience. The process for American veterans may differ from the typical college admissions process. So, which financial aid options to help fund your higher education and how does this work? </p> <p>Current and former service members can enjoy exclusive benefits but face unique challenges when pursuing their college degrees, which can affect college admissions. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/does_military_pay_for_college.html">Military education benefits</a> can help to cover costs, but balancing student commitments with military responsibilities can be a struggle. </p> <p>Still, many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_military-friendly_online_colleges.html">military-friendly online colleges</a> make the process easier. Read on for more information about the admissions process to understand what to expect as you enroll in college. </p> <h2 id="section---WaysMilitaryServiceImpactsCollegeAdmissions">Ways Military Service Impacts College Admissions</h2> <p>College students who have served as military personnel face several differences from those who enroll right out of high school. Let's look at some of the impacts your military background can have on the college admissions process. </p> <h3 id="section---1.TransferCredits">1. Transfer Credits</h3> <p>Many colleges and universities award college credit for military training, active duty, and other forms of military service. By receiving credit for service experience, you may not have to take as many college courses; this can help you graduate sooner and more affordably. </p> <p>Each school has its distinct policies regarding transfer credits. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/top_schools_that_accept_military_credits.html">schools accept military credits</a>, but not all will. Before enrolling, check with any school you are considering to determine if your military service is accepted as credit. </p> <h3 id="section---2.MilitaryBenefits">2. Military Benefits</h3> <p>Various military benefits are available to help veteran students pay for their education. Below, we'll discuss these benefits and how they work. </p> <h4 id="section---GIBill">GI Bill</h4> <p>The GI Bill has been around since 1944. It provides funds to help military veterans pay for college or career training. </p> <p>Not all veterans qualify to receive the same amount of funding. That said, eligible vets may receive up to four years of full or partial funding for their degree. </p> <h4 id="section---MilitaryCollegeFund">Military College Fund</h4> <p>The Military College Fund is available through the Department of Defense and is sometimes called the GI Bill Kicker. Not everyone who receives GI Bill benefits receives these extra funds, but those who do are allotted an additional amount of money toward their education. </p> <p>If you are eligible for the Military College Fund, you will receive the additional funds each month as part of your GI Bill payment. You can then apply these toward your college education. </p> <h4 id="section---MilitaryScholarships">Military Scholarships</h4> <p>Scholarships are merit-based awards from various organizations, usually schools, businesses, or nonprofits. There are many scholarships specifically available for military students. </p> <p>Some top scholarships to consider include: </p> <ul><li>Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship </li><li>AMVETS Scholarship </li><li>The Fund for Veterans Education Scholarship </li></ul><h4 id="section---TuitionAssistance">Tuition Assistance</h4> <p>Each branch of the military offers tuition assistance benefits for those who attend school while on active duty. These benefits may be up to $250 per credit hour. </p> <p>While these tuition assistance programs may not cover the full cost of your tuition, they can help you greatly reduce those costs. They can also be combined with GI Bill benefits and other forms of aid to cover any remaining expenses. </p> <h4 id="section---VAWorkStudyProgram">VA Work-Study Program</h4> <p>Federal work-study programs make it possible for students to work while in college and apply their earnings toward their educational expenses. Those with a history in the Army, Navy, and Air Force may be eligible for a work-study program through the Department of Veterans Affairs. </p> <p>To be eligible for this work-study program, you must be enrolled at least 3/4-time in an educational program, use approved VA education benefits, and finish the work-study contract while maintaining eligibility for education benefits. </p> <h3 id="section---3.SpecialConsideration">3. Special Consideration</h3> <p>Military service can affect your college application process because you may receive special consideration as a veteran. This is especially true at institutions that are considered military-friendly schools. </p> <p>These schools recognize that you are a nontraditional student with a unique background and set of circumstances. They will take your unique history into account as they consider your application and make an admissions decision. </p> <h3 id="section---4.LeadershipAndTeamworkSkills">4. Leadership and Teamwork Skills</h3> <p>Your time in the military likely equipped you with a beneficial skillset. Skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, and more can help you both in your college experience and as you return to other facets of civilian life. </p> <p>Your military experience will likely benefit you in the classroom as you contribute your unique perspectives to class discussions and take on leadership roles while completing projects. These skills may benefit you during the admissions process, as many colleges are happy to add veterans to their student body because of their skills and experiences. </p> <h3 id="section---5.NetworkingOpportunities">5. Networking Opportunities</h3> <p>As a former member of the military, attending college will provide you with ample opportunities to network with other veterans as well as those in your desired profession. These opportunities can provide support, leading to academic success and professional opportunities. </p> <p>Professors, peers, advisors, and others you meet on campus can not only become good friends and connections, but they may also point you toward other resources like job opportunities or people in their own networks. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutMilitaryServiceSImpactOnCollegeAdmissions">FAQs About Military Service's Impact on College Admissions</h2> <p>If you still have questions about attending college as a veteran, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may have. </p> <h3 id="section---DoVeteransHaveAHigherAcceptanceRate">Do Veterans Have a Higher Acceptance Rate?</h3> <p>Veterans don't necessarily have a higher acceptance rate in college than traditional students do. Whether they are accepted into the school of their choice will depend on their academic background and potential. </p> <p>Veterans generally have a better overall acceptance rate at military-friendly schools than prestigious institutions, like Ivy League schools. But that is true of both veterans and non-veterans. Those with a military history and demonstrated academic excellence may be accepted into even the most prestigious schools in the country. </p> <h3 id="section---DoVeteransStruggleInCollege">Do Veterans Struggle in College?</h3> <p>Veterans can face unique challenges when attending college. Research suggests that veterans are more likely to engage in behaviors harmful to their health (e.g., substance abuse) than non-veterans. Psychological issues related to military service, such as PTSD, can also present challenges. </p> <p>That said, not all veterans struggle with the same challenges. Many veterans are highly successful in college, maintaining a high GPA and graduating with honors. </p> <h3 id="section---DoesCollegeBecomeEasierAfterJoiningTheU.S.Military">Does College Become Easier After Joining the U.S. Military?</h3> <p>Whether or not college is 'easy' or 'hard' will depend on each individual student, whether or not that student has a military background. Each student is different, so each one will have a different experience when it comes to college. </p> <p>Some students may struggle in college while dealing with issues related to their military experience, such as PTSD. On the other hand, many students find that military service helps them in school because they have developed the skills and self-discipline needed to make college easier for them.</p>