How to Help Students Align their Academic Goals with their Educational Benefits
For nearly 70 years, the GI Bill®️ has provided an educational benefit for veterans and qualifying family members to pursue educational and career training opportunities. One of the barriers some student veterans face in beginning their post-military education is discerning whether or not their academic and professional interests align with their educational benefits.
While both the student veteran and the higher educational institution should understand the specific policies of the Veterans Administration fully, below is a general overview of some standard terms and programs associated with educational benefits.
Understanding Educational Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is perhaps the most well-known education benefit for veterans. It covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual stipend for books and supplies. To connect student veterans with this benefit, colleges can designate a Veterans Affairs office or coordinator to guide them through the application process and provide ongoing support.
Yellow Ribbon Program
For students attending private institutions or out-of-state schools, the Yellow Ribbon Program supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to cover additional tuition and fees. Colleges should actively participate in this program and communicate their Yellow Ribbon commitment on their websites and admissions materials.
Montgomery GI Bill®
The Montgomery GI Bill® provides financial assistance for veterans with at least two years of active duty service. Educational institutions can assist eligible students in navigating the application process for this benefit, ensuring they receive the maximum support. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️, the Montgomery GI Bill®️ is not transferrable to dependents.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
The Veterans Affairs VR&E program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. Higher education institutions can collaborate with local VA offices to offer career counseling, adaptive technology, and accessibility accommodations to support these students.
Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB)
Active-duty service members can transfer their GI Bill® benefits to their spouse or dependent children. Colleges should be aware that not all students who are using VA education benefits are veterans — they may be children or spouses of someone who has transferred their benefits. Ensure that your marketing and support are inclusive of this fact.
How Your Institution Can Help
Establish a Veterans Services Center
Create a dedicated office or designate a staff member to serve as a point of contact for student veterans. A Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official (SCO) usually operates in this role under the institution's Veterans Services department.
Streamline the Application Process
Offer workshops, 1:1 coaching, or information sessions to help student veterans complete the required forms and documentation. Once students have applied to your institution and enrolled in courses, they will need to work with an SCO to request their benefits be certified by the school for Veterans Administration (VA). Upon receiving and accepting this certificate, the VA sends payment to the school and the student.
Communicate Clearly
Ensure that all relevant information about VA benefits is readily available on the college website and in admissions materials. Highlight your institution's commitment to supporting veterans.
Foster a Supportive Campus Environment
Foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for student veterans. This includes providing mental health resources, academic accommodations, and a network of fellow veterans.
Collaborate with Local VA Offices
Establish strong partnerships with local VA offices to facilitate a smooth transition for student veterans from military service to academia. Specifically, seek to coordinate with VA Health Care through the VA Student Health Care Program and other resources such as Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) counselors.
Financial Aid Guidance
Offer financial aid counseling tailored to student veterans' unique circumstances. Assist them in understanding how VA Education Benefits, such as the GI Bill®️and other forms of financial aid work.
Veteran Student Organizations
Encourage the formation of veteran student organizations on campus to provide a sense of community and peer support. Whether in person or virtual, acclimating student veterans into the social fabric of the institution correlates with their overall success.
Ongoing Support
Continue to offer support throughout the student veteran's academic journey. Regular check-ins and access to resources can make a significant difference.
Are you interested in learning how VVC can support your student veterans? Click here to find out how.