How Do You Identify and Reach Student Veterans?
If student veterans are your target demographic, first, you must learn about them. If your institution already has a robust student veteran population, you can look at those statistics and demographics or even take a survey to get more answers.
But if you're looking to increase your student veteran population or provide more resources and information, you may need to start by learning more about that group of students.
In a recent study by the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, specifically on student veterans, researchers discovered that three-quarters of student veterans were enrolled as full-time students, and a little over half were attending public institutions. Another 27% of student veterans were enrolled in for-profit institutions.
Most student veterans are typically older than their peers, usually in the 18 to 23 age range. Only 15% of veterans fall within that five-year range. Most student veterans are 24 to 40 years of age. Almost half of all student veterans are married, or parents, and three-quarters are male—over half are white and first-generation college students.
Like students who are not military-affiliated, student veterans pursue a wide range of majors and interests. But student veterans had an average GPA of 3.39 in 2019, slightly above the average undergraduate GPA of 3.15. A little over half of the student veterans complete their degree, which is on par with the national average but higher than other adult learners.
What do the Statistics Tell You about Student Veterans?
So, what does all this mean about student veterans? How can you attract them to your school or program? It's not enough to know statistics about student veterans. You also need to understand veterans. And make sure that they are comfortable talking to you.
Related: 6 Resources & Organizations to Help Veteran Students Transition to College
Transitioning from the military to college may be harder for student veterans than for other adult learners. They tend to spend less outside time on their studies because they have other responsibilities, like work and family. They may also struggle to transition from on-the-job training to a traditional classroom.
Financially, many student veterans use educational benefits that cover most expenses. But they may not cover all of them. Student veterans are often disadvantaged regarding in-person tuition expenses because of moving consistently before separation. They may also not be eligible for some scholarships due to interruptions because of military service.
How do you Reach Student Veterans?
Once you've established that you want to reach more student veterans, you should evaluate your available programs and resources for them. Then, it's time to find a way to be attractive to them when they determine which school and program they want to attend.
Related: 5 Ways to Help Student Veterans Feel Comfortable
Student veterans bring diversity to your campus, and they must see you have defined and announced a commitment to establishing that diverse environment. One way you can do this is to create a veteran-specific website to see information and resources specific to their needs and questions. Give them an easy way to talk to knowledgeable staff and other student veterans to find answers to their questions.
Faculty engagement is essential as well. If you have veterans faculty or staff members, highlight them to show potential student veterans their path to success. Share your institution's goals for veteran enrollment and support publicly. Announcing to student veterans that they are a priority shows that you, as a college, are focused on the strengths and needs of this population and are willing to learn and grow with them.
Provide the support military-connected students need with Virtual Veterans Communities in your corner.
