Applying to College: 5 Tips for Veteran Students

Veterans should apply for GI Bill benefits early and seek schools that can support them during their transition to college life.
Cecilia Clark
By Cecilia Clark 
Updated

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the specific needs of veterans and offers educational benefits under the GI Bill that help cover the cost of college. GI Bill benefits can help veterans and active-duty members of all branches of the U.S. military and fund their college education.

But understanding your GI benefits is only part of the equation when considering a college degree. To help make sense of the rest, NerdScholar asked college admission and veteran services experts to shed light on the key steps in the application process for veteran students. Use these tips and resources to find the best college for you.

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1. Apply for GI Bill Benefits early

GI Bill benefits come in many packages and vary in the amount of money offered, depending on when and for how long you served. Under the Post-9/11 Bill, for instance, students have 15 years to use their funds if their service ended before January 1, 2013 and unlimited time if their service ended on or after that date. With the Montgomery Bill you have a 10-year limit. Be sure to research your options so that you know what to expect when you're ready to go to school.

“Applying to colleges and for GI benefits early is the best approach to take. For some veterans, the process may take up to six months,” says Eric Kocian, assistant professor of criminology, law and society at St. Vincent College in Pennsylvania and a former veteran student. Familiarize yourself with the VA website to learn about the most appropriate GI benefit.

The VA even offers a GI Bill Comparison tool, which assesses the veterans resources available at specific colleges as well as how much of your college expenses your GI benefits will cover.

2. Consider your educational priorities

By knowing what you most value in your education, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions on where to apply. Jessica Roscoe, an academic advisor for veterans at the University of Pittsburgh, recommends asking yourself, “what time, money, and a degree is worth to you.”

For many veterans, the main goal is getting the most out of your GI benefit funds. “A particular school might not be a good fit for you if the program you would be enrolled in will take longer to complete than the duration of your GI Bill educational benefits,” Roscoe says.

Look at colleges that offer the “best bang for your GI benefit’s buck,” Regina Morin, vice president for enrollment management at Truman State University, recommends. “Compare quantifiable measures such as graduation rates, placement into graduate schools and employment, costs and affordability as well as subjective measures such as opportunities for high-impact experiences, accessibility of faculty, and avenues for involvement.”

If your goal is to avoid borrowing money at all costs, apply for scholarships, especially those aimed at helping veterans. You can also apply for federal financial aid and only accept the grants you qualify for, not the loans you’d have to pay back.

3. Find VA-approved colleges that accept transfer and military class credits

You can't use your GI Bill at every school. Use the VA website to determine if your prospective colleges are “regionally accredited and approved by the VA,” says Nathaniel Harrison, manager of instruction for the Division of Military Education, Corporate Training, & Business Development at Coastline Community College in California.

If you previously completed college courses, either during your military service or before, check to see if those units will transfer to your new school. Likewise, trainings you did in the military could count toward your degree requirements. “Provide the university you want to attend an official copy of your military transcript,” says Amy Becher, vice president for enrollment management at Chatham University. “Use your military experience to get a jump start on college transfer credits so that you can put the work you’ve done during your service to work for you in college.”

Refer to the American Council on Education’s Military Guide to determine which military courses will transfer and how. That way, you’ll be using your VA funds on credits you need, not credits you’re replacing.

4. Seek out certified veteran affairs staff

“Once [students] narrow down their options based on personal preferences, geographic [location], and academic programs,” Morin says, “it is best to seek assistance from the veterans affairs office.” This office will be your best resource when searching for the best college, complete with staff and students who can lend insights into life at the university from a veteran’s perspective.

At Truman State University, Morin says, “we ask [students] military-specific questions and use this data to connect the applicant with our veteran affairs officer in the registrar’s office.”

According to Harrison, who also oversees two veterans resource centers, “most schools will have a VA certifying official or veteran counselor who can answer questions about benefits.” He says certified staff members at his community college specialize in helping veteran students complete their college applications. “Our [VA certifying] staff also inform veterans about other resources that are available beyond their VA GI Bill benefits.”

5. Find a military-friendly college

If you’re looking for a large support system of fellow veteran students, try seeking out colleges known for their large veteran population, recommends Tom Boscamp, a current veteran student and the president of Coastline's Student Veterans of America chapter. Ask yourself, “Is the [veterans resource center] a little closet tucked away in the corner with outdated computers? Or is it an actual place where veterans can connect with other veterans, catch up on homework, or just relax between classes?” Once enrolled, he says, “Get tied in to your campus’ student veterans club, such as [their chapter of] the Student Veterans of America.”

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