Higher education institutions need to know how to address the needs of student veterans returning to school and recognize that they are distinctly different from those of the traditional student. With more veterans enrolling to colleges and universities, higher educational facilities are making the adjustments in their curriculum, community support and communication initiatives to best serve this growing demographic.

Typically, student veterans are considered non-traditional students because they are more likely to be older and many have some college credit that they may have earned while in the military.^1,2 Because they are a diverse population with a vast range of experiences, their educational experience will be much different than other non-veteran students. Colleges and universities, including National Louis University, across the country are putting programs and services in place to ease the transition from troop to student.

When choosing the appropriate college or university for their educational goals, Veterans should be aware of important and available resources and programs and that will contribute to their success.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill has changed the way benefits are disbursed, causing delayed educational financial assistance to veterans.  Instead of adding to this frustrating process, colleges and universities are adopting tuition options as well as for the purchase of books and supplies.

Recognizing that veterans have spent their military career serving their country, National Louis University’s Veterans Program now serves them with a comprehensive array of programs and services. From career development services to financial aid, NLU helps veterans make a smooth transfer from military to academia and to a career in the civilian workplace.

As part of National Louis University’s Veterans Program, the Director of Veteran Student Coordination and his team works with students to identify different support available to them through the University, including key partnerships.

NLU’s Veterans Program is unique because it includes “wrap-around” services to assist student Veterans in their transition back to civilian life and academia. The services are called “wrap-around” because they are not all academically focused but all play a key role in helping veteran students succeed in their studies, and life.

The University has several career resources available to Veterans who are interested in career development, career transition and other programs.

Spiritual resources for those who are seeking additional information are provided at NLU.

For those veterans who may require legal counsel for their specific circumstances, NLU has legal resource referrals.  

The University partners with community organizations that specialize in mental health/social service support to veterans, curriculum advising, physical health and academic support to veterans returning to earn their degree.

The chapter at NLU allows veterans to connect with their peers. With frequent meetings and a dedicated Veterans Lounge area, returning to college is easier with the support of this helpful community.

An advisory committee comprised of 20 volunteers, all with a wide variety of military backgrounds, works with the University staff to ensure that the NLU Veteran’s Program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on the veterans' needs and unique circumstances.

NLU offers a variety of tuition assistance programs and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. This program covers 100 percent of tuition charges beyond the $19,198.31 academic year cap. This applies to student veterans who qualify for the Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit.

Active-duty students will receive a 25 percent tuition discount and can be combined with military tuition assistance and federal financial aid to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Veteran students and dependent children and/or spouses of veterans are eligible for a 15 percent tuition discount at NLU.

With the enhancements to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, expanding benefits to service members and previously excluded veterans, colleges and universities will continue to see enrollment numbers increase. These veterans will seek support from these institutions’ administrations, faculty and their fellow student veterans.

The growing amount of government, private and non-profit resources are in place to help negotiate the transition out of military service to civilian life. Higher education institutions can serve this growing population of returning military troops through improving existing campus programs and services that are both veteran-friendly and veteran-specific. Committing to veterans will not only ease the transition process, but also make the educational experience successful as they embark on their careers in the civilian marketplace.