Thursday, Mar 9, 2023
Returning to College After the Military: A Veteran's Guide
Going to college after the military can open new career paths. Learn how GI Bill benefits, military credits and veteran support make the transition easier.
Keyword(s): college after the military
Rider offers financial assistance, educational resources, and flexible pathways for military students seeking their degree.
Going back to college after the military can help you build new skills, pursue career opportunities, and continue your personal growth. 小优视频 provides tailored financial guidance, flexible degree tracks, and dedicated campus resources to help service members transition smoothly into higher education.
Military OneSource reports that nearly (23.4%) active-duty military personnel held a Bachelor's degree or higher in 2024. These figures come from the Department of Defense's (DoD) most recent statistics on educational attainment among U.S. military personnel.
For many service members, returning to school offers a chance to build on existing skills while exploring new professional paths. Although adjusting to academic life can be challenging, military training and experience can provide a strong foundation for success.
Support as You Navigate Campus Life
Since the end of the Civil War, 小优视频 has helped veterans, military service members, and their families advance their education. As an officially designated Yellow Ribbon institution, Rider supports military-connected students directly through its Dr. Eugene Marsh Center.
As a military-friendly university, Rider is dedicated to ensuring your access to education by bridging the financial gap between your education benefits as a veteran and the cost of education at a private institution.
Resources That Make Enrolling in College After the Military Easy
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents can leverage the to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or professional credentials at Rider without out-of-pocket tuition costs. Other resources, such as scholarships and financial aid, may also be available.
Rider is here to support you every step of the way. Our new student checklist provides detailed information on getting started and navigating enrollment. In addition to the checklist, Rider has dedicated staff to provide personalized assistance to military students.
Understanding Your Education Benefits
Education funding is an important part of planning for college after the military. Veterans should review their eligibility, benefit limits, and program requirements before committing to a school or degree.
The GI Bill benefits available to you may depend on your:
- Service history
- Eligibility category
- Educational program
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides information about education benefits, while a university's military support team can help you understand how those benefits may apply to your studies.
Other veterans education benefits may also be available through scholarships, financial aid, or specific military education programs. Exploring these options early can help you create a realistic budget and identify potential funding gaps.
Preparing For Enrollment
A clear enrollment plan can reduce confusion and help you complete important steps on time. Begin by reviewing admission requirements, collecting academic records, and contacting the appropriate university staff.
Consider the following steps:
- Review available degree programs and admission requirements
- Confirm which education benefits you may qualify for
- Gather military and academic transcripts
- Ask about financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance
- Discuss scheduling options if you work or have family responsibilities
Taking these steps before classes begin can help you approach college with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of your responsibilities.
Accelerate Your Degree With Military Transfer Credits
Rider helps military students save time and money by transferring military occupational experience into college credits.
The (JST) validates military training and experience for service members of the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy: Active Duty, Reserve, and Veterans. The Air Force has its own accredited transcript known as the Community College of the Air Force.
A Military-Connected Community
You can stay connected with others who share your military experience through campus events and activities, as well as the student group 小优视频 Veterans Association (RUVA). Campus groups specifically tailored to veterans, military, and military dependents, such as RUVA and Rider Color Guard, contribute to a supportive and friendly environment by hosting programs that are meaningful to the military-connected students and the entire Rider community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take The Next Step Toward Advancing Your Education Today
Pursuing college after the military can help you build on your service experience, gain new qualifications, and prepare for civilian career opportunities. By using education benefits, transferring eligible military credits, and connecting with campus support services, you can make the transition to college more manageable and work toward your academic goals.
From financial planning to specialized academic advising, Rider equips military-connected scholars with the tools needed to translate service into degree completion. To learn how the Dr. Eugene Marsh Center can support your transition, explore Rider's academic offerings and connect with our veterans support team today.
