Veterans going back to school should confirm their education benefits with the VA, meet the college’s school certifying official before registering, ask how military training might count for credit and plan for the shift from military structure to a self-directed classroom. Most colleges have a veterans office or point person, and connecting early prevents many of the payment and scheduling surprises that trip up new student veterans.
What to plan before the first term
- Confirm your benefits. Apply for or review your education benefits through the VA and keep your eligibility paperwork handy. Benefits, amounts and time limits differ by program, so get answers from the VA directly.
- Choose a program with a goal in mind. Think about the career you want, then work back to a degree, certificate or trade program. See career paths and paths after high school.
- Ask about credit for military training. Send your military transcript and ask the registrar or admissions office how the college reviews it. Policies vary widely.
- File the FAFSA. Federal and state aid can work alongside military benefits. See financial aid basics and studentaid.gov.
- Check residency rules if you are attending in a state you did not live in before service. See in-state tuition and residency.
Who on campus helps with military education benefits
- School certifying official. The campus staff member who reports your enrollment to the VA so benefits can be paid. Meet them before you register and every time your schedule changes.
- Veterans or military student services office. Many colleges have one, sometimes with a lounge, peer mentors and help navigating campus.
- Financial aid office. Questions about grants, loans and how other aid interacts with benefits.
- Academic advising. Degree planning and course selection. See how to use the advising office.
- Disability services. Accommodations for service-connected or other conditions. See disability services in college.
A practical note: how many credits you take, and whether classes are online or in person, can change what some benefits pay. Dropping a class mid-term can also affect payments and sometimes create a debt. Check with the school certifying official and the VA before changing your schedule.
How veterans adjust to classroom life
Many veterans find the academics manageable and the culture the harder part. A few common adjustments:
- Less structure. No one assigns the next task. A syllabus replaces a chain of command, and planning is on you. Our guide to college time management helps.
- Different pace and priorities. Classmates may be younger and focused on different things. That is normal, and many veterans find common ground with other adult students.
- Rusty study skills. If it has been years since school, start with a lighter load or a refresher course. See study habits for college.
- Talking to professors. Use office hours. Many professors appreciate the directness veterans bring. See talking to professors in office hours.
- Balancing family and work. Many student veterans have jobs and families. Build a weekly plan that fits all three.
For more on returning as an older student, see going back to college as an adult.
Taking care of yourself through the transition
Leaving service and starting school at the same time is a big change. If sleep, mood, anger, stress or alcohol and other substance use become a problem, a licensed professional is the right step, and the VA and many campus counseling centers offer support. In a crisis, call or text 988; veterans can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a student veteran rebuild the structure the military used to provide: a weekly plan, deadlines broken into steps, and someone to check in with between sessions by text or phone. Mentors also help veterans think through program and career choices and follow through on what the certifying official, advising and financial aid say. Mentors are not benefits counselors or financial aid advisers. Learn more about young adult mentoring, our career and education focus, or browse our college success guides.
Related
- ROTC vs a service academy
- How college differs from high school
- Career change guide
- Mentoring for military families
- Pre-Med in College: A Year-by-Year Roadmap
- Thinking of Leaving Pre-Med? How to Decide
Common questions
Who do veterans talk to about GI Bill benefits on campus?
Start with the school certifying official, who reports your enrollment to the VA. The VA itself confirms eligibility and payment amounts.
Can military training count for college credit?
Often some of it can, but every college sets its own policy. Send your military transcript and ask the registrar or admissions office how it is reviewed.
Should veterans file the FAFSA?
Usually yes. Federal and state aid can work alongside military education benefits. Check studentaid.gov and talk with the financial aid office.
Is it hard for veterans to adjust to college?
Many veterans find the academics manageable and the lack of structure harder. A weekly plan, a lighter first term and a connection to the veterans office help.
Get started
Want a mentor to help you build structure for your first terms back in school? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.