After serving your country, you may wonder what’s next. For many veterans, going back to school to earn a degree is often the logical choice, despite some potential challenges. Here are some of the most important actions you can take to make this a positive experience.
Recognize how it aligns with your goals.
As a veteran, you will find that going to college will benefit your post-military life in many ways. First, it can mean improved job opportunities. Studies show that a worker can expect higher wages with higher education. It’s safe to say that a degree can be a real game-changer as you enter the job market.
A new bachelor’s or master’s degree can also help you get a job that you will truly love. In fact, this can be a wonderful opportunity to train in your field of choice, regardless if you enlisted straight out of high school or had already gone to college but looking to switch gears.
On a related note, Task and Purpose explains academia also stands to benefit from veterans. Your experience as a vet matters more than you think, and going back to school is a wonderful way to be part of the conversation, in one way or another, as well as contribute to research that could shape policy and inform the public.
Know that it’s a big transition.
The return to civilian life is never easy for veterans. Being a full-time student will definitely have its challenges. You might overestimate your readiness. For one thing, tackling a full course load is an entirely different level of busy than what you might be used to. For another, you might need foundational learning, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in a class.
Despite the possible challenges, school also has the potential to ease the transition into civilian life. Some veterans even find that attending classes, making friends, and joining study groups really help with the transition.
It’s worth mentioning that you can explore earning a degree online. This can be very helpful for vets struggling to reacclimate to civilian life. An online college is actually just as comprehensive, so you still get the full benefit, knowledge, and training as that of a traditional school. For instance, you can learn all the skills needed for a career in information technology with an online master’s degree in IT. Ditto if you want to study business or become a healthcare professional (to name a few).
Learn all about VA benefits.
College is expensive—that’s a given. However, being a veteran means that you are eligible for various VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Essentially, these are benefits that help vets and qualified family members pay for educational expenses, including tuition.
There are also a good number of financial aid and scholarships for military personnel that you can sign up for. So take the time to do your research and learn all about the various eligibility requirements.
Finally, as Military.com explains, many colleges have veteran-specific programs. These often come with additional benefits that are exclusive to vets, such as housing allowances and tuition assistance or discounts. Again, explore your options to find the right fit, both based on your needs and your personal goals.
In short, going back to school after military life can be daunting. But with the rewards that you’ll reap and the benefits that you can rely on, there’s no question that it’s a very good next step for many veterans. So let an education pave the way for a fruitful civilian life. It’s no less than what you deserve!
Presented by Kelli Brewer of info@deploycare.org for CLR Marine
