5 College Discounts for Military Personnel and Veterans

5 College Discounts for Military Personnel and Veterans

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill
• U.S. Department of Education Veterans Upward Bound Program
• U.S. Department of Education Troops-to-Teachers Program
• Online College Discounts
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarships

In addition to their love for and desire to protect our country, many men and women join the United States Military because it is better suited for them right out of high school than college or any other work field. While some build lifelong military careers, many veterans wish to return to civilian careers after their service. Others elect to take college courses while still enlisted. It is difficult both starting over after service and juggling the two at once. This is one reason why the following five organizations have created these college discounts for enlisted military and veterans.

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1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill

Simply put, the GI Bill is a government enforced system of financial academic and career assistance for enlisted military and veterans. The GI Bill pays up to full tuition at public U.S. colleges and universities, and a large portion at private and overseas institutions. An application is required.

2. U.S. Department of Education Veterans Upward Bound Program

The U.S. Department of Education also recognizes the special academic needs of military veterans. The Veterans Upward Bound Program assists military veterans in obtaining all of the skills they need to gain acceptance to and succeed in higher education. The program provides tutoring, mentoring, and counseling to help future students prepare academically and emotionally for entrance exams and college applications. This includes free courses in a wide variety of subjects.

3. U.S. Department of Education Troops-to-Teachers Program

The U.S. Department of Education has also found a way to address two issues at once: the personal need for academic and career assistance, and a societal need for more highly qualified teachers in poverty-stricken schools. The Troops-to-Teachers Program is perfect for military veterans who wish to continue giving back to their country by way of educating future generations. The program provides assistance with academic preparation, credentialing, and employment placing.

4. Online College Discounts

Online learning grows daily in popularity among the general population, and it is especially beneficial for enlisted military and veterans. Not only does it make it easier to begin studies while still enlisted, but it is also the better choice for returning veterans with family obligations and challenges adjusting to the process of reintegrating into a civilian lifestyle. Military Benefits Info provides this list of online colleges that offer unique discounts to enlisted military and veterans. Some discounts are in addition to the GI Bill benefits, and others are in place of them for students who do not qualify.

5. Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarships

Once enlisted military and veteran students are happily enrolled in their chosen college degree programs, there are still myriad costs to endure. From gaps in tuition not covered by the GI Bill to the costs of daily living, the Veterans of Foreign Wars recognizes the ongoing financial challenges these students face. Their Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship provides up to $5000 annually. They also offer a legislative fellowship for students who wish to bolster their resumes through participation in advocacy for student veterans on Capitol Hill.

Most modern careers require a college education. Military personnel and veterans are among the populations facing additional challenges to obtaining higher degrees. These five college discounts for enlisted military and veterans were designed to help them overcome those challenges and achieve success.