5 Tips for Veterans Considering College
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When many veterans begin transitioning to civilian life, there can often be a period of uncertainty. What should I do next? Where can I be of value? What do I want to do now?
If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone. Flag Steward was founded by veterans just like you who wanted to prioritize education, faith, and charity in their post-military lives. It is important to find meaning and purpose after military service. That’s why many veterans pursue higher education. Here are five tips for those considering going back to college.
Earn your degree online.
Going back to college has never been easier, thanks to so many high-quality and fully-online degree programs available these days. For example, earning your master’s degree online in the IT field can help you launch a career in database administration, technology management, data analytics, or cybersecurity. While a master’s can unlock careers with six-figure salaries, a bachelor’s and even an associate's degree in IT — which you can also often earn online — can be very lucrative, as well.
Prepare for the application process.
Applying for college takes several steps — and even more steps, if you need to secure financial assistance to attend. You’ll need to plan for the admissions process, which can take several weeks, maybe even months. Use a planner or calendar like the 2021 Stud-ent Calendar to help you keep track of due dates. Any delay could prevent you from starting the semester on time, so it’s crucial to prioritize your admissions deadlines.
Take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
College has become more and more affordable for veterans, thanks to scholarships, grants, and loans. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, most veterans get a percentage of their tuition covered (in many cases, 100%) and a monthly housing allowance. This financial support means you can focus your energy on your education instead of work. Most veterans only need to work part-time when they take advantage of financial assistance like the GI Bill, scholarships, grants, and — for those interested in out-of-state or private colleges — The Yellow Ribbon Program.
Find a support network.
Some veterans struggle with transitioning into civilian life and into college. Only other veterans can truly understand the challenges you face after your military service is completed. Most colleges and universities have clubs specifically for veterans and service members. There may be an ROTC program that you can volunteer or work for, as well as other service and giving-back organizations. It’s important you find a group you are comfortable with and stay social.
Put your military skills to good use.
You learned a whole host of useful skills in the military that can positively impact your education. Some colleges will allow you to use work experience or try out certain courses. Were you stationed in a foreign country where you learned the language? Test \your foreign language requirement. Were you an electrician or engineer in the military? Use your job experience to earn credits for some of your freshman-level math and science courses. Even if those aren't options, the self-discipline, cleanliness, organization, and time management soft skills ingrained in you from your tour can help.
Flag Steward works most often with school-aged children; we’ve seen what reverence and respect for our nation’s flag can inspire in young men and women. We’ve watched them grow up into active duty servicemen and women and proud veterans with thriving careers. Going back to school may feel intimidating at first, but that is rarely something that stops most veterans. Stay in the loop by downloading the Flag Steward app today.
When many veterans begin transitioning to civilian life, there can often be a period of uncertainty. What should I do next? Where can I be of value? What do I want to do now?
If these questions sound familiar, you are not alone. Flag Steward was founded by veterans just like you who wanted to prioritize education, faith, and charity in their post-military lives. It is important to find meaning and purpose after military service. That’s why many veterans pursue higher education. Here are five tips for those considering going back to college.
Earn your degree online.
Going back to college has never been easier, thanks to so many high-quality and fully-online degree programs available these days. For example, earning your master’s degree online in the IT field can help you launch a career in database administration, technology management, data analytics, or cybersecurity. While a master’s can unlock careers with six-figure salaries, a bachelor’s and even an associate's degree in IT — which you can also often earn online — can be very lucrative, as well.
Prepare for the application process.
Applying for college takes several steps — and even more steps, if you need to secure financial assistance to attend. You’ll need to plan for the admissions process, which can take several weeks, maybe even months. Use a planner or calendar like the 2021 Stud-ent Calendar to help you keep track of due dates. Any delay could prevent you from starting the semester on time, so it’s crucial to prioritize your admissions deadlines.
Take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
College has become more and more affordable for veterans, thanks to scholarships, grants, and loans. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, most veterans get a percentage of their tuition covered (in many cases, 100%) and a monthly housing allowance. This financial support means you can focus your energy on your education instead of work. Most veterans only need to work part-time when they take advantage of financial assistance like the GI Bill, scholarships, grants, and — for those interested in out-of-state or private colleges — The Yellow Ribbon Program.
Find a support network.
Some veterans struggle with transitioning into civilian life and into college. Only other veterans can truly understand the challenges you face after your military service is completed. Most colleges and universities have clubs specifically for veterans and service members. There may be an ROTC program that you can volunteer or work for, as well as other service and giving-back organizations. It’s important you find a group you are comfortable with and stay social.
Put your military skills to good use.
You learned a whole host of useful skills in the military that can positively impact your education. Some colleges will allow you to use work experience or try out certain courses. Were you stationed in a foreign country where you learned the language? Test \your foreign language requirement. Were you an electrician or engineer in the military? Use your job experience to earn credits for some of your freshman-level math and science courses. Even if those aren't options, the self-discipline, cleanliness, organization, and time management soft skills ingrained in you from your tour can help.
Flag Steward works most often with school-aged children; we’ve seen what reverence and respect for our nation’s flag can inspire in young men and women. We’ve watched them grow up into active duty servicemen and women and proud veterans with thriving careers. Going back to school may feel intimidating at first, but that is rarely something that stops most veterans. Stay in the loop by downloading the Flag Steward app today.