While the transition from active duty to academic life may be challenging, some colleges provide full support. Here, we rank the best schools for veterans. by.
How Many Veterans Go to College?
In 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that, on average, about 18.6 percent of veterans had a bachelor’s degree, compared to 19.9 percent of non-veterans. That same year, higher average percentages of veterans attained associate’s or master’s degrees than non-veterans: 12.5 percent of veterans compared to 9.4 percent of non-veterans with associate’s degrees, and 8.9 percent of veterans compared to 8.3 percent of non-veterans with master’s degrees. The following year, the Postsecondary National Policy Institute reported that more than a quarter of all U.S. military veterans age 26 or older — roughly 5.2 million students — had earned their college degree or credential.
Does Military Service Help Get into College?
Military service demonstrates teamwork, problem-solving, work ethic, and responsibility. In accordance with your training and area of expertise, it may also enable you to acquire specialized knowledge or skills. No matter where you apply, these elements can make your essay or other college application materials stand out.
However, unless you select a college that welcomes veterans, having a military background may not always translate into financial aid or course credit. Apply to one or more military-friendly schools in addition to the conventional colleges on your list to give yourself the best chance of being accepted for enrollment and receiving credit for your service.
What is the Veterans College Acceptance Rate at National University?
Certain universities only accept four to five percent of applicants, while others have lower acceptance rates. Some applicants may be deterred by the admissions fees, which could be expensive. However, National University makes higher education accessible to all U.S. citizens with a 100% acceptance rate. S. military veterans.
Contact our military admissions office to apply to National University or to learn more about our accredited degree and credential programs. A military enrollment officer can help you with our admissions requirements, provide information on financial aid and scholarships, and collaborate with you to make sure you receive credit for your service.
Can I Get College Credit for Serving in the Military?
Whether you can get college credit for serving in the military depends on where you enroll. Many institutions of higher learning offer military transfer credit for experience in the service, working with the American Council on Education (ACE) and Department of Defense (DoD). Individual institutions work with these governing bodies to evaluate military experience and how they may correspond with certain courses.
At National University, we work with military students to make sure they receive the maximum possible credit for their service or training, following ACE and DoD recommendations to ensure that military experience is accurately translated into course credit. This eliminates the need to spend time or money relearning skills you already possess, so that you can progress more efficiently toward graduating.
Check out our article on how to get college credit for military experience or look through our military student FAQs to find out more about the credit requirements at National University and how to meet them quicker.
Do Veterans Need to Take the SAT or ACT?
The response to this query, once more, is dependent upon the colleges or universities you intend to apply to. Many colleges and universities, but not all, demand that potential students submit their ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process.
You should be aware that the Department of Defense (DoD) runs a program called the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support, or DANTES, that offers veterans free online test preparation and college prep materials, in addition to other programs and services that assist veterans in obtaining degrees or credentials, if you intend to take the ACT or SAT. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), for instance, are sponsored by DANTES, as stated on the program’s website. CLEP and other DANTES exams, along with your military service and training, count toward your educational experience, as our undergraduate admissions checklist makes clear.
Does NU Admissions Require SAT/ACT Scores?
For military applicants, National University does not specifically demand ACT or SAT scores. However, some new students might have to take a free ACCUPLACER or WritePlacer exam to gauge their math and English proficiency. Additionally, new undergraduates are typically required to have a minimum GPA of 2. 0, with some exceptions.
The minimum GPA requirement for graduate student applicants is higher, typically 2 5. However, if the applicant’s GPA ranges from 2. 0 to 2. 49, he or she may be able to enroll following the completion of tests like the GMAT or GRE. Discover the complete list of graduate admissions requirements.
How Does National University Help Students Make the Military-to-College Transition Successfully?
National University provides a variety of resources to assist military personnel in adjusting to civilian life while attending college. While our Virtual Veteran Center conveniently connects students through an online community around the clock, our Veteran Center in San Diego has peer mentors who provide veteran-to-veteran guidance and support. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Office at National University offers additional assistance by assisting students in requesting and utilizing VA benefits. For more information, visit this page.
Additionally, NU offers a variety of financial aid options, discounts, and scholarships to lower the cost of tuition. For instance, we are a Yellow Ribbon institution that is pleased to accept Post 9/11 GI Bill students. Furthermore, we provide a number of our accredited degree programs online, allowing military students the flexibility to schedule their coursework around their busy schedules.
What Are Some Helpful Resources for Student Veterans and Military Families?
Here are some ideas to get you started if you’re looking for more resources to help you get ready for college and finish your degree:
Additional Sources
How Two Marine Corps Veterans Got into Harvard
FAQ
Is it easier to get into colleges as a veteran?
However, applicants to colleges may find that having military experience is beneficial. Your military experience, irrespective of the branch, can help to distinguish and strengthen your application. In fact, having military experience can help you not only get into college but also graduate more quickly.
What percentage of veterans drop out of college?
According to a study’s cited survey, 16% of full-time students and 37% of part-time Veterans left their programs within nine months of enrollment.
Do Ivy League schools accept veterans?
Studies on Student Veterans at Ivy League Schools According to a 2017 study, while military-affiliated students make up about 5% of all college and university students, they only account for about 2% or less of students at Ivy League schools.
What school is best for veterans?
- University of Chicago.
- Dartmouth College.
- Princeton University.
- Cornell University.
- Stanford University.
- University of California, Berkeley.
- University of California, Los Angeles.
- University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.