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The Most Important Veteran Benefits Offered by Colleges

Education

Look for these veteran benefits programs to assist veterans and active-duty military, available at community colleges, colleges and universities.

If you’re a veteran who’s going back to school, or still active duty looking to get your degree, veteran benefit programs can be confusing. There are a lot of considerations in your choice of schools.
But how do you know which schools provide the best veteran- and military-friendly programs for students?

CollegeRecon identifies key veteran benefits programs that are available on campuses to assist veterans and active-duty military. These benefits are available at community colleges, colleges and universities.
Basic Allowance for Housing

The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments you receive for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are based on the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. The Department of Defense adjusts the BAH every calendar year (or January 1) based on changes to housing costs across the country. BAH rates for online colleges, schools, or distance learning programs is $754.50. BAH is not paid during summer or winter breaks, but Spring Break counts. Dropping courses can negatively affect BAH payments.

Campus SVA Chapter
SVA chapters are student-veteran groups that have formed on college and university campuses to provide peer-to-peer networks for veterans who are attending those schools. The chapters are designed to be advocates for student veterans, and to help bridge the campus-to-career transition.
Full-Time Veteran Counselor on Campus
A full-time veteran counselor is on campus to offer support and assistance for any array of student-veteran issues. These counselors will assist veterans in a number of ways, including helping them determine which services they need to succeed, and then directing how to engage them.
Signed VA Principles of Excellence
Educational institutions participating in the Principles of Excellence program agree to follow a set of guidelines pertaining to student-veteran issues. Examples of these guidelines include: Providing students with a personalized form covering the total cost of an education program and designating a point-of-contact for academic and financial advising.
Club/Association for Veterans
Many institutions offer student-veteran clubs and associations on their campuses. It’s a great place to meet other veterans attending your college or university.
Veterans Upward Bound Program – The Veterans Upward Bound Program is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of post-secondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and academic instruction in the core subject areas.
8 Keys To Veterans’ Success – The 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success are steps that postsecondary institutions can take to assist veterans and service members in transitioning to higher education, completing their college programs, and obtaining career-ready skills. Schools participating in the 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success pledge to make a real investment in their veteran students. This program should be a difference maker if the institution has followed through with their promise. Unfortunately, no one polices the program to ensure the school is adhering to the program’s standards.
ROTC Program – The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is one of the best opportunities for you to get an invaluable experience while you earn a college degree. When enrolled in ROTC you learn and develop leadership skills and prepare for a career as an officer in the U.S. Military. You will learn first-hand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups, and how to conduct missions as a military officer.
ACE Credit for Military Experience – The ACE Military Evaluations Program evaluates formal military training in terms of academic credit, allowing thousands of military personnel to earn credit for college-level learning acquired in the military. Your Joint Service Transcript (JST) may be sent as an official document to colleges and universities, at the student’s request, for use in the credential evaluation process.

Follow ACE Standards for Credit – ACE’s Military Guide presents credit recommendations for formal courses and occupations offered by all branches of the military. All recommendations for credit approval are based on ACE reviews conducted by college and university faculty members who are actively teaching in the areas they review.
Awards Credit For CLEP Exam – The CLEP exams allow veterans to receive college credit by earning qualifying scores on any one or more of 34 assessments, allowing them to move directly into higher-level courses, saving time and money.
Awards Credit For DSST Exam – DSST (formerly DANTES) are also credit-by-examination tests. Whereas CLEP tests are almost exclusively used for lower-level credit at regionally accredited institutions, DSST’s are available for both upper and lower level credit.
In-State Tuition Extended For Active Duty – These institutions charge active duty veterans, regardless of their actual state of residence, no more than the in-state tuition rate for a resident of the state.
TA Funding – Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% of the tuition expenses for its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.
Yellow Ribbon Program – Tuition & fees may exceed the amount the Post 9/11 GI Bill will pay if you are attending a private school, or are attending a public school as a nonresident student. Institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program make additional funds available for your education program without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.
Scholarships For Military – Apply for a military specific scholarship at these institutions to help drive down the cost of your education.
Reduced Tuition For Military – These institutions offer tuition discounts for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Source: collegerecon.com

Which College Majors Are Student Veterans Pursuing and Why?

Education

Female soldier with books on USA flag background

Originally posted by Suzane L. Bricker, M.A., HigherEd Military

Warrant Officer Randall Johnson had enjoyed his military career; but now, he had other concerns on his mind. At 39 years old, with two kids, a wife, and a dog, he knew that unless he returned to the civilian world and tried to make more money, he was not going to provide for his family the kind of lifestyle he had always dreamed of giving them.

Johnson had entered the military at 18. He wanted to achieve something no one else in his family had been able to obtain: a college degree.

Thinking back on that time in his life, Randall remembered that he never really considered himself to be much of a student. But now, as he considered his options; the military officer thought that maybe he had just needed time to mature, and he would do better in his classes this time around.

His attitude changed and Randall got a bit excited as he realized how much he wanted that college degree as insurance, so that he could get a good-paying job once he re-entered the civilian workplace. And now, as he was turning 40, he realized he needed to take that next step, before his age began to stand in the way of finding a meaningful career.

Warrant Officer Johnson’s conflicting opinions about his future are not that unusual, according to Abby Kinch, interim chief of staff for the Student Veterans of America (SVA). The primary reason for enlisting in the military is to get education benefits and go to college, she said. This trend has gotten even greater since enlistment numbers surged after 9-11.

And, among the roughly 75% of veterans who do pursue a four-year degree, the majority are full-time students, who simultaneously choose to work a full- or part-time job. Their spouses may work too.

Kinch is an Airforce veteran, who worked as an airborne cryptologic linguist in the military. Like many other service members and veterans, her motivation to enlist was the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York and on the Pentagon.

“I was a sophomore in college on Sept. 11,” said Kinch. “At that time, I was slow to realize what was going on.” But, at 19 years old, Abby enlisted; just 24 hours after the Twin Towers fell.

After she left the service, Dr. Kinch went back to school, where she continued to pursue her education until earning a Ph.D. in public administration and policy at Florida State University. She also joined SVA as a chapter member in 2011. The nonprofit agency reaches about 750,000 student veterans a year, she said.

“Our main goal is empowering student veterans to, through, and beyond higher education. We advocate for student veterans on the campus level.”

Dr. Kinch pointed out that student veterans are looking for meaningful, highly compensating careers. That is why, she said, the vast majority of veterans go to four-year public universities and major in business, STEM, or health-care related fields.

Top Five Majors of 2023

According to Dr. Michael T. Nietzel, president emeritus of Missouri State University, and a senior contributor to Forbes online, “In the past decade, there has been a substantial shift toward practically oriented majors with greater job prospects.” He added that the move away from liberal arts majors has created more interest in the computer sciences.

Dr. Nietzel’s Feb 16, 2022, Forbes article identified the most popular majors among the class of 2023. This list is based upon Niche, a data-gathering resource for prospective college students:

Business (6.57%)
Medicine/Pre-Medicine (5.99%)
Psychology (5.36%)
Biology (5.04%)
Nursing (3.89%)

Majors Preferred by Student Veterans and Military Students

So, how does this list stack up against the majors preferred by military students? Dr. Kinch commented that many of these same options are likely to be chosen by military learners too, with one exception: psychology.

“Social sciences are not among the top majors these veteran students usually pursue, because they tend to be more purposeful in their money decisions. They are looking for a career before, or directly after separation, and want to find the college majors that will get them those options.”

Dr. Kinch also stated that the vast majority of student veterans are not distance learners, because they’re looking to be full-time students. Distance learners; on the other hand, are usually active-duty service members who are using tuition assistance to pay for their classes.

According to Dr. Nietzel, who obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois in 1973, student veterans have a good sense of the job market. As a result, enrollment in majors in IT and the healthcare professions are definitely benefiting from this trend, as are standard business majors, like finance and accounting.

But, he said, he has also seen evidence of another emerging trend on the horizon.

“You see a movement toward communications,” Michael said. In the last couple of years, the enrollment is rising, as companies attach more importance to a strong communications department. Whether or not communications will emerge among the top five popular college majors has yet to be seen, he added.

Drs. Kinch and Nietzel both pointed out that the influx of military students on college campuses in recent years has had very positive impacts upon the student population overall.

“I’d like to emphasize the benefits that veterans bring to colleges campuses,” Kinch said. “They are funded students who graduate with high GPAs and get outstanding careers.”

Dr. Nietzel agreed, “I think that faculty generally like to have diversity in their classes; the experiences that former military would bring to the classroom should be seen as an asset.”

Read the original article here.

How Colleges Can Better Support Veterans

Education

two graduating students giving high five and peace sign

Choosing a college can be challenging for anyone, but as a veteran, you want to ensure that you select an educational institution that understands your experiences. To help you know what to look for, we sat down with Senior Director of Student Success Initiatives at ASU, Nicolette Miller, who has firsthand experience working with veterans returning to school. Here are her thoughts:

What support should veterans be looking for when choosing a college?

Students should select a college that has dedicated support for their unique needs. There are a lot of nuances with applying for military benefits. Attending a university with specialized and dedicated military and veteran programs can help eliminate funding barriers as well as recognize life experience and the challenges that veteran students might encounter as they acclimate to a new life and routine and balance their studies.

It’s helpful to select a university with an established community of students who provide peer encouragement. At ASU Online, we have a dedicated success coaching team that is specially trained to understand the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military and family members or dependents. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center at ASU, which assists both campus and online students, understands the challenges that our veteran, military and dependent student population faces and helps simplify the academic process and build a successful college experience.

What programs are best for veterans reentering the workforce?

We often see our veteran students enter STEM fields based on their military experience. We also offer degree programs such as a Master of Arts in Global Security which appeals to those with military backgrounds. It trains students to critically engage global conflict and international security in a comprehensive manner designed to aid professional advancement in the military, government and private sector careers.

Programs like ASU Online also offer resources for students that may be unsure of what degree they would like to pursue or what careers might be a good fit for them. We offer enrollment coaching guidance as well as tools to help narrow down the programs that best align with their educational and professional goals.

How do I find a school that will offer course credit for my military training and experience?

Nicolette Miller

Students should look for schools that accept Joint Services Transcripts (JST) and/or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcripts. The CCAF is a regionally accredited community college. If students received credit for courses taken through the CCAF while serving in the Air Force, they will submit this transcript as part of their undergraduate application. The JST will be reviewed for possible transfer credit as well.

What’s your advice for achieving a balance between academics and work when pursuing an online degree?

Identify and leverage a network of family and friends or through ASU Online with a Success Coach. Our coaches will help you formulate a plan to manage your time and set incremental goals as you navigate your degree program. They will also help you navigate the variety of resources that are available to you as a student. Expect the unexpected. Obstacles will come up along the way, but your Success Coach is available to help you overcome any academic or personal challenges you may encounter and provide you with the tools to allow you to continue your progress toward graduation.

What should I be considering as I research online degree programs?

First and foremost, you should ensure your university is regionally accredited and has a solid technology platform, flexibility and great support from staff and faculty. It’s important your university puts students first and surrounds them with a community that is committed to their success.

The Scoop About the 2023 Post-9/11 GI Bill

Education

This year you may consider utilizing your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to pursue higher education. As is standard, the bill has changed its coverage to match the average cost of undergraduate education.

Here are the rates for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Basics

The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is comprised of multiple payments. All payments and maximum amounts listed below apply to individuals eligible for the full benefit (100% eligibility tier). The payment and maximum amounts listed will be prorated based on your eligibility percentage if you are not eligible for the full benefit. Other benefits, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, may help you to cover costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover.

Public School

Students attending a public school in their resident state may be eligible to receive full coverage for tuition and fee payments. This rate is not guaranteed for all students and is the maximum amount you can receive. You may also be eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance, funding for books and supplies and a one-time rural benefit.

If you are attending a public institute of higher learning (IHL) as a non-resident student or a private IHL that is more expensive than the annual cap, you may be eligible for extra payment under the Yellow Ribbon Program. You may also qualify for in-state tuition rates if you live in the state where the school is located, regardless of your formal state of residence.

Private, Foreign and Non-College Degree-Granting Institutions

For these learning institutions, coverage will not exceed $26,381.37 per academic year. Students wanting to attend these universities may also qualify for the housing, books and supplies funding and the one-time rural benefit.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

Funding is also available for those working in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. The rates are as follows:

First six months of training: 100% of your applicable Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
Second six months of training: 80% of your applicable MHA
Third six months of training: 60% of your applicable MHA
Fourth six months of training: 40% of your applicable MHA
Remaining pursuit of training: 20% of your applicable MHA

You may also be eligible to receive a stipend for books and supplies.

Vocational Flight Schools

The actual net costs are not to exceed $15,075.05 per academic year.

The cap applies to all classes and/or enrollments that begin during that academic year, regardless of the academic year in which the courses or enrollments are completed.

Correspondence Schools

The actual net costs are not to exceed $12,831.78 per academic year.

National Testing Programs/Licensing and Certification Tests

You may receive a reimbursement for any fees for testing, licenses and certifications. The charge against an individual’s entitlement for payment for licensing and certification examinations and national tests will be prorated based on the actual fee for the test relative to the rate of $2,200.96 for one month. The maximum reimbursable amount for licensing and certification tests is $2,000. There is no maximum reimbursable amount for national tests.

MHA, Books/Supplies and Rural Benefit

If you are eligible for any of the above, which many GI Bill users are, here’s what you need to know about these programs:

The MHA is generally the same as the military BAH for an E-5 with dependents. This rate is variable and dependent on factors such as the location of your school, your rate of pursuit and whether you enrolled in the program before 1/8/18. Exceptions to the MHA include:
- Foreign Schools: Maximum of $1,833.30
- Exclusively Online Training (No Classroom): $916.50
- Schools in U.S. Territories: E-5 with dependents OHA Rate for school location
A yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 is paid proportionately based on enrollment.
A one-time payment of $500 may be payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas if they reside in a county with six persons or less per square mile (as determined by the most recent decennial census) and either:
- Physically relocate at least 500 miles to attend an educational institution
- Travel by air to physically attend an educational institution if no other land-based transportation exists

For more information on your specific coverage, visit benefits.va.gov/GIBILL.

Sources: benefits.va.gov, military.com

Best Tech Majors for High Paying Jobs

CareerEducationTransitioning

Business man pointing finger towards computer screen with a flash of light surrounding screen and his hands on the keyboard

Your military service has prepared you for a lot. You have a desirable skillset that can be used in any work environment, you’re entitled to generous financial aid, and you have a perspective that can positively contribute to the workforce.

What’s the best career for you to apply your skills?

If you’re one of the many veterans looking to return to school but unsure about what major to pick, consider majoring in a tech field. Tech jobs are not only high-paying, diverse, secure and consistently growing, but these fields have experience in veteran hiring and recruiting practices.

Here are some of the most popular tech majors for veterans:

Computer and Information Technology:
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve and exchange all kinds of data and information. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Popular Information Technology Careers:
■ IT Analyst
■ IT Technician
■ Data Scientist
■ Systems Analyst
Those in the information technology field make an average salary of about $97,430, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations by about $52,000.

Web Development:
Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Web developers may also create content for the site. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 13 percent, about double the average rate for all other occupations.

Popular Web Development Careers:
■ Digital Design
■ Application Developer
■ Computer Programming
■ Front-End and Back-End Development
■ Webmaster
Web designers make an average of about $77,200 per year.

Database Management:
Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data is available to authorized users. Most big-name companies utilize database administration, offering employment at companies of all backgrounds and environments. Jobs in this field are growing at a steady rate of about eight percent.

Popular Database Management Careers:
■ Database Engineer
■ Database Manager
■ Cybersecurity
■ Security Engineer
The average salary for database management is about $98,860 per year.

Software Development:
Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. They create, maintain and upgrade software to meet the needs of their clients. Jobs in this field are growing extremely fast at about 22 percent.

Popular Software Development Careers:
■ Software Engineer
■ Full-stack Developer
■ Quality Assurance Analyst
■ App Developer
■ System Software Developer
The average salary for software development is about $110,140 per year.

Sources: Indeed.com, BLS,

Questions to Ask Before Selecting a School

Education

Before applying for the first college that comes to mind, consider your goals to determine what you need from higher education.

While most colleges and universities offer an excellent education, many factors can contribute to your overall experience.

Some universities may be in undesirable locations, not provide the full benefits you could receive as a veteran or might not have the best program for your desired major.

Is this school accredited?

Accreditation is a process where a recognized group (an accreditor) looks at a school’s education program and decides whether it meets an acceptable quality standard. When choosing your school, you’ll want to confirm that it meets this accreditation status. If you attend a school that does not meet that accreditation status, you may be unable to transfer to a different school or obtain the specific courses you need to graduate. Schools that are not accredited are also not eligible to utilize federal funding programs.

What type of institution is this?

You have some options regarding the types of schools you might consider. A college or university might be a public, nonprofit (sometimes called “private”) or for-profit institution. The category can affect what you might be able to study and how much you’ll pay. Your post-9/11 GI Bill benefits make you an appealing candidate — especially to for-profit schools. Still, you’ll want to ensure that the school is more interested in giving you the education you need than the funds they receive from your enrollment. Typically, schools are differentiated by the following:

Public and nonprofit universities:

Usually accredited
Not owned by an individual or business
Offer a variety of majors
Strive to help students learn

For-profit universities:

Not always accredited
Owned by a person or business
Often focuses on a few majors or areas of study
Money driven

Does this school cover my needs for my major?

Start by researching the “top schools” for your major of interest to narrow down a list. Many schools may offer the major you want to pursue, but not all of them will have the same resources, training and opportunities you’ll need to get the best education possible. Look into your area of focus at the schools you’re interested in and see which ones offer the most extensive benefits.

How else does this school compare?

Just because a school offers your desired major or has the best program for your future career doesn’t mean the school is the best fit for you. Some schools produce more graduating students, have higher acceptance rates and better utilize your GI Bill benefits than others. Compare your top schools to see which one can best accommodate all of these needs. Some other things to consider:

What is the graduation rate at this school?
Will my GI benefits cover all of the costs?
Are there opportunities for internships?

Does this school offer the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for the higher out-of-state, private, overseas or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9 /11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Depending on your educational and career goals, choosing a school that utilizes the Yellow Ribbon Program may be the best move to save you money and find an institution that understands the needs of veterans. To find a list of schools offering the Yellow Ribbon Program this year, visit va.gov, and search for Yellow Ribbon.

How will this school support you as a veteran?

As a veteran, you have life experiences that not everyone else can relate you. Your college campus is going to be a place where you’ll be spending a large portion of your time. Why not make it a place that meets more than your educational needs? Look into the kinds of veteran programs and supports that your school offers. Do they have a chapter of the Student Veterans of America? Do other veterans attend this school? What kinds of extracurricular activities or clubs do they have? This might not seem like the most critical aspect of choosing a school but having a support system can be extremely helpful regardless of the educational path you decide to take.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, Military Consumer, VA

Choosing a Major? Join the Tech Field

CareerEducation

young man walking with backpack and laptop in hand

If you’re one of the many veterans looking to return to school but unsure about what major to pick, consider majoring in a tech field.

Tech jobs are not only high-paying, diverse, secure and consistently growing, but these fields have experience in veteran hiring and recruiting practices.

Here are some of the most popular tech majors for veterans:

Computer and Information Technology: Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve and exchange all kinds of data and information. Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Popular Information Technology Careers:

IT Analyst
IT Technician
Data Scientist
Systems Analyst

Those in the information technology field make an average salary of about $97,430, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations by about $52,000.

Web Development: Web developers create and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. Web developers may also create content for the site. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 13 percent, about double the average rate for all other occupations.

Popular Web Development Careers:

Digital Design
Application Developer
Computer Programming
Front-End and Back-End Development
Webmaster

Web designers make an average of about $77,200 per year.

Database Management: Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure a variety of data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They also make sure that the data is available to authorized users. Most big-name companies utilize database administration, offering employment at companies of all backgrounds and environments. Jobs in this field are growing at a steady rate of about eight percent.

Popular Database Management Careers:

Database Engineer
Database Manager
Cybersecurity
Security Engineer

The average salary for database management is about $98,860 per year.

Software Development:

Software developers create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. They create, maintain and upgrade software to meet the needs of their clients. Jobs in this field are growing extremely fast at about 22 percent.

Popular Software Development Careers:

Software Engineer
Full-stack Developer
Quality Assurance Analyst
App Developer
System Software Developer

The average salary for software development is about $110,140 per year.

Sources: Indeed.com, BLS, Wikipedia

The Yellow Ribbon Program Has Expanded

Education

What You Need to Know:

If you’re eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but still need additional funding, you might already be aware of the advantages of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

For the 2022-2023 school year, these benefits have expanded to offer additional coverage to active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits of an active-duty service member.

What you should know:

What is the maximum amount covered by the GI Bill?

For the 2022-2023 school year (August 31, 2022‑July 1, 2023) the maximum amount is $26,361.37.

I wasn’t eligible last year, am I eligible now?

Besides meeting the maximum benefits requirements under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must identify with one of the following to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program:

Served an aggregate period of at least 36 months on active duty and were honorably discharged
You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service
You served at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability
You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran
You’re a Fry Scholar

As of August 1, 2022, active-duty service members and spouses using transferred benefits may now partake in the Yellow Ribbon program, as long as they identify with one of the two situations:

You’re an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service)
You’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty

How do I transfer my benefits to my spouse?

If you have already transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to your spouse/dependent and they meet the necessary qualifications for the Yellow Ribbon program, then they should already be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program as of August 2022.

What is the application process?

If you submit an application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill to VA and are eligible at the 100 percent benefit level, VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility advising that you are potentially eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. You should provide your Certificate of Eligibility to your school which, in turn, will determine if there are slots available for the Yellow Ribbon Program (based on its agreement with the VA).

If your school has already sent us an enrollment certification, and it is processed at the same time as your application, your award letter will also display your benefit level. The school is responsible for notifying you whether or not you are accepted and approved for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The school then submits an enrollment form to VA, certifying information that is used to make payment to the school for tuition and fees and for Yellow Ribbon Program payments.

What fees will be covered?

All mandatory fees for a student’s program of education may be included. Any fees that are not mandatory, such as room and board, study abroad (unless the study abroad course is a requirement for the degree program) and penalty fees (such as late registration, return check fees and parking fines) cannot be included. These fees are not payable under the Yellow Ribbon Program or under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

For more information on the Yellow Ribbon Program and how to apply, visit benefits.va.gov.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

Applications Now Open for the 2023 Patriot Scholarship

Education

U.S. Army student veterans can apply for one of two $10,000 scholarships

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies, in partnership with Student Veterans of America (SVA), is now accepting applications for the 2023 Raytheon Patriot Scholarship.Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to student veterans under this educational program, which honors those who served in the U.S. Army.

The scholarship, which carries the name of the company’s Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, is designed to help returning soldiers achieve educational goals that can lead to success in their civilian lives. The scholarships will be awarded to Army student veterans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited university.

“It’s a privilege to support and recognize veterans who demonstrate the best in academic excellence and leadership in their communities,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land Warfare & Air Defense, a business unit of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “It’s one of many ways we are helping them prepare for a successful transition from active military service to civilian life.”

The Patriot Scholarship first launched in 2015 and is part of Raytheon’s broader commitment to supporting military service men and women.

All applicants will receive the opportunity to attend resume and networking workshops led by the company’s military hiring team, as well as connect with hiring managers for internship or career opportunities.

Army student veterans interested in the annual Raytheon Patriot Scholarship can now apply at Raytheon Missiles & Defense Patriot Scholarship – Student Veterans of America®. The application process will remain open until April 7, 2023.

National Scholarship Providers Association Introduces the NSPA Exchange During National Scholarship Month

Education

graduate students in caps and gowns smiling

National Scholarship Month, sponsored by the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA), is a national campaign designed to raise awareness of the vital role scholarships play in reducing student loan debt and expanding access to higher education.

To celebrate, the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) has announced the launch of the NSPA Exchange – the first and only scholarship metric database.

Thanks to a partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the NSPA Exchange was created to serve as a central access point for scholarship provider data. Currently, the database is home to metrics from over 1,300 organizations, allowing members to search details about peer providers by location, compare scholarship award amounts, eligibility criteria, program staff size, and more. All information is kept in a secure, cloud-based, centralized database maintained through a custom administration system.

“Our goal for the NSPA Exchange is to ultimately define best practices and industry standards for scholarship providers.” says Nicolette del Muro, Senior Director, Membership and Strategic Initiatives at NSPA.

“With this database, members now have the data they need to make strategic decisions. For example, of the over 15,000 scholarships in the Exchange database, the average application is open for 90 days. And 75% of these scholarships open in the months of November, December, and January. This offers applicants a relatively short window of time to apply for all scholarships. Insight like this could help a provider determine to open their application outside of the busy season or encourage them to make their scholarship criteria and requirements available online in advance of the application open date.”

“The NSPA Exchange is a great resource for IOScholarships as the information is constantly updated and enables members to review and update their own organization’s scholarship data”, said María Fernanda Trochimezuk, Founder of IOScholarships and Individual Affiliate Member at NSPA. “IOScholarships also uses scholarships from the Exchange in our own Scholarship Search, and we trust these scholarships are safe for students, vetted, and current offerings.

To learn more about this exciting new NSPA initiative click here – Launching a New Member Service: The NSPA Exchange or visit www.scholarshipproviders.org. For more details on how to sponsor the NSPA Exchange, contact Nicolette del Muro Senior Director, Membership and Strategic Initiatives at ndelmuro@scholarshipproviders.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION (NSPA)

The mission of the National Scholarship Providers Association is to advance the collective impact of scholarship providers and the scholarships they award. Currently serving over 2,000 individuals, they are dedicated to supporting the needs of professionals administering scholarships in colleges and universities, non-profit, foundations and businesses. Membership in the NSPA provides access to networking opportunities, professional development, and scholarship program resources.

ABOUT IOSCHOLARSHIPS

By conducting a free scholarship search at IOScholarships.com, STEM minority and underrepresented students gain access to a database of thousands of STEM scholarships worth over $48 million. We then narrow this vast array of financial aid opportunities down to a manageable list of scholarships for which students actually qualify, based on the information they provide in their IOScholarships.com profile. They can then review their search results, mark their favorites, and sort their list by deadline, dollar amount and other criteria. We also offer a scholarship organizer which is completely free to use, just like our scholarship search. There are scholarships out there for diverse students in STEM. So take advantage of National Scholarship Month and search for available scholarships today!

For more information about IOScholarships visit www.ioscholarships.com

Famous Veterans Throughout History

EducationEntertainmentmilitary

Elvis Presley holding company battalion sign

Celeb Elvis Presley was far from the only person of fame to have served in the U.S. military. In fact, several people who are known for their accomplishments in other fields got their start in the armed forces. Meet some of the other well-known veterans throughout history that you may not be aware of:

The Apollo 11 Team

Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins comprised the historic Apollo 11 Team that successfully landed and walked on the moon in 1969. While they will always be remembered as the first men to go to the moon, all three of them served in the military. Armstrong served as a Navy pilot and saw action in the Korean War, Aldrin was among the top of his class at West Point before serving in Korea with the Air Force and Collins was a member of some of the most prestigious flight programs as a fighter pilot for the Air Force. All three men used their experiences from the military to eventually become astronauts with NASA, leading to the first-ever moon mission that marked their names in history.

Johnny Cash

At the ripe age of 18, before his musical career took off, Johnny Cash was a staff sergeant for the U.S. Air Force. Serving from 1950-1954, Cash was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile of the U.S. Air Force Security Service at Landsberg, West Germany where he worked as a morse code operator intercepting Soviet Army transmissions. In fact, Cash was officially the first American to know about Stalin’s death when he decoded a message while monitoring Soviet Morse Code chatter in 1953. Cash was then tasked to tell the critical information to his superiors. Cash began his musical journey during his time in the military, having formed his first band during service: The Landsberg Barbarians. After his service and into his thriving musical legacy, Cash continued to show his appreciation for his roots by participating in concerts and events designed to support our nation’s troops.

Bea Arthur and Betty White

Long before they were your favorite Golden Girls, Bea Arthur and Betty White served in the U.S. military. At just 20 years old, Bea Arthur enlisted with the Marine Corps’ Women’s Reservists, becoming one of the first people to do so. She served as a typist at Marine Headquarters

in Washington, D.C. and later transferred to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to become a driver and dispatcher. Arthur was honorably discharged at the end of the war in 1945 with the title of staff sergeant. White served with the American Women’s Voluntary Services; an organization dedicated to providing support to the war effort. She also worked as a PX truck driver delivering military supplies to the barracks in the Hollywood Hills and regularly attended farewell dances for departing troops hosted to boost troop morale.

Chuck Norris

One of the most beloved figures in the veteran community, Chuck Norris wouldn’t be who he is today if it wasn’t for his service in the Air Force. In 1958, after graduating high school, Norris became an Air Policeman and was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was there that Norris began studying martial arts and earned his first black belt in Tang Soo Do. Once Norris was discharged from service in 1962, he went on to participate in martial arts competitions, became the World Middleweight Karate Champion from 1968 to 1974 and launched his acting career. Though it’s been 60 years since Norris was discharged from the Air Force, he still dedicates his projects, time and money to veterans’ efforts. He has worked with organizations such as the USO and the Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and was the spokesperson for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He received the Veteran of the Year award from the Air Force in 2001 and was even made an honorary Marine in 2007.

Harriet Tubman

Everyone knows Harriet Tubman and her brilliant work with the Underground Railroad, but many people often forget her military history. After escaping slavery and rescuing over 70 other slaves working for the Underground Railroad, Tubman worked with Colonel James Montgomery and the Union Army as a nurse and spy. Her work consisted of tending to the wounds of soldiers and escaped slaves, but mostly entailed gaining intel on the Confederate soldiers for the Union Army. Tubman created a spy ring in South Carolina, paid informants for intel that would be useful to the Union Army and was one of the leaders that helped to plan and execute the Combahee Ferry Raid. The raid successfully caught Confederate soldiers off guard, allowing a group of Black Union Army soldiers to free more than 700 slaves. Her contributions made her the first woman in American history to lead a military assault.

Tammy Duckworth

Before her career as a senator for the state of Illinois, Tammy Duckworth was a combat veteran of the Iraq War. Joining the Army Reserves in 1990 and transferring to the National Guard in 1996, Duckworth served as a helicopter pilot while stationed in Iraq. In 2004, her helicopter was hit by a rocketpropelled grenade resulting in the loss of both of her legs and limited mobility in her right arm. Despite being the first female double amputee of that particular war, Duckworth obtained a medical waiver that allowed her to continue her service in the National Guard for another 10 years. She retired in 2014 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Duckworth has worked relentlessly to advocate for the needs and wellbeing of the veteran community. With her high ranking position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and her status as a U.S. senator, Duckworth has created government-sponsored programs to help veterans with PTSD, advocated for the needs of women and Native American veterans, created initiatives to bring an end to veteran homelessness and helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Clint Eastwood

Before Clint Eastwood was an actor, musician, director and your favorite gun-slinging cowboy, he served in the U.S. Army. In fact, without Eastwood’s Army service, he may have never become the iconic figure he is today. Before he got the chance to enroll in college, Eastwood was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Fort Ord in California where he met future co-stars Martin Milner and David Janssen. Upon discharge from the Army, Eastwood used his GI Bill benefits to study drama at L.A. City College and soon after landed his contract with Universal Studios. The rest is history.

James Earl Jones

An iconic actor with a distinctive voice, James Earl Jones is best known for his work throughout Hollywood and as the voice of one of Hollywood’s most notorious sci-fi villains, Darth Vader. But before he ventured into the world of Hollywood, Jones served with the Army during the Korean War. A member of the University of Michigan’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, Jones was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and assigned to Headquarters Company, 38th Regimental Combat Team. Jones served his first and only assignment at the former Camp Hale, where he helped establish a cold weather training command. His battalion became a training unit and Jones was promoted to first lieutenant before being discharged soon after. He went on to begin his acting career straight out of the service at the Ramsdell Theater in Michigan and has since made significant contributions to the world of the arts.