For thousands of men and women who served in the military, the end of service is not just a return to civilian life but the start of an entirely new mission. The shift from structured military operations to the unpredictable world of higher education can be daunting. But across the country, colleges and universities offer tailored financial aid, academic resources and veteran support networks to ensure a successful transition.
From Boston to Los Angeles, institutions are bridging the gap between years of military service and the next chapter of veterans’ careers. These students are proving that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It evolves.At Fisher College in Boston, veteran support is a priority. Theodore Pilalas, a second-year undergraduate, discovered the Yellow Ribbon Program after learning about Chapter 33 VA benefits from a fellow Navy seaman. “The benefits are outstanding and were one of the main reasons I joined the military,” Pilalas says.
After serving for a decade, he shifted his focus to studying business management and entrepreneurship. His benefits include a monthly housing stipend, which helps him balance school and civilian life while attending classes on campus twice a week.
Fisher College’s veterans liaison and MBA Program Director Neil Trotta is an Air Force veteran who understands the unique challenges veterans face in higher education. “Most of our military-affiliated students are older than traditional undergraduates since they’ve served at least four years before enrolling,” Trotta explains.
Fisher has seen its veteran community grow, with this year marking its highest enrollment of military students since Trotta matriculated in 2007. Veterans who have served 15 or more years can even transfer their GI Bill education benefits to their spouse and children, further extending the impact of these programs.
With financial aid opportunities such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges across the country are ensuring that veterans receive the support they’ve earned.
For Christopher Alora, military service was the beginning of an inspiring journey through higher education. After serving active duty in the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2016 and continuing in the Army National Guard, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in international studies at the University of Southern California (USC), graduating in 2021.At USC, he found academic opportunities and a strong veterans’ community. “The TroVet community, as we in the military-affiliated community call ourselves at USC, was a phenomenal support system that prepared me for the civilian world,” Alora says.
Encouraged by his experience, he advanced his education, earning a master’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University. Along the way, he interned with The American Legion, worked at an international law firm and continued his service as a Black Hawk pilot and flight operations officer in the Army National Guard.For Alora, USC’s values became a foundation of resilience, helping him overcome personal challenges — including a battle with kidney cancer. “USC not only set a guideline for me to follow, but also gave me the strength to overcome challenges,” he says.
Now, as he prepares for his next chapter, he hopes to continue serving in a new capacity as he pursues his dream of becoming a diplomat.
Below are 10 institutions that stand out for their commitment to veterans:
Columbia University, New York CityColumbia University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and provides GI Bill benefits. For more than a decade, the university has developed one of the most sophisticated and successful programs among Ivy League institutions to support service members transitioning into education, the workforce and civilian life. Notably, in 2017, Columbia launched the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, and in 2024 has served over 200,000 transitioning service members and veterans through its programs.
Fisher College, BostonFisher College assists veterans in navigating the complexities of the GI Bill and specialized financial aid options. The college fosters a veteran-friendly campus culture.
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.George Washington University offers Yellow Ribbon Program benefits and a dedicated veterans’ resource center. Its prime location provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities and internships, particularly in government and policy fields.
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PennsylvaniaPenn State provides extensive veteran support programs, including the newly-launched Veterans to Veterans health initiative and Student Veteran Organizations. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Texas A&M University, College Station, TexasTexas A&M University is known for its strong military tradition and Yellow Ribbon participation, while helping veterans access additional financial resources.
University of Arizona, Tucson, ArizonaThe University of Arizona welcomes veterans through its Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) program, which provides academic advising, mentoring, and a peer-to-peer support network.
University of Florida, Gainesville, FloridaThe University of Florida stands out with GI Bill assistance, Yellow Ribbon participation and tailored academic advising for veterans.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MichiganThe University of Michigan participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers a variety of financial aid options to help veterans succeed.
University of Southern California, Los AngelesThe University of Southern California is deeply committed to veteran support. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, eligible undergraduate veterans can graduate debt-free, with funding that supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Graduate students can also receive financial assistance, matched by the VA. The Veterans Resource Center serves as a hub for student veterans seeking guidance and community.
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TexasUniversity of Texas Austin provides extensive veterans’ support, including the Texas Exes Veterans Network and a Veterans Assistance Program. Hook ‘em Horns! From servicemen to scholars and beyond, veterans are not just adapting, they’re succeeding with new careers and opportunities. Higher education, with the right support, is one of the most powerful tools veterans can wield in their next chapter.
Veterans who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill may be eligible to receive full tuition benefits at a state university or community college even if they do not live in that state. As of Aug. 1, 2024, the VA will provide approximately $29,000 annually for private colleges plus a stipend for housing, books and fees. If a college or university tuition costs more than the maximum payment, veterans may be eligible for added payments through the Yellow Ribbon Program. For further information, visit VA.gov.
Colleges and universities that support veterans as they transition to civilian life – USA Today
