Supporting Student Veterans in Higher Education

As college and university campuses become increasingly diverse, student retention often becomes more challenging. In the design of initiatives, programs, and policies aimed at effectively addressing retention percentages among students enrolled in higher education, understanding student diversity is essential.

One student population that is distinctively different from traditional college students are military-affiliated students enrolled in higher education. As of 2014, almost all (96%) higher education institutions in the United States enroll veterans, and more schools are beginning to focus on recruitment as a strategy to further increase their student veteran population. According to US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, about 6 percent of undergraduate college students in 2015-16 were veterans of the U.S. military, active-duty service members, in the reserves or the National Guard. Because military-affiliated students can be unexpected and vary in nature, these students face unique challenges as well as valuable opportunities for creating more equitable, higher education environments for this growing population.

Consider that one of the most significant barriers student veterans face in the pursuit of a post-secondary degree is the perception among some that they would not be welcome, supported, or valued in an academic setting. Despite these challenges, our military students and veterans are some of the best and the brightest on campus. They often make the highest quality students because of their maturity, dedication and military training.

The Essential Discussion: Conversations at MCC, entitled “Supporting Student Veterans in Higher Education,” looks at some of the unique challenge faced by military-affiliated students, while also creating opportunities for dialogue that will enhance the overall support and inclusion of this particular population within the greater college community.

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