Since the creation of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill in 2009, there has been a large number of veterans returning from combat in the Middle East and enrolling for classes on college campuses. As Post 9/11 veterans return to college, they bring with them many experiences including exposure to combat. Some of these returning military personnel suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to investigate the perceptions of student veterans with PTSD regarding their experiences as college students in relation to self-efficacy, the belief in their ability to succeed, and socialization, the ability to identify as a member of the college community, as they transition into college life at a community college. A total of 10 participants from six different community colleges were interviewed. After a thorough analysis of the interview narratives, seven themes and five subthemes emerged. The findings were examined through the lenses of Bragg's socialization theory (1976) and Bandura's self-efficacy theory (1977). The findings suggest that even though the confidence levels of the student veterans initially dropped after separating from the military, after experiencing some success in college, the participants' confidence levels and self-efficacy as college students increased. However, the participants still reported challenges such as feelings of loss since leaving the military, trust issues related to PTSD, and feeling different from other college students. These challenges seem to have an impact on their socialization and reintegration into civilian and college life. Lastly, the findings suggest that creating a safe space on campus for veterans and properly training faculty to interact with student veterans may be the keys to helping student veterans feel more comfortable on college campuses. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]