U.S. military veterans attend college in increasing numbers, yet, often without a sense of attachment to their university. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined sense of belonging, happiness, and stress-coping outcomes for student veterans (N = 9) participating in a backpacking event. Results indicate the treatment group's happiness level…

Since the introduction of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, veteran student support services have expanded in higher education in response to the growing veteran student population and to improve the academic achievement of veteran students. The problem addressed in this study was a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of veteran students' participation…

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) largest educational program. It provides payments for eligible veterans to cover tuition and fees, housing and other costs while they pursue a higher education. However, for some veterans this pursuit is interrupted when the school they attend unexpectedly closes. This testimony…

The 1946 GI Bill is widely credited with having created the modern U.S. higher education system, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill led to an expansion of services available to veterans at U.S. colleges and universities and the nonprofit veterans services industry. Despite this, veterans struggle to adapt to civilian society and report a lower sense of…

Using data from four waves of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, this study examines the effect of the PGIB on veterans' student loans. Results indicate that the PGIB has significantly affected veteran students' borrowing behavior, with an average $1,100 reduction in Stafford Loans. Veteran students…

This study examined the relationship between individual and institutional characteristics for student veterans who borrow money while enrolled in degree-seeking programs. Using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS 16), we established predictors of borrowing, implications of borrowing, and examined patterns in total aid…

Many studies on higher education access have focused on challenges faced by the civilian population. Indeed, there are many obstacles that people face when seeking to enter certificate- and degree-granting programs, including affordability, inequitable admission standards, and family and work demands on their time. Veterans, however, have access…

This article presents a national snapshot of GI Bill student enrollment through examination of a repository of data on veterans' education benefits usage, institutional practices to support veterans, and consumer advocacy information (e.g., complaints and caution flags). Through examination of records from 2217 two-year institutions enrolling…

Retiring senior military officers (SMO) are a specific group of adult learners in role transition. SMOs have the shared experience of high-level leadership roles, senior managerial experiences, and military rank. They experience some similar transition challenges as other military affiliated learners, such as military-civilian culture; however, in…

The United States military is one of the most notable developers of civilian workforce talent. Yet, approximately one third of post 9/11 veterans retain a personal narrative of military identity that they often find conflicts with civilian society--and as a result, with a civilian career. Earlier studies on veteran career transition have…

The Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019 was put in place to enable registered apprenticeship programs to better serve veterans, and for other purposes. The Act includes the following sections: (1) Short Title; and (2) Improved Apprenticeship Program Coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of…

This research project investigated the experiences of adult student veterans who have completed postsecondary education degrees utilizing veteran education benefits. The purpose of this grounded theory research was to discover how veterans are able to complete baccalaureate degrees within the 36 months allowed under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill…

Since the events of 9/11, the United States has experienced a resurgence of patriotism. Society actively applauds the service and sacrifice made by veterans and active military personnel. The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows members of U.S. armed forces, both past and present, to continue their education at colleges and universities across the country.…

The purpose of this mixed-method pragmatic study was twofold: to identify the necessary classroom and campus supports student veterans require to create a veteran-inclusive environment. Additionally, the study investigated whether those supports differ for male and female student veterans. The United States has been at war for twenty years in…

This doctoral study discussed ways of increasing student veteran transfers to 4-year colleges and universities while decreasing the state skills gap. A qualitative research methodology was employed to provide insight into how California's community college leaders perceive their role in improving student veterans' academic success from a shared…