This Veterans Day, we honor not only the sacrifice of servicemembers but the ongoing journey many undertake when they step into college classrooms and online portals. With over 900,000 beneficiaries enrolled in VA education programs, veterans are a growing and critical segment of the student population. Yet, they are too often overlooked in institutional design and policy.
In this issue, we explore what it really means to support military-connected students. We feature a powerful Q&A with Missionwise CEO Chris Tilghman, who underscores the need for “decoding the process” and delivering goal-oriented advising. The kind that helps learners see a future beyond course checklists. We look at the current state of veteran enrollment, profile the unique barriers these learners face, and examine how few are found at selective colleges [subscription required] despite their service and talent. And we don’t shy away from the urgent challenges: delayed GI Bill payments caused by government gridlock are leaving students in limbo.
Veterans deserve more than “military friendly” slogans. They deserve clarity, community, and a higher education system designed with their real-world complexity in mind.
