Veterans' Academic Success and Challenges under the Post-9/11 GI Bill: A New Study

On a brisk morning in February 2024, a report shedding new light on the academic journey of veterans under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) surfaces, challenging widespread perceptions and igniting discussions around the nation. With nearly $100 billion allocated between 2009 and 2019, the PGIB represents a substantial federal effort to support veterans' higher education. The findings, emerging from a collaborative study by the American Institutes for Research, the Census Bureau, and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for Veterans Analysis & Statistics, offer a promising outlook on veterans' educational achievements, yet reveal persistent hurdles in their path to academic success.

A Leap Forward in Veterans' Education

The data speaks volumes: veterans utilizing the PGIB not only enroll in higher education in significant numbers but also outshine their non-veteran counterparts in key academic outcomes. They are more likely to don graduation caps, boast higher GPAs, and secure employment post-graduation. This success story unfolds against the backdrop of nearly half of all eligible enlisted veterans harnessing the PGIB for their educational pursuits between 2009 and 2019, a period marked by a commitment to transform the lives of those who served the nation.

However, the narrative is not devoid of complexity. Female veterans, despite leveraging the PGIB benefits at a higher rate and achieving degree completion, face a wage gap when compared to their male counterparts. Veterans from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups show a higher propensity to use PGIB benefits, yet they encounter barriers to completing their degrees within the six-year benchmark. These disparities underscore the multifaceted challenges veterans navigate in their academic and subsequent professional journeys.

Challenges on the Road to Academia

Despite the glowing achievements, the study uncovers a less optimistic side of the veteran academic experience. Many veterans fall prey to institutions with low success rates and academic undermatch, a dilemma exacerbated by a lack of awareness about college quality and financial barriers. The intricate web of college enrollment processes and the shadow of deceptive recruiting practices by for-profit institutions further complicate veterans' path to higher education.

An intriguing aspect of the study revealed that personalized information and access to advising, contrary to expectations, did not significantly influence veterans' college enrollment or persistence. This insight prompts a reevaluation of strategies aimed at supporting veterans through their educational endeavors, suggesting that more direct interventions may be necessary to address the unique challenges faced by this demographic.

The Road Ahead

The study's revelations about the correlation between veterans' Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores and their educational outcomes – including the use of GI Bill benefits, degree completion, and earnings – illuminate the potential of tailored support and policies. It paves the way for a more nuanced understanding of how educational benefits can be optimized to serve veterans' needs effectively.

Supported by Arnold Ventures and Veterans Education Success, this comprehensive study not only celebrates the achievements of veterans under the PGIB but also casts a spotlight on the areas where further support and understanding are required. It invites policymakers, educators, and the community at large to reflect on the mechanisms of support for veterans, ensuring that the sacrifices made in service of the country are met with meaningful opportunities for growth and success in civilian life.

In essence, the journey of veterans through the corridors of higher education under the PGIB is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the undying quest for knowledge. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of supporting its veterans, the insights from this study serve as both a roadmap and a call to action – to honor the service of veterans not just in words, but through tangible, impactful educational opportunities.