Indiana Helps Veterans Access Higher Education for Success after Service

This Veterans Day, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education wants Hoosier veterans to know there are resources to help them plan, prepare, and pay for college. Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs show the number of Indiana military veterans using educational benefits has more than doubled in five years—from 7,809 veterans in 2010 to 16,075 veterans in 2013. Despite growth, there is much room for improvement. Indiana’s Gulf War veterans alone total more than 139,000 men and women.

“Indiana is committed to working with national and state partners to grow resources that help more military veterans successfully transition to quality degree or certification programs,” Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers said. “In today’s economy, education beyond high school is critical to achieving greater financial security and success, and it’s something we should aim to provide all the men and women who serve our country.”

College Resources for Indiana Veterans and Military Members

• Student Checklist for Veterans and Service Members: Click here for a step-by-step guide on exploring, preparing and paying for college.
• College Veteran Support Services Offices: Click here for a list of Indiana colleges with links to on-campus veteran support services offices.
• Military Financial Aid Options: Learn more about federal funding dedicated to higher education opportunities for veterans and current members of the military here. The State of Indiana provides scholarships for members of the National Guard as well as for the children of disabled veterans and those killed in the line of duty. Find more information on state financial aid programs here.
• College Credit for Military Service: For some Hoosier veterans, experience in the military may translate into college credit. Learn more here.

Learn more about Indiana’s Veteran education programs at: LearnMoreIndiana.org/military.