For more than a century, the four-year bachelor’s degree has been the default degree for American college students. Most still require 120 credit hours spread across four years, but some states are now moving to cut that to about 90 credit hours in three years, and the push has accelerated quickly. What can this mean…
If you are thinking of leaving your military career for a civilian one, there are many choices to make, including whether to stay in your current career field or move into something new. The dilemma for some military members is that their in-uniform skill sets don’t match civilian employment opportunities…or don’t seem to. If you…
State-funded education benefits for disabled military veterans and their dependents are offered at the state level in addition to those offered by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. These education benefits range from complete tuition waivers to selective grant awards, depending on the state. While not all states offer these benefits, those that do give…
Higher education cannot and should not use blanket policies when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence in classrooms.
Colleges across the United States are implementing simplified admissions policies to counter declining enrollment. Learn more.
Is the Yellow Ribbon Program obsolete? Learn how it continues to benefit veterans pursuing higher education and certifications.
Military families have options for saving money for their kids’ college costs. A 529 plan is one of them but is an often-overlooked benefit.
Learn how to identify Back-to-School scams that prey on students. Arm yourself with knowledge to avoid financial pitfalls.
How far do college graduates move once they’ve completed their degrees and are ready to hit the job market? According to one study, most college-educated workers in the United States stay close to home. That’s the information found in a research report released by the Strada Education Foundation. Strada Report: 55% of College Graduates Stay…
Data from the Lumina Foundation and Gallup shows that just 12 percent of U.S. adults believe four-year colleges do a good or excellent job staying affordable. This comes as many universities are struggling with their operating budgets and federal scrutiny over curricula, ideology, and funding. Lumina/Gallup Poll on College Affordability Part of the problem with…
Did you know that under certain qualifying circumstances, you may be able to apply to the federal government to have your federal student loans discharged or forgiven? This refers to more than the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Do You Need Federal Student Loan Forgiveness? According to StudentAid.gov, “You may qualify for student…
The federal government ended the Graduate PLUS loan program for new applicants on July 1, 2026. This was done via the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which affects students (including student veterans) pursuing advanced degrees. Graduate PLUS Loans Eliminated With Graduate PLUS borrowing eliminated, new students must use alternative options for the costs of graduate…
The Department of Education has announced a temporary program to address declining auto-pay participation among federal student loan borrowers. It’s a move that could (again, temporarily) save student loan borrowers money on student loan interest for the duration of the program. As of July 1, 2026, the existing interest rate reduction for borrowers enrolled in…
At the end of June, 2026, two federal judges issued injunctions preventing the Department of Education from using new regulations changing the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. These rulings arrived one day before the changes were scheduled to take effect, but an appeal by the federal government is likely. The Department of Education released…
The Federal Pell Grant program helps undergraduate students finance their college education. In the past, these needs-based grants were reserved for long-term academic programs, excluding short-term job training. But that is changing thanks to new federal legislation aimed at expanding Pell grant options. Workforce Pell Grant Offers Expanded Options for Vocational Training On May 19,…
In May 2026, Veterans Education Success submitted testimony to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on pending legislation affecting VA education benefits. This statement discusses failures at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including disrupted benefits payments, fraud involving student veterans, and major IT failures. New Legislation Proposes Fixes for VA Education Benefits In 2026, the…
If you attend school on the GI Bill and fail a class, will you get charged for the GI Bill benefits you used? What about those who withdraw or have an “incomplete” designation on one of their courses? Failing or Withdrawing from College Classes on the GI Bill The VA is required to approach you…
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act proposes expanding the transferability of the GI Bill.
The Department of Education rolls out new restrictions on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program as of July 1, 2026, requiring people to enroll in the federal Repayment Assistance Plan to earn credit toward debt discharge. The law excludes the Tiered Standard Plan from the list of qualifying repayment options.
The transition from military to civilian life brings uncertainty. Frequent moves and the requirements of the Department of Defense often put the career or education goals of a spouse on hold, and when the time comes to look toward post-military college, families need a starting point. >> Find VA-approved schools with the College Recon School…
Learn how location affects housing allowance calculations for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and what to expect.
Explore the USO military to civilian transition and discover how it supports service members in their new journey.
When you make the jump from military service to a civilian career, the federal government has programs to make that transition easier. Two options for veterans and transitioning service members you should know? The Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program, and the VA-partnered IBM SkillsBuild.
Earning a degree is a big achievement for anyone, but for those balancing their military service with the demands of a classroom, graduation carries a different weight. Whether you are transitioning out of the military or a veteran finally getting your degree, you’ll face a unique set of logistical hurdles. From coordinating travel for a spread-out family to finding a suit that fits your new civilian life, the costs of the milestone can stack up quickly.
The VA Yellow Ribbon program allows veterans to attend private universities and avoid excessive out-of-pocket education costs. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill typically provides full tuition benefits at public universities, it features a “ceiling” of benefits for private and foreign institutions. For institutions where tuition exceeds this ceiling, the Yellow Ribbon Program bridges the gap through school contributions and matching federal funds. Not all schools participate in Yellow Ribbon, but a large number of them do.
