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Resources for Rural Student Veterans

If you’re getting ready to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits from rural America, you may face some unique challenges.

Commutes can be long, resources scarce, and the internet can be, well, a little “iffy.” You might even feel like you’re on an entirely different path than your classmates, but don’t worry—there’s a growing number of resources and programs designed to help you overcome common challenges and excel in your academic journey.

For starters, it may help you feel just a little better knowing you’re not alone. The VA estimates that there are more than 4.4 million – or about 25% of all – veterans living in “highly rural” or “rural” areas of the country.  In case you’re curious about the difference between these two designations, at its simplest, it has a lot to do with the average daily commute of workers.

If you are more likely to commute to an urban area, the VA considers you to be in an “urban” area, while if 10% or less of workers commute to a large urban area, you are designated as “highly rural.” Everyone else living in the continental U.S. is typically categorized as “rural.”

So now that you know there are many others in the same boat, we’re going to give you some options to take charge of your academic pursuits, reach your goals, and get that civilian career, no matter where you call home.

Since academic struggles often stem from other factors outside the classroom, this guide provides you with a well-rounded selection of resources to meet various everyday needs.

• College Recon: If you are in the process of selecting a school, you’ve taken a smart first step by visiting us here at College Recon. Our extensive database of institutions offers a birds-eye view of what resources schools offer to help you find the best school to meet your needs. And if you’re looking for additional funding to pay for school, our Military & Veteran College Scholarships and Grants Finder tool may open the door to financial assistance to help you along the way.
• Veteran Success on Campus (VSOC): VSOC is one of several resources we will discuss that is dedicated to offering a wide range of resources to help you thrive in academia and beyond. If you are a veteran eligible for any VA education benefit or a dependent eligible for the following programs, you are likely eligible to participate in your campus’s VSOC program. The program focuses on outreach by coordinating available on-campus, peer-to-peer mentoring, counseling, and, in some cases, referrals to off-campus support. Since its establishment in 2009, the program has increased, currently including over 100 programs across colleges and universities in about 35 states. If you’re in a remote area, a VSOC school could be worth checking out for its breadth of programming to support your access and success in higher education.
• Centers of Excellence for Veterans Student Success (CEVSS): CEVSS has a similar objective but focuses more on building or enhancing sustainable on-campus resources through a designated veteran coordinator-led center. These also offer a broad range of resources for veteran students, including academic success support, education and health benefits, academic advising, finances, housing, career counseling, and more. You can access the latest approved grantees, along with those from previous years, here.

It’s worth noting that while the CEVSS grant funding for previous awardees may have been fully utilized, each selected school must create a plan to continue the services established under the program.

If a school has been chosen in the past, it indicates a commitment to serving students like you. Nevertheless, searching on College Recon to learn about their current offerings is always a good idea.

• Veterans Upward Bound (VUB): If it’s been a minute since you hit the books and need a little jumpstart to get into the academic swing of things, you may benefit from a VUB program. VUBs are somewhat different in that they can be located at schools, non-profits, and other selected agencies. Each location can support about 125 eligible veterans per year with the aim of helping participants prepare for school through tutoring sessions, personalized help with financial aid forms, college planning, and support in math, reading, and writing. The program is geared toward local low-income and first-generation learners, so if you find one nearby, be sure to reach out to the location to affirm your eligibility. Some VUBs even have virtual options as well, so you may be able to get the help you need right from your living room. Check back frequently, as VUB program locations can change yearly.
• Economic Opportunity Centers (EOCs): EOCs are not built specifically for veterans but, depending on your circumstances, can be an excellent tool to take advantage of as you transition to postsecondary education. Their role is also slightly different from those discussed above as its focus is more on financial preparation and creating pathways for adults of low- income who are typically underrepresented on college and university campuses. The offerings include advising and help with financial aid, testing, and college application preparation. You can view the 140 EOC projects here, many of which are in rural areas of the country.
• Virtual and Hybrid Options: Taking classes in a location apart from a college campus is a concept that dates to the 1800s when the first “correspondent schools” were founded to permit classwork to be exchanged by mail. These became extremely popular options for veterans taking advantage of the original GI Bill in the post-World War II era, for, you guessed it, the many who lived in remote areas. The establishment of the internet in the 1980s took this approach to a new level, and since then, more than 400 schools are offering online coursework. According to a 2015 National Center for Education Statistics report, about 12% of all online students are veterans, active duty, or members of the guard or reserves.

The options for pursuing a degree online are vast, and if you live in a remote area, they might be a good choice for you. Just keep in mind that there are a few things to consider before you crack open that laptop.

First, you will want to familiarize yourself with the types of distance learning. The most common are synchronous, instructor-led in real-time, and asynchronous, where you learn at your own pace.

Both can be equally effective and convenient, permitting you to learn when and where it’s most convenient. Just be sure to explore the options available and consider your preferred learning method to ensure you find the perfect fit.

Hybrid learning is a newer delivery modality that took off in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. As many students became accustomed to learning online, the demand for online learning increased, leading many traditional schools to offer the option of going to school online and partially on campus.

This innovative model can balance the flexibility of online learning and the opportunity for in-person interactions and experiences. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a mix of both worlds.

Finally, be aware that the type of school and delivery method you choose can impact your benefits, particularly your monthly housing allowance (MHA). The rate for full-time online schools is based on an average but you may be able to get more if you take at least one class in person. Whatever you choose, be sure to check the VA guidelines on monthly MHA amounts and go ahead and plot your course by hopping on College Recon to refine your search.

Health Resources

With the founding of the Office of Rural Health (ORH) in 2006, the VA took a big step forward in addressing the needs of rural veterans. One standout outcome was the establishment of the VA’s ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) in 2019.

The pilot was launched to cut down the cost, travel, and medical barriers to accessing health care in rural areas. ATLAS expands these telehealth opportunities by partnering with non-VA facilities, including veteran service organizations (VSOs) and higher education institutions.

ATLAS is also growing its footprint by linking up with companies like Walmart and others that are willing to provide space and equipment for telehealth centers at some of its stores. ATLAS locations are growing, so be sure to check the location site frequently to be updated on what offices are near you.

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs often provide benefits counseling and support for state and federal benefits, including education, health, and disability ratings.  Here are a few that may be available in your community:

• The American Legion: The Legion has over 13,000 posts nationwide with service officers who can often help you manage your benefits.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): The VFW has about 5600 posts nationwide, which can often assist you with managing your benefits and filing claims.
• Student Veterans of America (SVA): SVA has about 1900 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide to support student veterans on their campuses. Their student liaisons assist with campus resources, including disability, career, and diversity and equity initiatives.

State Department of Veteran Affairs

Every state has a Department of Veterans Affairs office where you may find additional tools to give you a leg up in your education. Many states offer state-specific programming, including tuition waivers or reductions, scholarships, or other bonus educational benefits for veterans. As of 2022, veterans attending public schools in over 20 states offer free or discounted tuition and, in some cases, reduced fees for veterans and their dependents.

Rural Community Colleges

About 40 percent of veterans start their postsecondary career at one of the nation’s more than 900 community colleges.  Some students move on to continue their education at a 4-year school, but for others, these schools are an option to gain industry-specific credentials or certificates.

Community colleges are often closer to home, have flexible learning options, and, in many cases, have relationships with 4-year schools that can increase your chances of transferring credits. Remember that the credit transfer policies differ from school to school, so you’ll want to check with the school’s veteran or academic advisement office to get the school on what is offered. And, while these schools may have smaller staffs, the prevalence of veterans attending them means they have a solid knowledge base to guide you.

Workforce Development Programs: Skills for Rural Careers

Career training programs can bridge the gap between studying and starting a job, especially in trades and industries that are hiring locally. These may include apprenticeships and vocational training in high-demand fields, including healthcare, IT, agriculture, and skill trades. Don’t forget to optimize available resources like MilGears, which can track your experiences and guide how to optimize them for your future. Remember, MilGears and many other resources are available well after your separation.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Reliable internet is critical for online learning, but we know it can be spotty in rural areas. Recently, additional funding has been directed toward improving access programs to increase connectivity in remote areas, which should help drive upgrades and greater broad availability.

If you need assistance affording internet, the FCC’s Lifeline offers discounted internet to veterans with limited access, helping them stay connected and on top of their studies. Also, make sure you look into your area’s eligibility for broadband subsidies and discounts to access options to cut those bills down. Many major providers offer these.