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Resources for Women Veterans Transitioning to College

If you are a woman veteran getting ready to pursue higher education, there are many things to consider: location, tuition, what degree to pursue, what career to pursue, and what resources are accessible to smooth the path to academia.

Military-Provided Transition Assistance Program, or TAP bridges the gap between service and civilian life. Originally offered only in person, the program has expanded online, providing more opportunities and assets to those in the process of separating from the military. While TAP is for all transitioning service members, the program now includes more specific content for women veterans. If you’re transitioning, exploring these as you explore education, career planning, health care, and more is a good idea.

The Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) addresses a need in the availability of career services for traditional students. They may be understaffed, underfunded, or not have the resources you may need as a veteran. A great way to augment what is available is through DOL’s VETs program.

VETS is a one-stop shop for career resources, including career counseling, job placement assistance, and information about education and training programs. Their Women’s Bureau focuses on improving working environments and advocating for more equitable opportunities and wages for women.

The Department of Labor CareerOneStop official site has resources to help you pursue employment opportunities. It includes help with resume writing, higher education, certificate programs, training opportunities, available jobs, and local providers. The Veterans and Military Transition Center gives veterans and employers.

VA Education Resources

• The Center for Women Veterans (CWV) is focused on outcomes by optimizing VA benefits for women, including health care and benefits, disability, employment, career services, home loans, and more.

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is primarily an employment program, but under certain circumstances, you may be approved for additional GI Bill benefits to pursue a different vocation. Their services include career readiness, job training, and education preparation. Applicants are evaluated on an individual assessment. To learn more and apply, go to the VR&E Process page.

• Some schools’ tuition may exceed the maximum annual amount allowed by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Many of these schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which involves an agreement between the school and the VA to cover the difference between the tuition and the VA’s maximum limit. Remember that the specifics of what each school offers, including the number of recipients and programs they will fund, can vary by institution and year. You can review the list of participating schools here.

Health and Non-profit Organizations

• Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) provides access to essential services, including health care, housing, financial assistance, education, employment, and legal aid. SWAN also advocates for the rights and needs of women in the military and among veterans and offers support for transitioning to civilian life.

• Women Veterans Interactive (WVI) hosts an annual meeting to help provide access to resources and provide a forum to engage with other women veterans. It has four chapters and works with its members to assist with VA benefits, career resources, and combatting homelessness.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is an advocacy organization for disabled vets. It worked with Congress to pass legislation to fund the coordination of maternity services, improve the quality and access to mammograms, and was instrumental in establishing the VA’s Office for Women’s Health. DAV also provides Transitional Offices at select installations staffed by Transition Officers to help you file claims, pursue education and employment, and receive financial support.
• Women Veterans of America (WVA) collaborates with like-minded organizations that “equip, empower, and encourage women veterans as they pursue careers with major corporations, local businesses, networking, peer-to-peer support, and entrepreneurship.”
• Women Veterans Network (WOVEN) has a list of resources for you during your transition, which includes options for professional certification, tax services, and spousal employment.

Educational Resources & Scholarships: While the GI Bill is an excellent asset for paying for school, you may need additional assistance to pay that tuition bill. Below are a few to check out if you’re looking for financial planning for school or searching for scholarships

• The Pat Tillman Foundation has granted scholarships to over 900 veterans. Applicants may be service members and spouses who commit to advancing their education, leadership, service, and impact on the military community. Scholarships are awarded annually, with an estimated average of about $10,000. Applications for the 2025 class are open now.
• College Board’s BigFuture offers information about college planning, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Through individualized “quizzes” to help you match yourself with a school, career, and scholarships.
• Campus and University Resources vary significantly from school to school, and it’s best to check with the schools you are considering. From large student resource centers to lean, dedicated staff members who carefully coordinate support with community organizations, you can find a broad range of efforts to meet your needs.

Other Transitional Resources

• Military OneSource offers a range of non-medical resources to assist you during your transition. These resources include support for education, training, career development, counseling, financial literacy, and health and wellness. To find out how Military OneSource can assist you, you can access their services through phone, chat, or online requests
• LinkedIn for Veterans offers free 12-month subscriptions for all veterans to help you connect with peers, resources, and career preparation. Their offerings include webinars, resume, interview support, and unlimited access to over 10,000 free courses. Go here to sign up.
• National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) focuses on resources that address homelessness among veterans in Central Florida. Through prevention, outreach, and support, NVHS offers immediate intervention for those facing a housing crisis.

A successful transition from the military requires planning, resources, and support. As a woman veteran, there are many programs to help you navigate your specific needs, including:

• Transition Assistance Programs
• Maximizing VA Benefits
• Women-Centered Organizations
• Scholarship Opportunities

Perhaps most importantly, network, network, and network. In doing so, you not only connect with your peers but also share and learn the resources that can pave the way to a bright future in higher education.