If you are a veteran, you may be wondering what your next steps will be. For many, it’s going back to school and establishing a career as a civilian. This is not without its challenges, but you have faced far greater. Like knowing your enemy in combat, understanding what educational and career opportunities are available and how to achieve your end goal is the best way to come out on top. Use these following tips from Student Life Online to help you on your way.

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Types of Education Available

First things first, you should know that you don’t necessarily have to go to college to find a high-paying job. While jobs such as HVAC tech, digital communications, IT, and dental hygienist require training, a degree is often not necessary but is something you can earn later to advance your career. Remember that not all white-collar jobs pay six figures or more and not all blue-collar jobs will leave you struggling to put food on the table. Be open-minded as you decide which path you’d like to take.

If you are looking to enter college immediately, a good place to start is with a business degree. You can often find classes online that can teach you real-world skills, such as business strategy, management, and leadership. You’ll also learn how to assess your strengths and weaknesses and apply your knowledge to a professional setting. With an online business degree, you could qualify for a job in management, finance, accounting, marketing, information technology, or even healthcare.

Information technology is another degree option that’s great for veterans, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that demand for IT workers is expected to rise exponentially in the coming years.

Financial Matters

Paying for college as a veteran usually means utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For 2022, your tuition may be paid in full, assuming you attend an in-state college. If you plan to go to a private or foreign academic institute, your maximum reimbursement is $26,042. Outside of military benefits, you may also be eligible for grants and scholarships that are also available to the general public. A Pell Grant is one of these, and it can give you an additional $5,635 if you are considered a low-income student.

Like the GI Bill, there are other helpful financial tools available to veterans. VA loans, for example, allow veterans to avoid some of the requirements of a traditional mortgage. This can make it more cost effective to get a mortgage and make its monthly payments by avoiding a down payment or private mortgage insurance.

Getting Started

Before you begin looking for an educational program or new career, it’s important to build your support network. Going back to college is challenging, and having friends and family who understand your goals and can keep you accountable will be a huge benefit. Further, as you refine your college options, ask each representative about their veteran community.

Many campuses have dedicated veterans centers. HigherEdJobs recently interviewed college administrator Steven L. Hall about this. The Air Force veteran asserted that things like veteran-specific orientation and transferring military credits were all highly beneficial to veterans entering campus life after combat.

Going back to college as an adult presents challenges, and there are many unique to veterans. Your academic advisor and support network can help you find ways to make the shift as seamless as possible. But it starts with you. Do your research and know which programs or degrees you’d like to pursue. Get a grasp of your financing options early on, and don’t be afraid to look outside the scope of veteran-specific benefits to help you pay for your college experience.

This article is brought to you by Student Life Online—The College and Education Blog for Students. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!