Investing in Veterans: The Need for Career and Education Advising

Overview & Synopsis

Federal education benefits for veterans represent a substantial investment--$18 billion since 2009 under the Post-9/11 GI Bill--in the development of a skilled American workforce. Unfortunately, this investment does not always pay off because many veterans encounter serious obstacles as they attempt to navigate the higher education system and the labor market. Access to career and education advising programs would enable more veterans to successfully complete degrees and to pursue satisfying careers. This paper surveys the career and education advising options currently available to veterans via military reintegration programs, web-based resources, non-profit service providers, and colleges and universities. It concludes that additional career and education advising resources are needed--especially those available to veterans prior to enrollment in postsecondary institutions--to ensure that veterans are able to take full advantage of their federal education benefits.