The transition from soldier to student is never easy, but for the brave young men and women returning from war zone deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is particularly difficult. To answer their needs, colleges and universities are launching programs to help them cope with social, psychological and logistical stress.

According to Jim Selbe of the American Council on Education (ACE), “There’s this renewed sense of obligation to the men and women who voluntarily served to defend our country.” In July 2009, ACE published a nationwide survey that indicates 57% of colleges and universities have instituted veteran-specific programs and services.

The profile of student veterans differs from traditional students; they tend to be older and are more likely to be married. As reserve members, they live with the reality that they could be called up for deployment in mid-semester. Many return from active duty in war zones with emotional issues and a need for additional counseling.

This year the Department of Veterans Affairs predicts a 25% increase in student veterans receiving benefits. The new GI Bill, which went into effect on August 1, 2009, covers in-state tuition at public institutions and provides additional allowances for books and housing. The Yellow Ribbon Program is available to veterans attending private universities, matching dollar-for-dollar tuition aid provided by participating schools.

Eager to enroll GI’s in degree programs, private and public colleges and universities are creating veteran resource centers to facilitate the transition from war zone to college life. Veteran centers with fulltime veteran advocates are springing up on college campuses across the country. In 2008, George Mason University (GMU) hired Michael Johnson, a marine who served in Iraq, as the university’s first veterans’ liaison.

“The military is so structured and organized, and when you get on a college campus, it’s chaos,” said Johnson. “What we don’t want to see is that guy get so frustrated with the system that he quits — or doesn’t even start. “

Johnson’s office is open to serve the 425 vets on campus. He has helped organize a peer mentoring group and is building a website for GMU’s vet students. In addition, he has hired a transitions adviser and counselor specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder.

The new GI bill offers today’s veterans the chance to turn their military service into an opportunity to earn a college degree. To insure a smooth transition from soldier to student, get the facts. Research which colleges and universities offer support services and have established programs. Know exactly what is covered in the new bill. Some vets who many face future deployments, should explore the opportunity and flexibility that on-line college degree programs offer. Finding the right college program that fits the needs of each student veteran will insure these brave men and women will have the education to successfully rejoin the private sector. What a way to say thank you!