The higher education landscape for US student service members and veterans in Indiana

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or "New GI Bill" has resulted in rising enrollment and related demand for services by students in the USA. We examined current supports for student service members and veterans at institutions of higher education in Indiana in the context of this national trend. We employed prospective student service members who contacted campuses to ask staff and administrators about admissions, financial aid, academic, and student services policies and programs. Results showed that most institutions had the ability to refer to disability services, award credit for military training, and waive reapplication requirements following deployment. Few institutions reported support to military families or availability of student veterans' organizations. Institution type and size, degrees offered, and the presence of graduate programs were related to availability of programs and services. Considerable variability across campuses suggested opportunities to refine, coordinate, and expand assistance to student service members and veterans.