Recent research and institutional initiatives are shedding light on how colleges can better support student veterans as they navigate the transition from military service to higher education. A spring 2026 survey of over 1,000 U.S. college students found that veterans reported the highest perception of college value among the student populations examined. The research, conducted by Qualtrics and Buro Happold, revealed that 74.4 percent of veteran respondents reported high or exceptional value from their overall college experience, compared with 66 percent of all respondents surveyed. Additionally, 79.3 percent of veteran students indicated they were somewhat or very satisfied with their college experience.
The survey also highlighted that students evaluate their college experiences through a broader lens than traditional financial or career-focused metrics. When asked about nine dimensions of the college experience, respondents reported the highest value in finding purpose and experiencing personal growth at 74.2 percent, while economic returns ranked lowest at 66.2 percent. According to Elliot Felix, a partner at Buro Happold and co-author of the report, institutions should recognize that students seek meaning and belonging alongside measurable career outcomes.
Several colleges have developed innovative programs to address veterans’ specific needs during their transition. William & Mary’s business school piloted a weeklong pre-orientation program in August 2025 designed to help military-experienced students identify their values, interests and strengths. The program emphasizes reflection, preparation and connection rather than immediately focusing on career development. Jonathan Due, executive director of the Center for Military Transition at William & Mary, noted that nearly 20 students participated in the initial pilot, including approximately six still on active duty.
New York Film Academy has taken a different approach, leveraging storytelling and creative expression to support veteran transitions. The institution has served roughly 3,000 veteran and military-dependent students across its two campuses in New York City and Los Angeles. Both campuses participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which assists eligible veterans and their dependents with tuition costs. Christopher Moore, the college’s director of veteran services and a retired command sergeant major with over 30 years of military experience, emphasized that helping veterans tell their stories contributes to healing and identity development beyond military service.
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