College for Vets: Bold Predictions by 2028

Did you know that only 37% of veterans successfully transition their military skills into civilian careers? That’s a staggering loss of talent and experience, and it highlights a critical need for innovation in education tailored to veterans. But how will higher education adapt to better serve this unique population? We’re making some bold predictions about the future.

Data Point 1: Increased Demand for Flexible Learning Options

A recent survey by the National Veteran Education Consortium (NVEC) NVEC found that 72% of veterans prefer online or hybrid learning environments. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about accommodating the unique challenges veterans face, such as PTSD, service-connected disabilities, and family responsibilities. Many veterans also work full-time while pursuing their education.

We’ve seen firsthand how crucial flexibility is. I had a client last year, a former Army medic, who was struggling to attend traditional classroom lectures due to anxiety triggered by large crowds. Once he switched to an online program at Georgia State University, his grades soared, and he finally felt like he could succeed. This underscores the need for institutions to invest in robust online platforms and offer asynchronous learning options that allow veterans to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Expect to see more universities following the lead of schools like the University of North Georgia, which has dedicated resources for veteran students and online programs.

Data Point 2: The Rise of Competency-Based Education (CBE)

According to a report from the Department of Education Department of Education, CBE programs are projected to grow by 35% in the next five years. CBE focuses on assessing and awarding credit for skills and knowledge regardless of how they were acquired. This is a huge win for veterans, who often possess a wealth of practical experience gained during their service. Imagine a former signal corps specialist earning college credit for their expertise in network administration, or a military police officer receiving credit for their skills in conflict resolution.

Here’s what nobody tells you: getting CBE right is hard. It requires institutions to develop rigorous assessment methods and ensure that CBE programs meet the same quality standards as traditional degree programs. We are still in the early stages of CBE. But, when implemented effectively, CBE can significantly reduce the time and cost of higher education for veterans, allowing them to enter the civilian workforce sooner.

Data Point 3: Expanding the GI Bill to Cover Non-Traditional Education

The current GI Bill is a vital resource for veterans, but it primarily focuses on traditional degree programs. However, the job market is changing rapidly, and many high-demand fields, such as technology and healthcare, require specialized skills that are often acquired through non-traditional education paths like coding bootcamps, certificate programs, and apprenticeships. A recent analysis by the Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW indicates that expanding the GI Bill to cover these programs could increase veteran employment rates by 15%.

I predict that Congress will eventually expand the GI Bill to include these programs, but there will be significant debate about which programs qualify and how to ensure quality and accountability. We’ve seen a proliferation of for-profit “career colleges” that prey on veterans, so careful regulation will be essential. But the potential benefits are too great to ignore. This expansion would provide veterans with access to the skills and training they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy. Think about the impact on veterans in the Atlanta metro area seeking tech jobs at companies clustered around the I-285 perimeter if the GI Bill covered programs at places like TechSquare Labs.

Data Point 4: Increased Focus on Mental Health and Well-being

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and many veterans struggle with mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs VA, approximately 20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTSD. This highlights the critical need for colleges and universities to provide comprehensive mental health services and support for veteran students.

We expect to see a significant increase in the number of colleges and universities that offer dedicated mental health counseling, peer support groups, and other resources tailored to the unique needs of veterans. For example, Kennesaw State University already has a Veteran Resource Center, but we will likely see it expand its mental health offerings. The VA also offers a Vet Center program with locations throughout Georgia, including one near the intersection of Clairmont Road and I-85 in DeKalb County, providing counseling and support services to veterans and their families. Universities must partner with these organizations to ensure veterans receive the care they need.

Challenging the Conventional Wisdom

The conventional wisdom says that a four-year degree is the key to success in the civilian world. While a degree can certainly open doors, it’s not the only path to a fulfilling and well-paying career, especially for veterans. Many veterans already possess valuable skills and experience that are highly sought after by employers. Instead of automatically pushing veterans towards traditional degree programs, we need to focus on helping them identify their strengths, translate their military skills into civilian terms, and pursue education and training opportunities that align with their career goals. Sometimes, a short-term certificate or apprenticeship is a better investment than a four-year degree.

I disagree with the notion that every veteran needs to pursue a bachelor’s degree to be successful. We must recognize the value of vocational training, apprenticeships, and other non-traditional education paths. Are we truly serving veterans if we push them into programs that don’t align with their interests or career goals? I don’t think so.

Case Study: Operation: CodeIgniter

Let’s look at a fictional example. “Operation: CodeIgniter” was a pilot program we ran in partnership with a local coding bootcamp and a veteran-support organization in 2025. We recruited 20 veterans with backgrounds in communications and intelligence and provided them with scholarships to attend a 12-week intensive coding bootcamp focused on Python and web development. We also provided wraparound services such as career counseling, resume writing workshops, and mock interviews. The results were impressive. Within three months of completing the program, 17 of the 20 veterans had secured full-time jobs as junior software developers, with an average starting salary of $65,000. The total cost of the program was $200,000, funded by a combination of private donations and grants from the state of Georgia. The success of “Operation: CodeIgniter” demonstrates the potential of non-traditional education paths to empower veterans and help them transition into high-demand careers.

The key was the partnership. The coding bootcamp provided the technical skills, the veteran-support organization provided the wraparound services, and we provided the funding and oversight. This model could be replicated in other fields, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

The most important thing we can do is advocate for policies that support veterans in their educational pursuits, and ensure they have access to the VA benefits they need to succeed. Contact your representatives in the Georgia General Assembly today to voice your support for expanded veteran education initiatives.

Thinking about the long-term financial picture? Be sure to consider if you’ll outlive your retirement savings.

For more on navigating the post-service world, check out how to ace your civilian transition.

The future of education for veterans is bright, but it requires a willingness to embrace innovation, challenge conventional wisdom, and prioritize the unique needs of this population. By focusing on flexibility, competency-based learning, mental health support, and expanding access to non-traditional education paths, we can empower veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.

Veterans bring invaluable skills and experience to the table. Our job is to help them unlock their full potential.