In a research project called the National Veteran Education Success Tracker (NVEST), Student Veterans of America (SVA) identified the many ways student Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill are outperforming their peers based on success rates, degree-types, and graduation.

NVEST is the only research study to review all records of Post-9/11 GI Bill students and quantify how that investment translates for America. It is a joint effort with the National Student Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and support from VA.

In 2016, VA provided information from nearly 1 million Veterans who used the Post-9/11 GI Bill between 2009 and 2015 to the Clearinghouse who returned student-level postsecondary enrollment and degree histories for 96 percent of these Post-9/11 GI Bill students. Personal identifying information specific to institutions and individuals was removed before data were provided to SVA for analysis. This research presents the most comprehensive view of student Veterans and GI Bill success to date.

SVA’s research conclusively demonstrates that Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill outperform their peers in higher education. They are more likely to graduate and to earn a degree in emerging fields such as science, technology, engineering and math.

Since 2009, more than 340,000 Veterans have earned over 450,000 post-secondary degrees or certificates using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the vast majority, 90 percent, are current or prior enlisted Servicemembers. SVA projects the Post-9/11 GI Bill – at current funding levels – will generate at least 100,000 degrees every year. Furthermore, women Veterans represent 23 percent of degree-earners despite only comprising about 16 percent of the Armed Forces.

“The information from this important study highlights the fact that the GI Bill continues to be a life changing benefit for Veterans as they transition into the workforce. It shows that Veterans are not only capable, but that many of them truly excel in an academic environment,” said Curtis L. Coy, VA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity.

NVEST is a clarion call to higher education and Veterans service organizations; our focus should not be on the challenges Veterans face in college, but how and where they are succeeding and to what extent we can accelerate their success.

“These results demonstrate that student Veterans are talent hiding in plain sight on campuses nationwide. We intend to use NVEST and additional research to make the case for why post-secondary schools should be doing more to recruit these high achieving-individuals. No other organization is better placed to affect change on their behalf than SVA,” said Jared Lyon, SVA’s President and CEO.

More information about NVEST is available at nvest.studentveterans.org including the full report and factsheets.


About the author:  Barrett Y. Bogue is the vice president of communications for Student Veterans of America.

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5 Comments

  1. Jim Jones March 13, 2017 at 21:06

    This article is correct, but there are many reasons for the success. Post 9/11 veterans have full college paid while previous versions only pay a certain amount leaving the vets and their families limited in their success due to the rising costs of college. I had 2 kids and my wife in college at the same time as a 100% permanent and totally pre 9/11 veteran. My wife had to drop out. I have worked 7 years total since getting out of the military. My savings was recently cashed out 401k) because of a lack of funds. Pre 9/11 vets and their families are being left behind just as our children (gulf war period) are reaching college age. Did you know a few years ago va went from a monthly stipend to a # of days in class version that effectively reduced DEA payments over the course of a semester? I am glad we are helping post 9/11 vets – there are a ton of resources for them available – but limited to no help for other vets facing these massive challenges. My high school senior is facing college this coming fall and there are no resources other than DEA which is about 25-30% of what is needed for them to be successful in an in state 4 year college.

  2. James Choi March 8, 2017 at 10:24

    Veterans have become important nowadays to become successful. Very Good experience with NVEST. Their Performance tracking system is designed to supplement the requirements of our clients. Good post.

  3. Greg Gill March 4, 2017 at 14:31

    Every veteran must use GI Bill to get a life changing benefit for Veterans as they transition into the workforce. Really amazing!!

  4. Mark Bjorndal AD1 (AW) USNRET March 3, 2017 at 16:04

    Great article. I came in under VEAP and was not clearly notified until the Montgomery GI Bill came out that I needed to contribute to the program. Those of us in that era are not able to use any type of GI Bill (none that I’m aware of). I’m wondering what is available so we/I can continue my education. I’ve been retired now for 17 years and have a degree from a non accredited school in which I paid for in cash while living overseas. Now I’m back in America and jobs just don’t come without a degree so it seems. Any thoughts?

    • Joe Patrick March 10, 2017 at 22:32

      Mark, I’m not an expert but in my experience. I was a VEAP recipient (opened Acct for $25). Then Montgomery GI bill came out and VEAP recipients who opened an account we eligible for MGIB but only if they contribute $100/ mo for a year. The worse time for me since I was going thru divorce and $100 was tight!! But I contributed. That entitles me to use the current post 911 and gave me 15 yrs to use it!! I have 4 yrs or lose it!!!! Check into it ASAP

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