In the halls of academia, there is a common phrase that you’ve probably heard. “The enrollment cliff is real.” The traditional higher education model is facing a demographic shift, and many schools are scrambling to find a solution. In this environment, a student’s financial stability and their ability to pay for their education are a key part of the conversation. We believe that the students who have served, and their families, are the answer. This article explores how military-connected students can be a financial lifeline for your campus beyond the GI Bill, and how Military Friendly® membership can be your blueprint for attracting them and building a better future for your school.
The Financial Lifeline That Pays for Itself
For many admissions and finance teams, the idea of a stable student body that is not tied to local demographics is an unattainable dream. The reality is, military-connected students are that dream. They provide a predictable, revenue-positive solution to the enrollment cliff.
Military-connected students and their families have access to tremendous tuition benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA). These students often arrive with their own funding, providing a stable and reliable stream of enrollment for your school. They are also a renewable talent source whose enrollment is not tied to local demographics. With every Permanent Change of Station (PCS), a new pool of potential students arrives, ready to continue their education.
Beyond the Dollars: The Value That Drives Success
This financial stability is a powerful asset that helps your school survive and thrive in a new era of higher education.
While the financial benefits are a key asset, the true value of military-connected students lies in their inherent leadership and problem-solving skills. They don’t just fill a seat, they become active leaders in the classroom and on campus.
Military students arrive with a level of maturity, focus, and discipline that is rare in a traditional student body. They are often balancing their education with family and professional commitments, which instills a sense of purpose that can be infectious.
These students bring with them a wealth of real-world experience. They have a deep understanding of teamwork and accountability, which they naturally share. This creates a powerful ripple effect that can move the needle of your campus culture in a positive and meaningful way.
Your Blueprint for a New Legacy
This financial stability is a powerful asset that helps your school survive and thrive in a new era of higher education.
By actively recruiting and supporting military-connected students, you are doing more than securing a pipeline of dependable, revenue-positive enrollment. You are inviting a new group of leaders, mentors, and innovators onto your campus. This is your opportunity to build a new alumni network with members who have proven their leadership in the most demanding environments.
The Military Friendly® designation provides a clear, third-party validation that your institution has the programs, policies, and culture in place to support this high-caliber student body. It’s a strategic tool for enrollment and a foundational element for building a legacy of distinction. By actively and authentically serving military students, you are positioning your institution not just as a school, but as a destination for excellence.
Ready to redefine your enrollment strategy and attract the new student body that is the future of your campus? Explore how a Military Friendly® membership can help.
