As a U.S. military veteran, your service has already taught you leadership, discipline, and adaptability. Now it’s time to put those skills to work in higher education with the support and benefits you’ve earned.
Whether you’re looking to launch a new career, build on your military experience, or continue your education, SUNY offers flexible, affordable degree programs for veterans to help you succeed.
Vets, Find a SUNY Degree That Matches Your Mission
You can begin your education with a microcredential, certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree. If you aren’t sure where to begin, the Department of Labor’s ONET Military Crosswalk Tool helps you translate your MOS or rating into civilian career pathways.
US veterans often pursue degrees in:
- Business and Leadership
- Cybersecurity and IT
- Criminal Justice and Homeland Security
- Health Sciences and Nursing
- Engineering and Skilled Trades
- Psychology and Human Services
- Education and Training
- History or Public Policy
You may want to continue in your military field or pivot toward a new goal entirely.
VA Tools to Support Your Next Step
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers free education and career guidance through Chapter 36 benefits, including:
- Educational and career counseling
- Academic and personal adjustment support
- Resume and job search coaching
- Goal planning for education and employment
You can also use MilGears, a tool from the Department of Defense that helps translate your military experience into civilian job qualifications.
Education Benefits for Veterans
As a veteran, may be eligible for a variety of federal and state benefits, including:
- Federal VA Programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
- New York State Veteran Education Awards
- Veterans Tuition Awards
- Awards for spouses and dependents
- Other Funding Options
- Complete the FAFSA for Pell Grant eligibility
- Search for veteran-specific scholarships from nonprofits, colleges, and service organizations
Why Veterans Choose SUNY
SUNY has been the go-to choice for veterans because of the System’s scale, breadth of majors, and access to campuses. SUNY has:
- 7,000+ certificate and degree programs
- 64 campuses across New York State
- 750+ online programs and 200+ hybrid options
No matter where you live, work, or transition to, SUNY has a program to fit your schedule.
Veteran application benefit: SUNY waives the $50 application fee for veterans, service members, and their families for up to 7 campuses.
Get Credit for Your Military Training
SUNY recognizes your prior service and training through:
- The Joint Services Transcript (JST), with credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE)
- The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), which provides regionally accredited transcripts for Air Force training
You may be able to apply those credits toward a degree—saving time and money on your path to graduation.
Veteran-Friendly Services at SUNY That Make a Difference
Every SUNY campus is committed to supporting veterans with:
- Dedicated VA Certifying Officers
- Military & Veteran Resource Centers
- Student Veterans of America chapters
- Tailored academic advising
- Credit for military experience
- ROTC and leadership programs
- Campus resources, including tutoring, housing support, and on-site childcare
You’ve served your country. Now, let SUNY serve you. Apply today at suny.edu/apply. Use the application fee waiver for up to 7 campuses, and submit your JST or CCAF transcript for a review of potential college credit.
Visit SUNY’s military and veteran page for more information.
