Starting college as an active member of the military or a veteran may feel overwhelming.
The transition to campus life for a military student is unique and may require accommodations to make the college experience easier.
Which is why it’s important to find a college that provides services and resources for students who are in the military or are veterans.
Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is a designated Military Friendly School, and works to create sustainable and meaningful benefits for those who serve, serve alongside or served.
“We are a military friendly school that is committed to serving our military students,” said Jennifer Harm, director of the business office and campus housing.
At NMC, student veterans and military students have access to resources that can help them succeed.
“We support student success by serving as a resource for our military students and prospective students. We help with the transition from service member, veteran or dependent to student,” said Harm.
Resources on campus include financial aid guidance, mental health services, accessible testing, a food pantry, an on-campus wellness center and an on-campus military ombudsperson.
Jacob Barna, a senior Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, served six years in the military and decided to attend NMC because of the small class sizes.
“If you’re a military member coming to NMC, I can assure you that they respect your service and treat you right,” he said.
Barna said his biggest struggle has been figuring out financial aid as the Army National Guard doesn’t cover all of his tuition each semester.
As a Yellow Ribbon school, NMC works with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to help military students pay their tuition. Students can also apply for scholarships or receive tuition assistance. Financial aid advisors are available to help students navigate the financial aid process.
Some students may have to be away for a long weekend to fulfill military obligations. With clear communication with professors, students can create a plan so they don’t miss course content or can take exams on a different day. NMC’s Testing Center allows students to take exams on a different day than originally scheduled with their professor’s consent.
Mental health resources are also available on campus. NMC offers free, confidential counseling on campus to all students.
Students can also access the Virtual Care Group (VCG), a nationwide service that provides counselors and coaches with availability 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The platform has licensed mental health practitioners in all 50 states, speaking over 200 languages. Counselors specialize in stress, grief, loss and LGBTQIA+ support.
As a college student and member of the military, there are many benefits available. Some are VA education benefits while others are tuition assistance programs.
Those benefits at NMC include:
Finding a college that can provide the resources and support that you need as an active member of the military or veteran is important.
If you’re ready to explore healthcare programs at NMC, contact an admissions coordinator today!