The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is proud to have earned a 2020-2021 Top Ten Military Friendly School designation within the graduate school category. Keep reading to better understand what it means to be a “military friendly school” and where this distinction comes from.
A brief history of the phrase “military friendly”
In 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed to help active duty service members after September 11, 2001, pay for school or job training. For qualifying members, this bill includes the possibility of full coverage for public, in-state tuition and fees, housing funding for those who are in school more than half time, up to $1,000 for books and supplies, and money to help students move from their rural homestead to attend school. In some cases, members can transfer these benefits to their spouse or child.
The amount of support is dependent upon how much active service the qualifying member had since September 11, 2001, and is subject to change or expiration.
Basic eligibility for these benefits include:
- Must have served at least 30 days of continuous active duty for 30 days after September 11, 2001
OR
- Served a sum of 90 days of active-duty service after that date and received an honorable discharge
What’s a military friendly school?
With the creation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill came changes and accommodations to colleges, universities, and schools. Shortly put, a military friendly college or school is an educational institution that honors the labor of service members by providing accommodations passed in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Different schools will denote that they are military friendly with a logo or similar titles such as “Best for Veterans.”
Resources such as Military Friendly and the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs further delineate what these mean for service members.
When looking for military friendly colleges, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs suggests asking a few key questions:
- Does the school have a veteran’s center or club?
- How many other veterans attended the institution?
- Is there priority scheduling for veterans?
- What policies are in place for withdrawing due to a deployment or mobilization?
The best way to pick a school is to choose a program that fits your needs best. Don’t hesitate to reach out to school administrators and counselors to ask if they can meet your needs.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is dedicated to creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community and are proud to support service members in their academic and professional development and successes.
Interested in learning about mental health and wellness through an online program? Choose The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to start your online journey today!