Enrollment Trends for Veterans at Harper College.

Since the passage of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, (otherwise known as The GI Bill of Rights or the “GI Bill”), postsecondary institutions have seen a steady increase in student veteran enrollment. While veterans of all ages choose to pursue a degree of higher education, this qualitative study chose to examine student veterans of a particular age range which is non-traditional to the study location, Harper College of Palatine, IL. The purpose behind this study was to explore the reason behind the enrollment process for veterans that fall within the age range of 30 or older. With little research on this topic, the researcher felt it necessary to explore the “why” associated with the enrollment decision to determine better ways to recruit and support this population.
Results of the study indicated that location was the most prevalent reason for enrolling at Harper College. The results of this study will be used to recommend targeted outreach to veterans of this age range within the Harper College district to promote the possible educational opportunities and supports available to this population.