The Relationship Between What Post-Secondary Institutions Offer to Influence a Veteran’s Choice for Selecting a Post-Secondary Institution and What Services Veterans’ Value

Abstract

This research was conducted to identify the relationship between what post-secondary institutions offer to influence a veteran’s choice for selecting a post-secondary institution and what services veterans’ value. The following questions were asked to veterans and postsecondary institution representatives: What programs, amenities or services do veterans value when choosing a specific institution for post-secondary education? What programs, amenities or services do institution recruitment offices use to specifically target prospective veteran students? Are there differences between programs, amenities or services institutions believe veterans value compared to what veterans actually value? What programs, amenities, or services do veterans believe institutions should offer in order to able to classify their institution as veteran friendly? What programs, amenities, or services do institutions believe they should offer in order to be able to classify their institution as veteran friendly? What are the differences or similarities in the programs, amenities, or services that veterans and institutions believe should be offered by an institution that is identified as veteran friendly? There were two sets of participants used in this research, there were veterans located in Wisconsin and post-secondary institution representatives located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Data was collected using surveys from veterans and telephonic interviews were used to collect information from institution representatives. Data was analyzed and compared and displayed in figures and graphs. Data showed that veterans primarily chose an institution based on curriculum and programs offered. Additionally, data showed that the term veteran friendly was not universal or truthful regarding institution ownership.