Military Education Benefits for College: A Comprehensive Guide for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Dependents

Every branch of the American military provides opportunities for educational benefits and ways to attend college at either no cost or at a cost far below published tuition rates. No military member, veteran, or dependent should have to go through school without knowing what their benefits are or how to obtain them. 'Military Education Benefits for College' guides you in how to access, utilize, and take advantage of your benefits so you can earn the degree you deserve.

As a retention non-commissioned officer in the Army National Guard, co-author David J. Renza witnessed firsthand how these education benefits were used as a bargaining tool to encourage people to enlist and/or remain in the military. He also discovered that the vast majority of military personnel, veterans, and their dependents are unaware of what is available to them, and where to find answers to their questions. They needed help.

Co-author Lt. Col. Edmund J. Lizotte (Ret.), Director of the Military Program at Post University (and former commander of a recruiting battalion), reached the same conclusion. Lizotte encountered a large population of eligible personnel, many of whom had put off using their education benefits during their military careers. Those who tried to attend college often became confused and discouraged by the perplexing enrollment process required to obtain education benefits.

Together, Renza and Lizotte have produced a comprehensive, readable, informative, and indispensable step-by-step guide into every facet of the education journey. From the enrollment process and the classroom experience to the procurement of benefits and determining which type of degree is right for which type of job, 'Military Education Benefits for College' sheds light on the experience of higher education for service-connected students. Their book also dispels myths about the college experience and offers insight from two former military members who have the unique perspective of military admissions counselors and veteran students still using their education benefits to this day.

You have qualified on your weapon and you have passed your physical training test. With 'Military Education Benefits for College', you can now improve the most powerful weapon of all—your mind!

About the Authors: David J. Renza is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Connecticut Army National Guard for twelve years. As a combat medic, he was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina after September 11, 2001. He is a three-time winner of the Army Achievement Medal, and is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for his work as a retention NCO. Renza holds a Master’s of Arts from the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education. He is currently a Military Enrollment Counselor with Post University.

Lt. Col. Edmund J. Lizotte is a U.S. Army veteran with twenty-five years of service. He has held various positions throughout his career, from platoon and scout platoon leader to battalion and brigade operations officer, recruiting battalion commander, and state logistics officer. Lizotte has received two Meritorious Service medals, five Army Commendation medals, and four Army Achievement medals. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Massachusetts and is a graduate of both the Combined Arms Staff and Services School and the Army Command and General Staff College. He currently serves as the Director of Military Programs at Post University.