The GI Bill of 1944 transformed higher education in the United States by providing tuition assistance and living expenses to millions of veterans, allowing nearly half of college enrollments by 1947 to be veterans. In contrast to the pre-war period where only 10-15% of Americans attended college, over 2 million veterans received college educations in the decade following World War II thanks to the GI Bill. By the 2000s, over 2.6 million veterans had returned from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many struggling to readjust to civilian life and find work or continue their education. The post-9/11 GI Bill expanded benefits to better support veterans and their families.

1. 1. In 1944 FDR By giving veterans money for tuition, living expenses, books,
supplies and equipment, the G.I. Bill effectively transformed higher education
in America. Before the war, college had been an option for only 10-15
percent of young Americans, and university campuses had become known
as a haven for the most privileged classes. By 1947, in contrast, vets made up
half of the nation's college enrollment; three years later, nearly 500,000
Americans graduated from college, compared with 160,000 in 1939.Decade
following the war, 2 million veteran, went to college on the new GI bill,
The GI bill of 1944 transformed U.S. higher education with benefits allowing
veterans to attend any institution that admitted them. (The bill helped
support spouses and children and offered preparation for vocational careers
in construction, auto mechanics and electrical wiring,) and almost all
graduated and went on to power the post war economic boom.. 2
2. 57 years, in 2001 it was a very different situation. 2.6 million veterans have
returned from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. the longest sustained
U.Smilitary operations since the Vietnam era, and resulting in more than
6,600 deaths and 48,000 injuries. While many service members return home
with no issues many report that they are proud that they were able to serve
their country. Others return with varied complex health conditions and find
that readjusting to life at home, reconnecting with family, finding work, or
returning to school is an ongoing struggle.
3. The urgency to alleviate these health, economic, and social issues is
heightened by the number of people affected, the rapid drawdown of military
personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the long-term effects for service
members, veterans, their families, and the nation. (housing/jobs/mental
health). The GI bill post 9/11 changed the bill and added a stipend, allowed
you to transfer it to a family member, 100% of tuition is paid, housing
allowance.
4. Fall of 2012- Spring 2013 thousands of veterans enrolled in colleges and
universities (courtesy of the GI Bill) 88 percent of these students dropped
out. 73% of student Veterans are male; 27% are female. Only 10-12% of
military personnel being women, female student Veterans are over
represented in postsecondary education. (43.3%)are enrolled at 2 year and
4-year institutions (21.4%). Almost an equal number of student Veterans
are enrolled in private not-for-profit schools (13.5%) and private for-profit
schools (12.4%).
5. 11% of Afghanistan war veterans and 20% of 1raq war veterans have been
diagnosed with PTSD. Suicide rate for these veterans average nationally one
person per day, the highest it has ever been. Student Veterans are 7 times
more likely to commit suicide than there counter parts. 46 Percent have

2. thought about committing suicide and 7 percent have attempted to take their
own life.
6. During their deployment many of these students were shot at, attacked,
knew someone that was killed or injured and saw people that they fought
side by side with die. The American Psychological Association (APA) ,
describes PTSD as a person’s response it can show up in fear, helplessness,
and horror. This can include uncontrolled thoughts, images, and guilt.
7. During their deployment many of these students were shot at, attacked,
knew someone that was killed or injured and saw people that they fought
side by side with die. The American Psychological Association (APA) ,
describes PTSD as a person’s response it can show up in fear, helplessness,
and horror. This can include uncontrolled thoughts, images, and guilt.
8.