Associating Military Experience With Undergraduate Attributes and Perspectives: Quantitatively Comparing Service Members/Veterans and Nonmilitary Students

• In Event: College Journeys of Unique Student Populations

Abstract

Student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) have been one of the fastest-growing groups of nontraditional undergraduates in U.S. higher education in recent years. Supported by significant public spending and often with multiple identities that diversify universities, SSM/V success is critical. Still, there is little quantitative evidence regarding how SSM/V university experiences are unique compared to those of their adult, non-military peers. Using survey data (n=1,255) and field theory, we analyze how military experience associates with undergraduate attributes and perspectives linked to academic success. After controlling for age and other important covariates, results indicate that student military experience significantly correlates with student disability; lower high school but higher college grades; higher work volition; less financial stress; and decreased campus and academic major belonging.

Authors

• Ross J. Benbow, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Xin Xie, University of Wisconsin - Madison