One Year After the Passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, State Colleges Median
Enrollment Increases by Nearly 60%
Several More than Double Veteran Enrollment
Press Release
August 4, 2010
Contact: Wendy A. Lang, Project Director, Operation College Promise
Office: 609-989-1100; cell (561) 302-5282
walang@njascu.org /
www.operationcollegepromise.com
Enrollment of servicemember and active-duty populations has surged at New Jersey's nine state colleges and universities in the year following the enactment of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, according to a survey conducted by the Operation College Promise (OCP), the veterans project of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. With a median of approximately 60%, three schools logged increases of 90 percent or greater -- Rowan University (94%), Montclair State University (161%), and Richard Stockton College (192%).
In the case of William Paterson University, which saw a 56% increase, this veteran influx is a case of history repeating itself. The University, located in Wayne, New Jersey, owes its current location to large numbers of veterans who helped the school outgrow its previous campus under the original GI Bill. "William Paterson University is committed to advancing the personal and professional development of our veterans. Anything we can do pales in comparison to the sacrifices they made for our country," said Lynette Butler, Coordinator of Veterans Services at William Paterson University.
Montclair State University, which more than doubled its military-affiliated student population, attributed some of its success to greatly expanded services and outreach. "Throughout its history, Montclair State University has been an academic home for returning veterans," added Dr. Susan Cole, President of Montclair State University. "We value their perspective and the contribution they make to our University. The University takes very seriously its responsibility to provide veterans with opportunities and services to enable them to acclimate to civilian life and to complete their college educations."
Officials note that student veterans are becoming an increasingly active presence on campus and efforts to accommodate their needs are a top priority among the founding institutions of the Operation College Promise (OCP) project, which consists of The College of New Jersey, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Thomas Edison State College, and William Paterson University. The nine campuses now serve approximately 12,000 active-duty, veteran or dependent students and offer a variety of offerings tailored to meet their needs.
"One of the lessons learned through the OCP project is that among a veteran or servicemember population, word-of-mouth works," added Wendy A. Lang, Director of Operation College Promise. "There is no better advertisement for higher education than a veteran having a positive experience on campus and the efforts of these institutions to cultivate this experience is reflected by the enrollment increases. If you build an environment for success on your campus, veterans really will come."
Operation College Promise (OCP) is the veterans project of the nine ASCU state colleges and universities. More information on the project can be accessed at www.operationcollegepromise.com. ASCU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy advocacy organization chartered by law in 1985. Its members are: The College of New Jersey, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Thomas Edison State College, and William Paterson University. These institutions, collectively, serve about 102,000 students.