Colleges and universities that serve active-duty service members and veterans face distinct challenges during government shutdowns. Proactive planning is essential to mitigating institutional risk while supporting student persistence.
Colleges and universities that serve active-duty service members and veterans face a distinct set of challenges, particularly during government shutdowns or periods of policy uncertainty. These disruptions affect both students and the institutions that support them.
Delayed Benefits and Disrupted Enrollment Decisions
Government shutdowns can delay GI Bill processing, tuition assistance (TA) reimbursements, and reduce access to essential support services due to furloughs or administrative delays. When service offices close or operate with limited capacity, service members and veterans may be left without guidance on how to persist with their education. Department of Defense TA is funded through annual appropriations, making it vulnerable during shutdowns or continuing resolution gaps. Delays or cancellations in TA approvals or reimbursements can force students to cover expenses out of pocket that are typically funded through military benefits, stalling enrollment decisions for active-duty service members.
The National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators (NAVPA) collected survey responses from 2,428 students nationwide regarding their use of GI Bill benefits during the 2025 government shutdown. Of those surveyed, 97.5% reported they were currently using GI Bill benefits, and 45% of those students indicated they did not receive their October payment on time. This left many students uncertain about how they could continue their education without those funds.
Impacts on Institutional Risk and Student Success
The institutional impact of these disruptions can be significant. Institutions that enroll a high population of military-affiliated students may experience enrollment volatility and increased administrative work during periods of federal uncertainty, as students delay start dates or withdraw from courses due to concerns about covering educational expenses out of pocket.
Reduced student retention can contri