# U.S. Military Veterans

**Source**: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/us-military-veterans
**Parent**: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

## Overview

Applying to Harvard After Your Service

Individuals who have served in the U.S. military bring valuable perspectives to our community and we welcome applications from veterans for both first-year and transfer admission.

We consider high academic standards, leadership in non-academic areas, and personal qualities in all of our admission decisions. However, the many and unique experiences which constitute military service at all levels usually become an important part of a veteran’s application.

## How to Apply

The first thing you will need to determine is your eligibility to apply either as a **first-year** or **transfer** student. If you have not completed a full year of college course work, you can apply as a [first-year student](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-applicants "First-Year Applicants"). If you have completed more than one year’s worth of college courses, but less than two years in total, you can apply as a [transfer student](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-applicants "Transfer - Admissions").

Please note that if you have more than two years of college course work, you are not eligible for admission to Harvard College. Also, please note that military training courses do not count for entrance either as a first-year or transfer student.

We encourage all U.S. military veterans to review our [application requirements](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-requirements "Application Requirements"). If you have specific questions, please [contact us](https://college.harvard.edu/contact-us); we are here to help. It's also worth noting that Harvard is a member of [Service to School’s VetLink program](https://service2school.org/), which provides advising and support to veterans throughout the college application process.

Don't let the application fee prevent you from applying - we automatically [waive the application](https://college.harvard.edu/resources/faq/paying-admissions-application-fee-hardship-my-family-can-i-get-waiver) fee for ALL U.S. military veteran applicants.

## A minority within a minority

Women vets at Harvard College

[Read the full story on the Gazette](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/women-veterans-at-harvard-college-discuss-service/)

## Financial Aid

Harvard College participates in the [Yellow Ribbon Program](https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp). Veterans typically receive benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in addition to the Post 9/11 GI Bill® programs. Harvard’s generous [need-based financial aid program](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works) may supplement or even replace the use of veteran’s benefits toward the total cost of attendance. We will also [waive the application fee](https://college.harvard.edu/paying-application-fee-hardship-my-family-can-i-get-waiver) if it presents a hardship on you or your family. Don’t let the cost stand in the way of pursuing a Harvard education.

[Learn more about how financial aid works](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works)

## Calculate Your Estimated Scholarship

Use our Net Price Calculator to get a quick estimate of how much Harvard will really cost you.

[Net Price Calculator](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator)

## Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions specifically for prospective students who have U.S. Military experience. We also recommend visiting the [Harvard Undergraduate Veterans Organization website](https://www.huvets.com/) to learn more. If you can't find an answer to your question, don't hesitate to [contact us](https://college.harvard.edu/contact-us "Contact Us"). We're here to help.

### Veteran FAQs

- #### Is there a separate or different admissions process for military veterans?
- #### I am a US military veteran. Should I apply as a first-year or transfer student?
- #### I have never taken the SAT or ACT, or I have not taken the SAT or ACT in recent years and cannot because I’ve been on active duty, what do I do?
- #### Does Harvard have any student groups or alumni groups for veterans?
- #### Do students who are veterans have to live on campus?
- #### Does Harvard accept credit earned from classes taken during my time in the military?
- #### As a military veteran, my high school grades do not reflect my current work ethic and commitment to my studies. How does this impact my application?
- #### I have been away from school for a while during my military service. Do I still need to submit letters of recommendation?
- #### How can I interview if I am unable to leave my military base or am deployed at sea?
- #### Is it possible to enroll at Harvard College and complete my coursework remotely while remaining on active duty?

## Learn More About Harvard

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## Related Topics

[### First-Year Applicants

Here's everything you need to know about applying to Harvard College as a first-year applicant.](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-applicants)

[### Transfer Applicants

Students who have completed at least one but not more than two continuous academic years in a full-time program may apply to transfer to Harvard.](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-applicants)

[### Application Requirements

Here you'll find a detailed explanation of each requirement of the application, including teacher recommendations, test scores, and school reports.](https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-requirements)