The rise of community networking programs, events, and resources specifically for women veterans is something to smile about. Women currently make up about 11% of the veteran population, which is projected to grow to 18% by 2048 according to the Women Veterans Alliance.

While there are military-affiliated and veteran networking groups serving these populations at colleges and universities, such as Student Veterans of America or VetSuccess, women veterans often benefit from peer support with similar objectives and goals. Other organizations, notably the Women Veteran Network, Women Veterans Alliance, and Women Veterans ROCK, are excellent resources, though not campus specific.

These groups not only provide professional development and advocacy but also foster spaces where women veterans can see their experiences reflected and validated. As more women transition from service to higher education, the demand for both national networks and campus-based communities will continue to grow, creating opportunities to bridge resources, share best practices, and amplify women veterans' voices in academic and professional settings.

Universities Focusing on Women Veterans

There are several universities paving the way with dedicated programs or holistic support for women student veterans. As the number of women veterans continue to trend upward, more colleges and universities can look at these models of success to see how to build connections within their campuses.

University of South Florida (USF) - Her Valor provides a tailored program under the Office of Veteran Success that connects military background through college experience and beyond.

Her Valor is dedicated to empowering and supporting women veterans and military connected women in their transition to college and beyond. We strive to create a strong community where their voices are heard, their experiences are valued, and their unique challenges are met with understanding and advocacy. Through mentorship, resources, and camaraderie, we foster personal and professional growth, ensuring that every woman who has served feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Syracuse University - Offering both research and action, like this Women Service Members and Veterans Returning to College and Universities: An Exploratory Analysis article from the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, this university shows commitment to providing women veterans support. This includes their Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) program, which combines business education, community, and networking opportunities.

Northeastern University - The Dolce Center for the Advancement of Veterans and Servicemembers (CAVS) worked with their women veterans to create a welcome resource packet and a separate mentorship program among their peers (see their Northeastern graduate making female veterans feel less 'invisible' with the help from the George W. Bush Presidential Center testimonial).

Virginia Tech - Their partnership with the Beneath the Service organization provides a Women Veterans Leadership program, which includes cohorts that share experiences, coaching, and social support.

Stephens College - The Mission Promise Kept program is a first of its kind living-learning community specially designed for women veterans. The program includes on campus living options for women veterans and their children. 

Other colleges and universities have established various partnerships with women veteran organizations, the VA, or related initiatives, which include the University of Texas-Austin, Abilene Christian University, Florida International University, Rutgers University, St. Mary's University, and American River College.

These examples highlight how universities can go beyond general veteran services to create intentional spaces and programs that recognize the distinct needs of women veterans. Whether through mentorship, entrepreneurship opportunities, leadership development, or peer-to-peer support, these initiatives demonstrate the power of community in helping women veterans thrive academically, personally, and professionally. As their numbers continue to rise, it is essential that more institutions adopt similar practices to ensure women veterans are not only welcomed, but also empowered to lead, succeed, and shape the future of higher education.

Women Veteran Unique Needs

Women veteran college students benefit from additional resources, which are female-specific, including mental health. The VA's Women Veterans Health Care site notes that only 44% of women veterans are enrolled in healthcare. Colleges and universities can better support their women veteran students by working with the VA to expand knowledge and access.

According to the Journal of Veteran Studies, their case study revealed that women veteran students requested more communication and direction on resources and accommodations, and they desired more women-specific support groups, including populations with disabilities.

Next Steps

The growing presence of women veterans in higher education has inspired new community networking programs, resources, and campus initiatives tailored to their unique needs. While national organizations such as the Women Veterans Alliance and Women Veterans Network provide broad support, several universities, such as the University of South Florida, Syracuse, Northeastern, and Virginia Tech, are leading the way with dedicated programs that foster mentorship, connection, and professional growth for women veterans. With women projected to make up 18% of the veteran population by 2048, more institutions are recognizing the importance of gender-specific support, especially in areas such as mental health, healthcare access, and peer networking. Research shows that women veterans often seek more communication, resource awareness, and inclusive support groups, signaling opportunities for universities to expand their efforts and ensure women who have served feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Article Topics

Military Focused Events Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Women Veterans

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