From camo to campus, your next chapter awaits

Sep 30, 2025Courtney Morris
Camo jacket hanging over chair and notebooks on table

If you’ve served in the military, San Jacinto College is here to serve you! The College supports more than 1,300 veteran students, with 17% older than 35.

Holly Morrison, veteran services manager and a U.S. Navy veteran, started her education journey at 40 at San Jac and graduated with a master’s from Sam Houston State University at 54.

“I understand what it feels like to be the oldest person in the classroom,” she said. “Being older helped me stay focused on improving my skills and my family's well-being. Serving in the military taught me I can do anything I set my mind to!”

San Jac offers the possibility to change your life at any age. Morrison shares tips to help you ease back into the classroom.

Q: What is the cut-off for using GI Bill® or other VA education benefits?

Veteran students playing chess in the South Campus veteran center
South Campus veteran center
A: If you served before Sept. 11, 2001, you may have hit a delimiting date, but the best way to see if you qualify for education benefits is to apply.

Visit the Veterans Affairs website to learn more about applying for education benefits. If you’re a disabled veteran, you may qualify for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits.

Q: Do you offer credit for my military experience or prior training?

A: Yes, San Jac’s records management will review college and military transcripts for classes that apply toward your degree.

Q: I’ve been out of school for a while. How can I get help with math, writing, or study skills?

A: San Jac offers in-person and online tutoring, study resources, success workshops, textbooks, and test preparation. Each veteran center also has computers, printers, and a quiet study area just for veterans. Other veterans love to help you succeed too!

Q: Will I feel out of place as an older student? Is there a veteran or adult learner community on campus?

A: Our College supports all ages. At our spring 2025 graduation ceremony, graduates ranged from 16 to 70.

Visit your campus veteran center to meet other veteran students and dependents. Our veterans often build relationships that go beyond the classroom to the next level of education.

Q: Are there flexible classes to fit my schedule?

A: San Jac offers weekend, evening, face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. If you want adventure, you might consider non-credit truck driving and maritime courses, which are approved for Hazlewood and federal benefits.

Q: What short-term programs do you offer for someone looking to reskill or start a new career?

A: San Jac offers over 200 degrees that fit a variety of interests. Certificates like biomanufacturing offer skills for employment after completion of the first semester.

You may use our career services staff to determine the best career for you.

Q: Who can help me with enrollment, benefits, and support?

A: Each of the three veteran centers are staffed with school certifying officials and educational planners who support veterans and their dependents’ educational goals. You may call or visit us:

  • Central Campus: 281-998-6350 ext. 1032 | Welcome Center (C27.1400)
  • South Campus: 281-998-6350 ext. 4672 | Academic Hall (S8.2066)
  • North Campus: 281-998-6350 ext. 7384 | Spencer Building (N8.117)

Or you can schedule an in-person or virtual advising appointment by choosing “Veterans” at whos-next.com/sanjac/appointments. We’re here to help you take that next step to invest in yourself.

Learn more about veteran support

Veteran and Military Affiliate Resource Fair

Learn about education benefits, community organizations, and other resources for veterans and their families!

  • Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Location: LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology (Central Campus, Building C45), 7901 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX 77507
  • Contact: veterans@sjcd.edu
  • Register today to reserve your free lunch
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