VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)
Overview
VSOC places dedicated VA counselors directly at participating colleges to help student veterans succeed academically and transition smoothly from military to civilian education.
Pro Tip: VetSuccess on Campus puts a VA counselor at participating colleges to help student veterans navigate benefits and school. If your campus has one, use them. Free help is free help.
Who Can Use VSOC Services
Veterans
Any veteran eligible for VA education benefits qualifies for VSOC assistance. You do not need to be enrolled in VR&E—standard GI Bill users qualify.
Service Members
Active duty personnel eligible for VA education benefits may access VSOC services while pursuing their education.
Dependents
Three categories of dependents qualify:
| Eligibility Pathway | Description |
|---|---|
| Fry Scholarship | Children and spouses of service members who died in line of duty after September 10, 2001 |
| Chapter 35 (DEA) | Dependents of veterans rated permanent and total or who died from service-connected causes |
| Transferred GI Bill | Dependents who received transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits |
What VSOC Counselors Provide
On-campus VA counselors offer direct support in multiple areas:
Academic Support
- Career planning and exploration
- Vocational testing to identify strengths and interests
- Guidance on degree programs and course selection
Benefits Navigation
- Expedited access to select VA benefits while enrolled
- Coordination with campus veterans offices
- Assistance understanding and maximizing your entitlement
Disability Services
- Classroom accommodations for service-connected conditions
- Note-taking assistance
- Writing support services
- Coordination with campus disability offices
Healthcare Connections
- Referrals to VA health services
- Navigation of campus health resources
- Mental health resource coordination
Advantages Over Standard VA Channels
VSOC counselors understand both VA bureaucracy and college administration, allowing them to:
- Cut through red tape faster than phone-based VA support
- Advocate directly with your school's financial aid and registrar offices
- Identify campus resources you might not know exist
- Provide face-to-face assistance instead of call center interactions
Finding VSOC Schools
The VA maintains a directory of participating institutions. Search available at the VA benefits education website.
Regulatory Authority
M28R, Part VII, Section A, Chapter 1 governs VSOC program operations and counselor responsibilities.
Chief's Take: On-campus VA support is one of those benefits that costs you nothing but time to access. The counselor already knows your school's quirks, already has relationships with the bursar and registrar, and can make things happen that would take you weeks of phone calls. Show up to their office hours during your first week.