Military and Veteran Resources

Supporting Our Troops

Deciding to get an education after or during your military service can be a significant first step to launching a successful career. It can allow you to build on knowledge and experiences developed in the military and provide you with tools to propel you towards new challenges and opportunities. A law degree combined with your military experience can make you an attractive job candidate.

Western New England University is proud to support the GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program. Most students enrolling under the Yellow Ribbon Program will be able to attend Western New England University tuition free. Spouses and family members of veterans may also be eligible to receive education assistance.

We value military experience as it brings with it the qualities of leadership, service, and discipline. Western New England University School of Law is committed to helping veterans and their dependents navigate law school and beyond to a successful law career.

As you plan your career path, you may also want to consider the Judge Advocate Corps (JAG) Programs listed below.

Applying To Law School

JD Admission

Our School of Law admissions staff understands the challenges veterans and their family members face when applying to law school. We are committed to helping you navigate the application process and the steps to utilize military and educational benefits for tuition and housing costs.

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Curriculum

Programs of Study

The JD program is structured to prepare you for the practice of law in any U.S. jurisdiction. You will begin with several required courses that form the foundation for more advanced legal studies. Our curriculum integrates classroom instruction with real-world legal experience through our experiential learning programs. Study options include full-time, part-time day, or part-time evening. We also offer the only live, online LLM Program in Elder Law and Estate Planning in the nation, as well as a number of other graduate programs.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Clinic students participate in serving law income veterans through Community Legal Aid's Medical Legal Partnership with the VA Hospital in Leeds, Massachusetts. The goal of the medical legal partnership is to use the legal tools to improve medical outcomes for veterans. The legal work will include assisting veterans in accessing or maintaining medical care, stable housing, and financial stability. A typical case for the clinic may involve assisting a veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder to access benefits earned during service even though the PTSD symptoms contributed to an unfavorable discharge decades ago when PTSD was poorly understood.

Financial Aid and Assistance

If you served in the Armed Forces and were honorably discharged, you and your family members have earned access to many educational financial aid opportunities.

The AMVETS National Scholarship Program - The AMVETS National Scholarship Program awards military scholarships of $1000 to $12000 to veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves and their children and grandchildren to pursue higher degrees or training.
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship - The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship awards scholarships of $1,000 to $2,500 to past and present women veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves and all lineal descendents to pursue undergraduate, graduate degrees, community college coursework and certification.
Pat Tillman Scholarships - Pat Tillman Scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded to veterans and active duty members of all branches of the military including the Reserves and National Guard. Up to $10,000 in financial assistance is awarded to Tillman scholars annually to pursue a full-time, degree-seeking education.
American Legion Scholarships - American Legion scholarships offer up to $20,000 to children whose parents died on the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 and for children of post-9/11 veterans who present a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher. The award can be used for tuition and other expenses for undergraduate and graduate degrees at nonprofit regionally accredited universities.
Donor Sponsored Scholarships - Returning student veterans are eligible to apply for a number of the law school's donor sponsored scholarships.
Incoming Student Scholarships - New JD students are automatically considered for the Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and Merit Scholarships as part of the admissions process.
The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Supplemental Education Grant provides small awards of $250 for members of the Coast Guard and their family members to help pay for college fees.
The Colonel Archer B. Batista Veterans Scholarship - Applicants for this scholarship must be a veteran with an Honorable Discharge or a current member of the United States Military and must be admitted for the upcoming year to an accredited law school. The scholarship is based on merit and financial need.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Housing

There are a number of on-campus and off-campus options for veterans' housing.

On-Campus

Graduate housing is offered in the Gateway Village apartment complex.

Off-Campus

The Pioneer Valley also presents a wide assortment of affordable, convenient housing options for students. Rental opportunities range from apartment complexes in downtown Springfield; Victorian homes in the city’s residential neighborhoods; garden apartments in adjoining suburbs; small houses in rural areas; and apartments in Northampton, an academic, artistic, and musical hub. Rentals in the Springfield area generally range from $500 to $900 per month.

Please view our Housing List. The Housing List password can be obtained by contacting us at admissions@law.wne.edu or 800-782-6665.

We are available to assist in finding the right housing for you. We encourage you to contact the Admissions Office at 800-782-6665 or by email at admissions@law.wne.edu.

University and Community Resources

The university, as well as the surrounding community, offer robust resources and support mechanisms to help veterans navigate their education.

Testimonials

Here is what our veteran students and alumni say about their time spent at Western New England University School of Law.

Nicole Belbin '20

United States Marine Corps

Western New England University, Springfield, MA
Western New England University School of Law '20

I am in the unique position of being a librarian and a student at Western New England University School of Law. While I enjoy speaking with and getting to know all our students, it is especially nice to learn someone is a fellow veteran. I find that having this shared experience encourages students to ask me for assistance when they might otherwise struggle to figure it out themselves. From a student viewpoint, my military experience has served me well in the classroom, especially having the self-discipline to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Joshua Parker '19

Army Jag Corps

My experience at Western New England helped me succeed in achieving my goal to become a member in the Army JAG Corps. Western New England looked at my law school application in its entirety and recognized the strides I took to improve and show the type of person I am today.

The Career Services staff was a tremendous help. From setting up my interview, to looking over my resume and cover letter, and helping me to secure an internship with a Public Interest Law Grant at Congressman Paul Tonko’s Office.

Western New England University School of Law gave me a chance to attend law school, pass the bar exam, and become a candidate of the Army JAG corp.

Jeremy Forgue '19

CT Air National Guard

With all of the stress that law school can bring into your life, the faculty and staff at Western New England University School of Law was able to provide additional support when my military duties arise during the academic year. The professors have been beyond understanding when I have to report to my base, temporary duty assignment, or to extend a weekend assignment for 24 hours when having drill weekend.

The staff on campus are always willing to help and individuals such as the school veterans liaison, the Student Veteran Organization, and staff such as our own Library Associate Director, Nicole Belbin, have military experience and will go beyond what is expected to assist.

Military service has also opened many doors for summer law clerk positions, state and federal internships, and future employment because the legal community finds many of the qualities that a military background instills as desirable among new hires.

Overall, many of the resources that the school provided assisted towards my success at the law school and I am sure will continue throughout the remainder of my studies.

Ryan McLane '16

United States Army National Guard

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Western New England School of Law '16

My experience at Western New England University School of Law set me up for success. Before classes even started, I was assigned a mentor who was also a member of the military. He became my friend and would even become my Commander, who would later hand the guidon to me. The VA rep was always helpful, and I never had any issues with my GI Bill benefits.

As for the academic portion, my goal was to take advantage of as many experiential courses as I could. Western New England University School of Law offered a Trial Advocacy team and a Criminal Defense Practicum, along with a Pretrial Litigation Course taught by a federal judge that prepared me to hit the ground running when I began practice, feeling completely comfortable in the courtroom. I would encourage any Service Member to consider attending Western New England University School of Law and take advantage of all that the school has to offer.

Career Services Assistance

As a veteran of any branch of the armed forces, you bring unique skills and experiences with you. The Office of Career Services can help you translate your military skills and law degree into a résumé for the civilian workplace. It offers a variety of resources to support you as you start your job search and advance your career. It is important to start the career planning process early. Please schedule an appointment with Career Services to discuss your career goals.

Military and Veteran Resources

Supporting Our Troops