Evaluating the Impact of the Post-9/11 GI Bill on Veterans\u27 Graduate School Enrollment

In this study, I use data from the American Community Survey, Current Population Survey, and National Postsecondary Student Aid Study to examine the effect of the Post-9/11 GI Bill on veterans’ graduate school enrollment. This analysis reveals that the Post-9/11 GI Bill has contributed to growth of veterans enrolled in graduate schools. On average, the increase is between 1.5 and 2 percentage points among veterans with bachelor’s degrees. However, because a substantial proportion of veterans have attended graduate school without receiving veterans’ benefits, the increase of 1.5–2 percentage points underestimates the effect of the Post-9/11 GI Bill on beneficiaries. Results of this study suggest a strong and significant effect of financial incentives on graduate enrollment among veterans