Fairleigh Dickinson University has always been at the forefront of efforts to help U.S. military veterans.

Our Veteran History

Founded in 1942 – just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor – FDU has grown from a handful of students into the largest private university in New Jersey. Throughout this transformation, we have always worked to improve our services for veterans and their families. After World War II and through the 1950s, our commitment to veterans compelled us to adapt our policies and practices to better serve these unique student needs.

We did this by:

  • Promoting FDU’s academic programs to veterans
  • Creating tailored admissions and financial aid processes
  • Catering to the social and psychological needs of veterans

Some notable historical landmarks include:

1983

FDU’s Center for Psychological Services begins to provide mental health services to veterans through a contract with the NJ Department of Military and Veteran Affairs.  We continue to provide individual, family, and couples treatment to many hundreds of eligible families today.

2003

FDU partners with the New Jersey National Guard to provide members with quality online and on-site coursework. This format is well-suited for those with full time jobs, as well as those who may also be required to deploy on short notice as part of their military duties.

2009

FDU becomes one of twenty institutions nationally to receive a grant award from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Walmart Foundation to enhance programs and services for veterans. This grant helps FDU establish an Office of Veteran Services, a veterans’ education advisory board with faculty, staff, and students from across the university, and a student veterans’ association.

Under a Post 9/11 GI Bill ®, FDU begins to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which ensures that 100 percent GI Bill-eligible veterans can attend FDU at no charge. (Unlike many other schools, FDU has no cap on Yellow Ribbon awards).

2018

Today, our commitment to veterans is as important as ever. We continue to set a strong example for how to improve the educational experience for those who serve our country.

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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill