Veterans returning to civilian life often bring unmatched discipline, determination, and life experience with them. But transitioning into new careers or academic paths can require fresh skills and credentials. For veterans in Baltimore, a wide range of educational opportunities exists to help them level up their knowledge, gain certifications, and pursue degrees — all while making use of the benefits they’ve earned through service.
Baltimore is not only home to respected colleges and universities but also to training centers and community programs that prioritize veteran success. Whether you’re aiming for a four-year degree, a skilled trade, or professional development, there are programs tailored to your goals. And thanks to federal, state, and local support — including the GI Bill and partnerships with veteran-friendly schools — many of these opportunities come at little to no out-of-pocket cost.
The GI Bill: A Gateway to Higher Education
Let’s start with the biggest piece of the puzzle — the GI Bill. Administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill provides comprehensive education benefits to eligible service members, veterans, and in some cases, their dependents. These benefits cover tuition and fees, housing allowances, books, and even relocation expenses.
For veterans in Baltimore, this means they can attend local schools like:
- University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) – Known for its professional and graduate-level programs in law, medicine, and social work
- University of Baltimore – Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with a strong emphasis on public service, law, and business
- Towson University – A short drive from downtown, Towson supports veteran students through a designated Military and Veterans Center
- Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) – Offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs with flexible scheduling for working adults
Each of these institutions accepts GI Bill funding and offers dedicated support services to veteran students.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
For veterans attending private institutions or out-of-state public colleges, the GI Bill may not cover all costs. That’s where the Yellow Ribbon Program comes in. This VA initiative allows schools to voluntarily fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed GI Bill limits, with the VA matching the contribution.
In Baltimore, schools like Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Maryland participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making elite education more accessible for those who served. It’s worth checking directly with a school’s financial aid office to confirm the level of support available.
Vocational Training and Certification Programs
Not every veteran wants or needs a four-year degree. Many are eager to enter the workforce quickly with job-ready skills. Vocational and technical training programs are excellent options — and they’re often covered by GI Bill benefits or other veteran-specific grants.
The Maryland Department of Labor offers a variety of apprenticeships and trade certifications, and its Veterans Program connects former service members with employment training and job placement services. Programs include HVAC, welding, cybersecurity, automotive repair, and more.
Another key resource is Canton-based Vehicles for Change, which trains veterans to become certified auto mechanics through its Full Circle Auto Training Program. Participants can gain real-world experience while working toward industry-recognized credentials.
Sheppard Pratt’s Veterans Services Center
Sheppard Pratt, one of the region’s leading behavioral health providers, also operates a Veterans Services Center with workforce development and training at its core. The center offers career counseling, skills assessments, and referrals to educational programs that match a veteran’s goals and strengths. These services are particularly helpful for veterans navigating mental health recovery while also pursuing professional advancement.
Veterans working with Sheppard Pratt can explore GED programs, vocational training, and certifications that lead to sustainable employment. The center also collaborates with local employers and training providers to ensure veterans receive education that’s aligned with in-demand careers in the Baltimore area.
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Support
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) serves as the state’s clearinghouse for education policy and student support. Its Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program provides financial aid to Maryland veterans who served in those conflicts and are attending a Maryland postsecondary institution.
The scholarship can cover tuition, mandatory fees, and even living expenses, depending on need. It’s a powerful tool for those seeking degrees or certificates and can be combined with federal benefits for even broader coverage.
MHEC also helps veterans and active-duty service members receive academic credit for their military training and experience — reducing the time and cost of earning a degree.
Veteran Support Services on Campus
College can be overwhelming for anyone, but veteran students often face unique challenges — juggling family responsibilities, dealing with the aftereffects of service, or simply feeling out of place among younger students. That’s why many Baltimore colleges have Veteran Resource Centers or Veteran Affairs Offices.
These on-campus centers provide a range of services:
- Academic advising and tutoring
- Peer mentorship from other veteran students
- Help with GI Bill paperwork and financial aid
- Social events and networking opportunities
- Referrals to mental health or disability services
For example, Towson University has a Military and Veterans Center that offers quiet study areas, a lounge for connecting with other veterans, and workshops tailored to the military community. CCBC hosts Veterans Services Offices on each of its campuses and frequently partners with outside agencies to provide job fairs, mental health counseling, and resume workshops.
Online Learning and Flexibility
Veterans balancing work, family, or health concerns often need flexibility. Many Baltimore-area institutions offer online or hybrid programs that allow veterans to study on their own schedules. This can be especially beneficial for older veterans or those transitioning to civilian careers while still working part-time.
Schools like the University of Baltimore and CCBC have robust online offerings that maintain the same level of academic rigor and access to faculty as in-person classes. And under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans enrolled in online programs may still receive a housing allowance — although at a slightly reduced rate compared to in-person enrollment.
Partnering with Local Employers
Baltimore’s strong base of healthcare systems, government contractors, logistics firms, and tech companies makes it a great place for veterans to launch new careers. Many of these employers partner with schools to create pipelines from education to employment.
Organizations like Workforce Development at Johns Hopkins, Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance, and Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare actively collaborate with colleges and veteran service agencies to place educated, trained veterans into high-paying jobs.
These partnerships often include internships, career fairs, resume prep, and direct hiring events for veterans who have completed their education or training programs.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
Education doesn’t have to stop at a degree or certification. Many veterans pursue continuing education courses to improve their skills, maintain certifications, or explore new interests. Programs at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) or UMBC Training Centers provide everything from creative arts courses to IT bootcamps and project management certification.
Through the VA’s Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program, eligible veterans can access free training in high-demand tech fields such as coding, data science, and cloud computing. Baltimore veterans can take part in VET TEC programs through qualified providers — many of which operate in-person and virtually.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Mission Starts Here
Education is one of the most empowering tools a veteran can use to take control of their future. In Baltimore, the support network for veteran students is strong, and the opportunities are diverse. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, picking up a trade, or exploring a new field entirely, there’s a path available to you.
You served your country with dedication. Now it’s time to invest in yourself. Reach out to a school’s veteran services office, connect with a VA counselor, or explore training programs through organizations like MHEC or Sheppard Pratt. There’s no wrong time to start, and the support is ready when you are.