Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

For service members, Veterans and military spouses, community often comes from shared experience, mutual support and a common sense of purpose. That can make a fully online degree feel like a difficult choice: Without a physical campus, where do students find people who understand military life?

Online learning can feel isolating if students try to navigate it alone. However, many colleges offer virtual and community-based resources that can help military-connected students build relationships, find support and stay on track academically.

Before enrolling, ask whether a school provides access to Veteran peer groups, military-focused advising, mentoring, wellness support, career services and help navigating education benefits. Availability, eligibility requirements and meeting schedules can vary, so it is important to ask for details before making a decision.

Resources to look for

Peer connection: A Student Veterans of America chapter or similar group can provide opportunities to meet fellow service members, Veterans, military spouses and dependents. Student Veterans of America also offers resources, networking and advocacy for student Veterans beyond an individual campus.

Military and Veteran support: Look for a dedicated office or virtual center with staff who can answer questions about enrollment, academic planning, transfer credit, GI Bill benefits and other military education benefits.

Mentorship: Ask whether the school connects military-connected students with mentors, alumni, faculty members or fellow students. A mentor can be especially helpful when balancing coursework with deployment, employment, caregiving or transition to civilian life.

Wellness support: Learn what wellness coaching, counseling referrals, disability accommodations and crisis resources are available. Schools may provide some services directly or refer students to community and national programs. University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) lists wellness educational coaching and links to resources including VA mental health services, the National Center for PTSD, the Veterans Crisis Line and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Career support: Career services can help students explore career paths, translate military experience into civilian-language résumés and prepare for job searches. UMass Global says its students and alumni can access its Career Development Center, while federal Veteran Readiness and Employment services can help eligible Veterans with job training, education, employment accommodations and job-search support.

UMass Global contacts and resources: Students considering UMass Global can explore its military and Veteran resources, including the Virtual Military and Veteran Center, wellness coaching and information about peer and community resources. The school’s military and Veteran support team can be reached at vetcenter@umassglobal.edu.