Dartmouth College has announced plans to increase the number of undergraduate student veterans as part of a broader effort to enhance diversity and life experience on campus. The initiative was highlighted during the college’s annual Veterans Day Breakfast last Tuesday and reflects Dartmouth’s ongoing commitment to attracting students with military backgrounds.
Currently, 13 veterans are enrolled in Dartmouth’s undergraduate programs, according to college officials. More than 60 veterans are studying in its graduate schools, including the Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine. The college aims to grow its undergraduate veteran population, though it has not set a specific timeline for reaching that goal.
“We are looking for those who have excelled in their academic experiences and are looking to take the next step in completing their degree,” said Anne Hudak, interim dean of undergraduate student affairs, in a statement. Hudak noted that veterans comprise the majority of Dartmouth’s nontraditional student population and bring valuable perspectives to the classroom.
To support the expansion, Dartmouth is collaborating with student veterans on campus and with national nonprofits such as Service to School and the Warrior Scholar Project. These organizations help guide veterans through the college admissions process and connect them with academic resources.
Hudak, who has worked with veterans at Dartmouth since 2018, said her efforts were inspired by former college president James Wright, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Wright, who led Dartmouth from 1998 to 2009, was a vocal advocate for expanding educational opportunities for veterans. He made multiple trips to Washington, D.C., and to VA medical centers to meet with injured service members and encourage their pursuit of higher education.
“During his tenure, he traveled to Washington, D.C., and to VA medical centers to speak with veterans to help identify concrete pathways to higher education,” Hudak said. “I am committed to advancing and sustaining his legacy in every way I can.”
While Dartmouth has a long history of supporting veterans—Wright’s leadership helped formalize that commitment—this renewed focus on undergraduate enrollment signals a shift in how the institution defines veteran inclusion. President Beilock has also announced plans to expand ROTC programs at the College. The college believes veterans’ life experiences contribute to a richer learning environment for all students.
Hudak emphasized that a larger veteran presence would foster a more vibrant and diverse community. “They have life experiences to share,” she said.
Dartmouth’s initiative adds to a broader national conversation about the role of veterans in higher education. As more veterans transition from military service into academic careers, institutions like Dartmouth are re-evaluating admissions pathways and support systems to better meet their needs.
The college’s collaboration with external organizations and reliance on its current veteran students suggest a targeted approach to outreach and recruitment. While the number of undergraduate veterans remains small, officials hope that sustained efforts will result in steadily rising enrollment figures in the coming years.
As Dartmouth builds on the foundation laid by former President Wright, the institution is positioning itself to be a more accessible destination for student veterans seeking rigorous academic programs and a supportive campus environment.
