Document Type
Research Brief
Date
12-1-2025
Keywords
U.S. military veterans; military service; financial well-being; veteran wage premium; Regular Military Compensation; GI Bill; economic inclusion; social mobility, briefs
Language
Eng
Disciplines
Military and Veterans Studies
Description/Abstract
This brief offers policy-relevant insights into how military service is an important lever for socioeconomic opportunity and social mobility in the United States. Drawing on the social science literature and recent data from federal sources, this brief focuses on the many financial advantages that result from service, whether due to standardized military pay rates, military networks, or military and veterans’ benefits, from the GI Bill to housing allowances. Such financial advantages from service may also reduce socioeconomic disparities and create economic opportunities for military service members, from building intergenerational wealth to becoming homeowners, including for underrepresented minority service members.
Recommended Citation
Zoli, Corri; Euto, Linda; and Maury, Rosalinda, "U.S. Military Veterans and Socioeconomic Opportunities: A Financial Lens on National Public Service" (2025). The Lender Center for Social Justice. 82.
https://surface.syr.edu/lender/82
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
