Full Sail University: Top Choice for Veteran Career Success

Full Sail University: Top Choice for Veteran Career Success

Vet S.O.S. Podcast Vet S.O.S. Podcast
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Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. One of the most critical steps in that journey is education—and finding a school that understands the unique needs of veterans. In a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resource Spotlight, we had the privilege of speaking with Aaron Hall, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the Director of Military Student Success at Full Sail University.

In this powerful conversation, Aaron shared not only his personal story of transition but also how Full Sail University is creating a revolutionary model for supporting military-connected students.


A Veteran’s Journey to Full Sail University

Aaron Hall

Aaron Hall’s path to higher education began like many others—uncertain, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. After separating from the Air Force in 2010, Aaron found himself navigating the confusing landscape of the Post-9/11 GI Bill with little guidance. He’d completed an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and was considering both traditional education and law enforcement. However, after a candid conversation with his wife, he shifted his focus to finishing his degree.

Initially, Aaron found the process frustrating. Staff at the first state school he visited didn’t know how to interpret his GI Bill benefits or how his military credits would transfer. But everything changed when he received a phone call from a retired Marine Major at Xavier University, who offered personalized help and encouragement. That connection made all the difference—and it ignited Aaron’s desire to help other veterans navigate the same journey.

That journey would eventually bring him to Full Sail, a place that would not only become his workplace but also his mission field.


Why Full Sail University Stands Out for Veterans

Unlike many traditional colleges, Full Sail focuses on degrees in entertainment, media, and technology. Its programs are designed for creative and tech-minded individuals who want to be behind the scenes of major productions, apps, games, and digital innovations.

But what really sets Full Sail University apart is its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. Over the last decade, Aaron has helped build a holistic student success model at Full Sail, one that meets veterans where they are—whether on campus or online.

“We’ve gone from a couple of admissions reps to an entire division focused on military student success,” Aaron said. “We cover everything from admissions and financial aid to veteran liaison services and career development.”

This all-encompassing model has become a gold standard for how schools should serve military-connected students.


The Military Student Success Center at Full Sail University

At the heart of the school’s support system is the Military Student Success Center, located right below the financial aid office on Full Sail University’s Florida campus. This space serves as a physical hub for in-person students, where they can receive:

  • Academic coaching and tutoring

  • Career development support

  • VA benefits counseling

  • Workshops on time management, resume building, and more

  • Peer mentorship from veteran student liaisons

Aaron emphasized how important it is for veterans to have a centralized space to build community and get personalized assistance.

“Veterans often feel lost or disconnected after transitioning out of the military,” he shared. “The Student Success Center gives them a place to belong.”


Supporting Veterans Beyond Campus: The Virtual Veteran Center

Since a large portion of Full Sail University’s students attend online, the school has developed a cutting-edge Virtual Veteran Center hosted on Discord, a platform widely used in the gaming and tech communities.

This online center replicates many of the services and community experiences offered in person. With dozens of channels organized by military branch, degree program, and career interest, students can connect with peers across the country and stay involved in campus life no matter where they’re located.

“We had one of our best student leaders live in San Antonio,” Aaron said. “He was fully online and ran some of the most successful fundraising campaigns for our student veteran union.”

This is just one example of how Full Sail University is bridging the gap between online and on-campus learning, ensuring all military-connected students feel seen, heard, and supported.


Degrees that Inspire Veterans to Dream Bigger

Full Sail University is not your typical college. The institution is known for its unique and industry-aligned degrees in areas such as:

  • Game Development and Design

  • Film and Music Production

  • Cybersecurity and Information Technology

  • Digital Arts and Animation

  • Simulation and Modeling

  • Media Communications

These programs appeal to veterans who are ready to pursue careers that align with their passions, creativity, and technical skills—a refreshing change from the limited options many service members are traditionally funneled into.

Aaron noted, “The military is great at showing people what they don’t want to do. When veterans come to Full Sail University, they already know what excites them—they’re just looking for a place to grow.”


Creating a Culture of Connection and Empowerment

Veterans at Full Sail University aren’t just students—they’re part of a vibrant community. The school’s chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) is highly active, holding bi-weekly meetings, fundraising events, and community service projects. These gatherings are open to both online and in-person students, further uniting the school’s diverse veteran population.

Additionally, Full Sail’s VA Work-Study Program allows veterans to earn extra income while gaining valuable experience working in support roles on campus or remotely.

From admissions to graduation, Full Sail University has created a system that prioritizes military student outcomes, not just enrollment numbers.


Why Veterans Should Consider Full Sail University

If you’re a transitioning service member or veteran looking to take your education to the next level, Full Sail University offers more than just a degree—it offers a pathway to purpose.

Here’s why it should be on your radar:

  • Veteran-Centric Support: From personalized admissions to VA benefit assistance, every part of the student journey is designed with veterans in mind.

  • Flexible Learning Options: Full Sail offers both online and on-campus programs that maintain equal levels of support.

  • Career-Focused Programs: Degrees are aligned with today’s fastest-growing industries—media, tech, gaming, and more.

  • Community Building: Veterans can connect and grow through student groups, Discord chats, peer mentorship, and events.

  • Holistic Approach: The Military Student Success team works across departments to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.


Final Thoughts: Education That Understands Veterans

At VET S.O.S., we believe that education should be a launchpad—not a roadblock—for veterans building their post-service lives. The story of Aaron Hall and his work at Full Sail University demonstrates what’s possible when a school truly invests in military student success.

Whether you’re dreaming of working behind the scenes in Hollywood, building immersive games, or securing networks through cybersecurity, Full Sail University could be the perfect place to start your next chapter.

Remember: Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline.


🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM


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