Veterans and military-affiliated students can access exceptional substance abuse counseling degree programs at institutions offering comprehensive GI Bill® support, Yellow Ribbon benefits, military training credit transfers, and dedicated veteran centers. These 11 programs combine rigorous addiction counseling education with services designed specifically for those who’ve served.
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You don’t have to serve long before you realize how seriously Uncle Sam takes substance abuse prevention. Drug tests are mandatory before processing into boot camp, and random testing is a fact of life in the ranks. Yet chances are you’re also familiar with a battle buddy who has fallen prey to a substance use disorder.
According to 2023 data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 11 percent of veterans report a substance use disorder, with rates varying by service era and deployment history.
This challenge goes hand-in-hand with the mental health strains that many veterans bring home from service. Self-medicating leads directly into alcohol and chemical dependency problems.
Because you’ve served, because you remain loyal and committed, and because you’ve seen the destruction of substance abuse firsthand, you’re probably driven to do something about it. With your veteran and military educational benefits, you can get the degree you need to make a difference for anyone experiencing a substance use disorder.
Why You Should Look at the Military Services Available at the Schools You’re Considering for Your Addiction Counseling Degree
Veterans and other military-affiliated students should evaluate their options with considerations that differ from civilian students.
The most important factor involves financial considerations that come with military service. The generosity of the federal GI Bill®, various state-level supports, and numerous other grants, fee exemptions, and programs can completely cover the cost of a degree in substance abuse counseling, but only at schools that fully participate in or qualify for such programs.
There’s also the transitional support that veterans often need. A highly structured military environment isn’t the best introduction to a freewheeling college campus lifestyle. Veterans benefit from additional academic advising, counseling services, and administrative assistance in navigating the complex array of options and opportunities.
Finally, you can benefit from having your comrades close by. In education, as in addiction counseling, as in the military, having people around you who understand what you’re going through and can offer support and advice is invaluable. Military-friendly colleges offer that environment.
How We Found the Best Schools for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students Earning Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
Since we just outlined the reasons you might seek certain kinds of schools as a veteran, it’s no surprise we have specific ideas about how to identify them.
First is the demonstrated level of financial support they offer to veterans. Although Uncle Sam usually picks up most of the tab for your education, particularly at the bachelor’s level, you want to know your school is willing to invest in your future directly.
One way to determine this is to look at schools participating in the VA Yellow Ribbon program. That’s a partnership between colleges and the VA where the school contributes toward any tuition costs exceeding the VA maximum per-credit payment to ensure you can still attend at no cost.
With most public universities in most states, Yellow Ribbon isn’t a consideration because the state either covers excess tuition or offers in-state rates to all veterans. It’s at private universities that those Yellow Ribbon benefits can offer steep discounts that bring your costs to zero.
Not many students actually need to take advantage of Yellow Ribbon. If you look at schools offering it, though, you know you’re looking at a college that puts real money into veterans’ education.
Next, we looked for programs hosting a chapter of Student Veterans of America or other student veterans groups. This reveals that enough veterans are on campus to provide mutual support, and they have an organized unit where you can find them easily.
We also ensured we were only selecting from colleges meeting high standards required for accreditation from an agency recognized by CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. That ensures the school meets high academic standards and is frequently a requirement for substance abuse counselor certification or licensing in most states.
Program Comparison: Key Features for Veterans
To help you evaluate these programs at a glance, we’ve compiled this comparison table highlighting the most important features for military-affiliated students:
| School | Format | Yellow Ribbon | Military Credit Transfer | Veteran Center | Military Friendly Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Brockport | On-campus | Yes | JST/CCAF | Yes | Yes |
| Grand Canyon University | On-campus, Online | Yes | JST/CCAF | Yes | Yes |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Online | Check with the school | JST/CCAF | Yes | Gold 2025 |
| University of Detroit Mercy | On-campus | Yes | Contact school | Yes | Silver 2025 |
| Hilbert College | On-campus | Check with the school | JST | Yes | Bronze 2025 |
| University of Cincinnati | Online | Check with the school | CCAF | Yes | Yes |
| Tiffin University | On-campus, Hybrid | Check with the school | Contact school | No | Silver 2025 |
| Alvernia University | On-campus, Online | Yes | JST | Yes | Yes |
| University of South Dakota | On-campus, Online | Check with the school | JST/CCAF | Yes | Yes |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | Online | Check with the school | Contact school | Yes | Yes |
| University of North Texas | On-campus | Check with the school | Contact school | Yes | Gold 2025 |
Important Note: Program details, costs, and veteran benefits can change. Always verify current information directly with the school’s veteran services office and consult with a VA education counselor before making enrollment decisions to ensure your benefits align with your educational goals.
The Top Substance Use Disorder Counseling Degrees in the United States for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students
Like the other lists on our site, we aren’t just going to drop you in a hot landing zone with no fire support. For each school, we provide a link to the bachelor’s program website, the location of the university, and the program name. We also tell you what other educational options the school has for addiction counseling or substance abuse-related studies, and let you know what format the degree is available in.
Then there’s the rundown on highlights of veteran support programs that the school offers. We identified everything from options for obtaining credit for your service experience and training to comfortable on-campus lounges and gathering places for veterans.
We wrap up with additional items that veterans and other military-affiliated students might want to know about: additional academic support, historical commitments to service members, or any other detail we think could make a difference in your selection.
In the end, it’s all about you volunteering to serve all over again. This time, it will be on the home front. Any of these schools is are worthy location for your basic training in the fight against substance abuse.
State University of New York – Brockport
School of Education, Health and Human Services, Department of Healthcare Studies
Brockport, NY
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Addictions and Behavioral Health (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- Minor in Addictions and Behavioral Health
On top of having a solid bachelor’s program in addiction science and substance use disorder behavioral treatments, Brockport has all the advantages of other SUNY system schools when it comes to supporting veterans. New York State has gone above and beyond the call of duty, allowing veterans to apply to any SUNY school free of charge and offering credits for military experience and training. You can receive free academic tutoring and advising services, as well as access to excellent mentoring and health care services.
- The Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans and military-affiliated students at Brockport with their aid applications and maintains eligibility not only for federal programs but general New York State veteran benefits as well
- Offers credits for military training and experience based on JST and CCAF transcripts
- Veterans may receive free parking on campus if qualified
- Participates in the VA Work-Study program
- The Veterans Lounge on campus offers a place to study, relax, and connect with fellow veterans during your time at Brockport
Grand Canyon University
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Phoenix, Arizona
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Counseling with emphasis in Substance Use Disorder (on-campus, online)
Also Offers:
- Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
- Master of Science in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
- Post-Masters Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Currently working with over 7,500 GI Bill® students, GCU’s dedicated military advisors and benefit liaisons have extensive experience navigating the sometimes confusing terrain of VA and Department of Defense benefits systems and college administrative processes. Whether you pursue your degree on campus or online, they can make sure you’re on the right track to maximize your experience learning how to diagnose and treat substance use disorders. The small classes the university offers are also a benefit to veterans, who often seek a more personal experience after the large-scale, impersonal approach of the military. The online options for the Bachelor of Science in Counseling with substance use disorder emphasis are extremely convenient for students still on active duty. GCU’s partnership with CCAF and acceptance of Military Tuition Assistance payments also make it a great place to get a head start on your education before discharge.
- Veteran students receive a 10 percent scholarship off tuition for online and evening programs, which the Bachelor of Science in Counseling is eligible for
- May offer credits for training reflected on your Joint Service Transcript
- A dedicated military services support team has answers and assistance ready for your most common questions or challenges in applying military benefits to your substance abuse disorder education
- Active duty students applying for Military Tuition Assistance will enjoy a special cost per credit hour to maximize their benefit
- The GCU Veterans Center serves as a hub for personalized assistance to access resources and make connections, but also a space to relax and spend time on campus with fellow veterans
- A partnership with the Air Force’s Air University makes it easy for airmen and guardians to transfer credits earned at Community College of the Air Force to GCU bachelor’s programs, such as in substance use disorder counseling
University of Maine at Augusta
Mental Health and Human Services Department
Augusta, Maine
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services – Addiction Counseling Concentration (online)
Also Offers:
- Associate of Science in Mental Health and Human Services
- Minor in Addiction Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders
- Certificate in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician
Veteran support started off pretty simple at UMA. A basic “Welcome Veterans” sign put up in 1965 was the entirety of the first veterans services initiative at the school. Yet at a time when many college campuses were hostile ground for returning veterans, it showed some of the heart and commitment that UMA has since expanded into a fully capable Military and Veterans Services department. Engagement with Maine’s larger community of veterans is also an asset here, and the non-traditional population of students at UMA makes it easy for veterans to fit in and engage with others working to fight substance use disorders.
- Ranked number one for Maine and number eight for the Northeast overall as a 2025 Best College for Veterans by the Military Times
- The Veterans Academic Center on campus is a state-of-the-art, recently renovated space with touchscreen computers, comfortable furniture, and privacy for socializing or studying with fellow veterans
- Named as a 2025 Gold Military Friendly School
- Offers the Best Online Programs for Veterans Bachelor’s degrees for 2025 according to U.S. News and World Report
- Application fees are waived for veterans
- UMA will evaluate Joint Service Transcripts or CCAF transcripts to offer credit transfer for certain military training or experience
University of Detroit Mercy
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Detroit, Michigan
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- Minor in Addiction Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
- Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Addiction Studies
The support for veterans at the University of Detroit Mercy isn’t restricted to a single office or department on campus. Instead, the university has elected to go broad, with designated specialists in departments ranging from admissions to student accounting to the Student Success Center who are familiar with veterans’ programs and needs. The Center for Career and Professional Development also goes the extra mile to ensure that veterans graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling are getting the job opportunities they deserve.
- Recognized as a Silver Level Military Friendly School for 2025
- Designated as a Gold-certified Michigan Veteran-Friendly school by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
- Named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 200 Best Schools for Veterans among all national universities
- A Veteran Student Lounge on campus is open 24/7 for studying, relaxing, or socializing
Hilbert College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Hamburg, New York
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Concentration in Substance Abuse-Chemical Dependency (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- BS in Human Services/MPA
- Associate of Arts in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
As a small, private, Franciscan college with strong Catholic roots, Hilbert offers a quiet but competent place for veterans to study in peace and with recognition for both their service and their individual qualities. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention from instructors in the Human Services major, and broad community support in a part of New York that has a considerable military presence, helping you fit in and adjust. Also important are the strong New York State supports available here for veterans.
- Named as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs
- The Hafner Veterans Center provides a space for veterans to study, relax, or socialize
- Listed as a Bronze-level Military Friendly School
- Participates in the VA Work-Study program
- Credit may be offered based on your military training or experience, with the submission of a Joint Service Transcript
University of Cincinnati
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
Cincinnati, Ohio
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling (online)
Also Offers:
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
- Substance Abuse Prevention Certificate
With more than 2,000 military-affiliated students in attendance at the University of Cincinnati, the school is well-practiced and well-equipped in delivering support for your unique needs and assistance with your benefits. Since their Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling is offered exclusively online, it’s particularly well-suited for anyone still on active duty who may be eligible for the Tuition Assistance programs that help pay for school before discharge. That leaves your GI Bill® benefits largely intact, which can help you finish out your bachelor’s and even move up to a master’s degree later.
- Ranked as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in 2025 by U.S. News and World Report
- The Office of Veterans Programs and Services received an Impact Award from the Muhammad Ali Foundation for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Run
- Veterans’ Lounges at any one of three UC campuses can offer physical spaces for veterans to meet, study, or socialize
- Air Force veterans can be admitted as transfer students because of their participation in the Community College of the Air Force
- Listed as one of the Best Online Colleges for Veterans by College Consensus
- Participates in the VetSuccess program that puts a dedicated VA Vocational Rehab Counselor on campus to offer accommodations and services directly to students
- The Sisters in Arms recognition ceremony highlights veterans who are women, bringing untold stories of dedication and service to light
Tiffin University
School of Criminal Justice and Social Services
Tiffin, Ohio
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Addictions Counseling concentration (on-campus, hybrid)
Also Offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Minor in Addictions Counseling
Tiffin’s mission is to educate students by connecting knowledge to on-the-ground professional practices. That’s directly aligned with what your military training looked like, so you’ll feel considerable alignment between that and the Tiffin Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Addictions Counseling concentration program. You can be confident you’ll be putting your commitment and concern for fellow citizens into a very practical education in substance use disorder treatment. The Tiffin Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Addictions Counseling concentration meets licensing requirements in eighteen different states, including some major military-focused states like Texas and Virginia.
- The university is a recipient of the Inaugural Collegiate Purple Star Award from the Ohio Department of Education for its commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military
- Listed as a Silver-level Military Friendly School for 2025
- Special tuition rates for active duty personnel ensure that Military Tuition Assistance will cover your undergraduate studies without out-of-pocket expenses
- A special military discount rate is also available for veterans, retired military, Guard and Reservists, or dependents of active duty troops
Alvernia University
College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
Reading, Pennsylvania
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment (on-campus, online)
Also Offers:
- Minor in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
- Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
Building a broad-based skillset is fundamental for anyone who has served in the American military. It also happens to be the approach taken in Alvernia’s Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health, which means it’s a program in which you’ll feel right at home. With an available online option, it’s also an education you can start without relocating, even if you’re still on active duty. Alvernia stays on top of updates from the VA and is quick to keep student veterans informed when there are adjustments. With 100 percent of Alvernia students receiving some form of financial aid, you can see the commitment that the school has to keeping veterans connected to their benefits through graduation.
- The Veterans Center offers a comfortable place on campus for veterans to socialize, study, or relax, with a dedicated printer, laptops, a TV lounge, and free school supplies
- The Veterans Success Team also serves as a one-stop resource access at the Veterans Center for assistance with benefits or support programs
- Alvernia has consistently been listed as a Military Friendly School for more than a decade
- A College of Distinction for Military Support
- Student veterans are awarded Distinguished Graduation Pins to wear during commencement ceremonies in recognition of their accomplishments
- Offers credits for military training from your Joint Service Transcript
University of South Dakota
School of Health Sciences
Vermillion, South Dakota
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (on-campus, online)
Available Specializations:
- Treatment Specialization
- Prevention Specialization
Also Offers:
- Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (with available co-occurring specialization)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
USD prioritizes programs and services to assist military and veteran students with their integration into college life. It’s a task made easier by the school’s ROTC program and degree in military science, which ensures there are plenty of faculty around who understand military culture and many other students who are supportive of military service. The Veterans Services division in the registrar’s office understands state, federal, and private education benefits for military-affiliated students thoroughly. You’ll appreciate the exceptional veteran benefits offered by the state of South Dakota on top of your GI Bill® benefits, including tuition coverage available in some cases when you’ve exceeded your GI Bill® maximum. Those benefits also extend to the children of veterans who died in service to their country, as well as dependents of POW and MIA service members.
- Accepts credits from military training and experience from your CCAF or Joint Service transcript
- Military and Veteran Student Services offers counseling services at the Veteran Center free of charge
- A unique sponsorship program pairs veteran students with current USD students for a semester to help them adjust to college life and processes
- Designated as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs
- Ranked as a Best for Vets School by the Military Times
- Also listed as one of the top colleges for veterans by the Military Advanced Education Guide to Colleges and Universities
University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
College of Health Professions, School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling
Brownsville, Texas
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies (online)
As a fully online program, veterans and active duty service members alike can take advantage of the UTRGV Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies. The school accepts Military Tuition Assistance, so you can get started with the right approvals from your command before you even use your post-discharge GI Bill® benefits. Extensive support from both the school and the state of Texas for veterans in general makes this an easy transition no matter where in the state you may be physically located. The program also leads to licensure in Texas in substance abuse prevention and treatment, so you’ll have all the education you need to start making a difference immediately.
- The Military and Veterans Success Center offers assistance in academic advising, establishing Texas residency, getting credit for service training, and referrals to resources for healthcare, mental health support, or VA claims
- Veterans Upward Bound helps fund some local veterans’ education, skill development, and support services entirely for free
- A range of scholarships is available for veterans at UTRGV who need additional assistance beyond their basic benefits packages
- School participates in the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Network to recognize the academic accomplishments of veteran students
University of North Texas
College of Health and Public Service
Denton, Texas
Veteran Resources
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies (on-campus)
Also Offers:
- Minor in Addiction Studies
- Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Certificate
When a school goes to the trouble of educating its non-military faculty and staff about veteran students in a coordinated and systematic way, you know you’ve found a winner for veteran-friendly education. That’s the case at UNT, where Green Zone training is designed to enhance sensitivity to the professional and academic needs of students from a military background. Against that general background of understanding, the school provides more specific supports for benefits, counseling, and academic achievement. The Learning Center, for example, is a general resource for all students that supplements academic excellence through coaching and tutoring. Specific individual counseling and drop-in group therapy for military-affiliated students is also available, addressing everything from traumatic stress to general civilian life skills.
- The UNT Veterans Memorial Wall offers a reminder to all students of those who have contributed to the defense of their country
- Designated as a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart
- Named a Gold-Level Military Friendly School for 2025
- The Student Veteran Services Department offers individual counseling sessions for military-affiliated students
- UNT Veteran Green Zone Training is provided to faculty and staff to familiarize them with veteran and military-related student needs and perspectives
- Participates in the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society to recognize veterans with strong academic accomplishments
Key Takeaways
- Veterans seeking substance abuse counseling degrees should prioritize schools offering Yellow Ribbon participation, military credit transfers through JST or CCAF transcripts, and dedicated veteran centers for support and community.
- Online program availability is critical for active duty service members who can use Military Tuition Assistance before discharge, preserving GI Bill® benefits for graduate education.
- State-level veteran benefits vary significantly, with states like New York, Texas, and South Dakota offering additional tuition support beyond federal GI Bill® coverage.
- Small class sizes and Green Zone-trained faculty at military-friendly institutions provide the personalized attention and understanding that ease the military-to-civilian transition.
- These 11 programs meet accreditation standards required for state licensure and certification as substance abuse counselors, with many offering specialized concentrations in treatment or prevention.
- Always verify current program details, veteran benefits, and state licensure requirements directly with school veteran services offices and VA education counselors before enrolling.
Ready to Start Your Mission Against Substance Abuse?
You’ve served your country with dedication. Now you can continue serving on a different front. Explore our comprehensive guide designed specifically for veterans transitioning into substance abuse counseling careers.
