Description

Why VCFA is Different

VCFA offers master’s degree programs in film, writing, music composition, graphic design, visual art, and writing for children and young adults. What makes it unique is the low-residency model. Students gather on campus for just nine days twice a year, and the rest of the time they complete coursework from home. For veterans and families, this model provides the structure of a graduate program while still allowing time for work, family, and everyday life.

Financial accessibility is another important factor. VCFA is a Yellow Ribbon school, accepts the GI Bill, and keeps tuition the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. With online options available, students can access programs wherever they’re living or stationed.

Veterans Who Found Their Voice at VCFA

Stories from veterans show how these programs can be life-changing:

• Yerania, U.S. Army Veteran: After ten years of service, Yerania completed her MFA in Film at VCFA in 2020. Her path took her from Central Texas College to The New School and ultimately to VCFA, where she was able to focus on her creative goals while building on her military experience.
• Aaron, Marine Corps Veteran, MFA in Writing: After retiring in 2021, Aaron found himself searching for a greater challenge and a deeper writing community. The low-residency model at VCFA gave him the chance to pursue writing seriously while staying present with his wife and children. In his words, it allowed him to dig into the craft of storytelling without compromising his family life.

The Learning Hub and Community Life

What happens outside of coursework is just as important as the degrees themselves. VCFA’s Learning Hub highlights the richness of its community with Faculty and Alumni articles filled with tips and insights on a wide variety of creative subjects. It’s a space that keeps students connected to a global network of artists and makers.

For veterans and military families in particular, the Hub provides a way to stay engaged and inspired, even while studying remotely. It bridges the gap between time spent on campus and the day-to-day work at home, reminding students that they are part of a larger creative movement.

Why This Matters

Transitioning out of the military often means figuring out what comes next. For some, that next step is practical and career-driven. For others, it’s deeply personal—finally making space for a passion that may have been set aside during service. Schools like VCFA create opportunities for both.

With flexible learning, financial support through the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, and a vibrant global arts community, VCFA has become a meaningful option for veterans and military families ready to pursue their creative callings.

Interested in learning more? Visit VCFA Programs or explore College Recon’s VA-Approved Colleges for Military and Veterans.