Veterans enrolled at Ohio colleges and universities may find it easier to live on-campus with the establishment of private, military-only housing.
The Beacon Journal reported that Hiram College, located in rural Portage County, will be opening a residence in January for military veterans. Called the Freedom Center, the residence at the newly renovated Henry Hall will feature single rooms. While the college doesn't have a large veteran population – only 10 students – developer Hiram DeJesus, whose company Patriot Development LLC is renovating the dorm facility, told the news source that the new living quarters will help attract veterans to the campus. As incentive, the college is also offering free housing for the first 20 veterans who enroll.
"Our goal is to provide the best environment for the successful transition from the military back into civilian life," DeJesus said.
Tim Bryan, a spokesperson for Hiram College, added that the college may provide additional land for the development of veterans-only townhouses.
Veterans-only dorms and residences are currently on the rise in the U.S. According to Inside Higher Education, one of the latest universities that began providing housing for its military students is New Mexico State University, which established on-campus units tailored to veterans with families.