Stanford has more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students and provides an acclaimed variety of degree programs in its seven schools: Humanities and Sciences, Law, Medicine, Business, Earth Sciences, Engineering, and Education.
The university also boasts the Stanford Center for Professional Development, a 2010 G.I. Jobs Military Friendly School. The center offers online and on-campus courses making it possible for individuals to enroll in Stanford University while maintaining full-time careers.
GIJ: Why did you decide to go back to school?
Corcoran: I loved being a Marine, but I knew I couldn’t be one forever. When the government passed the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, I saw a huge opportunity to go back to school. I looked at a lot of different schools. My husband, Kyle, also a former Marine Corps captain, was going through the same thought process at the same time. In the end, we both decided to get our MBAs and aim high and apply to the best possible schools.
GIJ: Why did you choose Stanford?
Corcoran: Although all the service branches are tough and do great
things, the Marines have the reputation of being the best. I wanted the same experience in the civilian world. That’s why
I’m attending Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. When I talk to
local recruiters and business leaders and tell them I’m a Stanford student,
they’re very enthusiastic to talk to me and network. It’s really opened a lot
of doors.
GIJ: What are your goals once you’re armed with this new degree?
Corcoran: I would love to work for the federal government in procurement, finance or logistics. I would also love to work for a large company in procurement or supply-chain management.
GIJ: Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover all of your expenses?
Corcoran: The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays about 1/3 of my tuition, all of my fees and my health insurance. Additionally, my husband and I both get the GI Bill housing stipend.
GIJ: How are you covering expenses that exceed your tuition assistance and GI Bill?
Corcoran: Aside from the GI Bill, I have the Yellow Ribbon Program. Stanford contributes $3,000 a year and the government matches with another $3,000. I also have a need-based scholarship provided by the school, as well as a private merit based scholarship. I have federal, subsidized student loans that cover the rest, which is about ¼ of the tuition.
GIJ: Do you feel that your military experience has made you a better student?
Corcoran: The majority of business school students have never been in charge of anyone. I led Marines every day and have much real world experience working with people from all over the world and backgrounds. Being a Marine also taught me perspective. A bad day in the Marine Corps is when people die. A bad day in business is when you lose money – no comparison.
GIJ: What did you do to prepare to leave the military?
Corcoran: I attended TAP class, a class on how to get a federal job, and I studied hard for the GMAT (the test you take to get into business school).
Stanford University is recognized as one of the world’s leading research and
teaching institutions.
It is ranked second among world universities by the Academic Ranking of
World Universities, and its undergraduate program is currently ranked fourth in
the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
www.stanford.edu
http://scpd.stanford.edu/military/index.jsp
HQ: Palo Alto, Calif
Enrollment: Stanford has more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students
Number Of Schools: 7
Annual/semester
Tuition: Yearly tuition is $38,700 for undergraduate and graduate students and $53,118 for MBA students. To better serve military students, the university participates in the GI Bill (Montgomery and Post 9/11) and Yellow Ribbon Program, and offers military scholarships.