Dangerous alcohol use, or binge drinking and alcohol use that results in significant negative consequences, is a major health concern in university populations. Research on graduate students' and Veteran students' alcohol use is limited. Using protective behavioral strategies (PBS) before or during alcohol use can attenuate the negative consequences of alcohol use. The current study examined motivational predictors of dangerous alcohol use among students who are Veterans as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Qualitative analyses were used to examine how undergraduates decide whether to use PBS. Data was collected via online survey from IUP students who are undergraduates, graduates, or Veterans. Study 1 used archival data collected in 2021 and 2022. Data for study 2 were collected via an online survey in 2023. Thematic analyses were used to examine participant's responses to five open-ended text-based questions. In Study 1, participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (DMQR). Differences in motivation to drink alcohol among undergraduates, graduate students, and Veteran students were investigated using analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs). Logistic regressions and a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) were used to examine the relationship between drinking motives and drinking behaviors among the student types. The current study found that all student groups endorsed social and enhancement motives more frequently than coping and conformity motives. Veterans did not report more frequent negative consequences than their civilian peers. Veterans did report a higher drinking quantity than civilian graduate students. Among graduate students, higher endorsement of enhancement motives predicted greater odds of experiencing negative consequences of alcohol use. Among undergraduates, higher endorsement of social motives was related to significantly greater odds of binge drinking. Study 2 revealed that while the undergraduate students surveyed used PBS to enhance safety and health, concerns about social exclusion and reduced enjoyment are also common. Common PBS learning sources include peers, family, and educational programs. These results further our understanding of risk factors for dangerous drinking among undergraduate, graduate, and Veteran students, and provide insight into how undergraduate students decide to use PBS. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]