The purpose of this study was to explore and hear the student military veterans' perceptions on what they felt was instrumental to their success in higher education. Previous studies investigated veterans' experiences but very little investigated what SMVs found helpful during their collegiate experience. This mixed methods research employed a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to gather data relative to SMV's perceptions about their collegiate experiences. All participants were categorized as a DD-214. Although the questionnaire yielded a low response rate, the interviews provided context for those experiences. The findings revealed that the most crucial aspect of an SMV and their collegiate experience was the use of the higher educational institutional center for military veterans and families. This finding can help institutions of higher education conceptualize and situate their own veteran centers and related services. [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.]