How This Army Veteran Earned an MBA Debt-Free — His Inspiring Journey with Lakewood University
From Struggles with Addiction to Launching a $7M Real Estate Deal
Introduction
Transitioning from military life to civilian life often brings unique challenges. But what if your education could be the bridge to transformation? In “How This Army Veteran Earned An MBA (Completely Debt Free),” Miles shares his powerful journey: battling addiction, receiving a liver transplant, leveraging his GI Bill, and turning his academic work into a six- or seven-figure real estate opportunity. He also discusses how Lakewood University became a pivotal support in his journey.
In this post, we’ll dive into his story, extract lessons for veterans seeking education, and explore how you too can pursue an affordable or even debt-free MBA path.
1. From Military Service to Uncertain Ground
Miles enlisted after completing his undergrad, serving from 2005 to 2009. After his service, he found himself drifting academically—he briefly enrolled in Arizona State but felt disconnected from the environment. The online model didn’t click, and he sensed there was a different route for him.
“I was kind of in between in my education … attending Arizona State for a brief semester … just really wasn’t jelling with the coursework.”
This transition period left him searching for something more tailored, flexible, and meaningful.
2. Hitting Rock Bottom: Alcohol, Health & Recovery
The post-military era wasn’t easy. Miles candidly shares that he struggled with drinking after leaving the service. COVID exacerbated that struggle, and ultimately, he required a liver transplant.
“I had a real problem with drinking … Thankfully, God got a hold of me … and I was able to get a liver transplant.”
That health crisis and turning point laid the foundation for the transformation he would make in education and entrepreneurship.
3. Discovering Lakewood University & the Debt-Free MBA Route
Miles found Lakewood University almost by accident—one conversation led to enrollment. He immediately appreciated its online, asynchronous structure, which allowed him to manage coursework on his terms.
He started with a Project Management certificate that drew on his military leadership background. Later, he pursued an MBA with an entrepreneur track. The twist: he used the GI Bill® benefits and other veteran education funding to entirely avoid student debt.
“Everything I’ve done at Lakewood has been able to be tailored … my coursework at Lakewood has turned into a potential $7 million real estate deal that I’m closing in my spare time.”
Lakewood’s veteran support systems and proactive advising also played a role in helping him manage benefits like GI Bill® and BAH without gaps or delay.
4. Turning Coursework into Business Opportunities
What makes Miles’s path remarkable is not just earning his degree, but using it as a springboard:
He leveraged lessons in project management and entrepreneurship into his own consulting firm.
He’s closing a potential $7 million real estate deal that grew from his academic projects.
He’s also pursuing a doctorate and actively expanding his business ventures.
He frames much of his progress as integrating lessons from the military with business acumen.
5. Life After the Degree: Career, Growth & Giving Back
Today, Miles works as an employment services case manager with Volunteers of America in Massachusetts, offering career and housing support to veterans. He also runs a consulting business in a similar field.
On the horizon:
In the next 6–12 months, he plans to be a semester into his doctorate program
Launch or co-acquire a “re-imagine / reinvision camp”
Continue advocating for veteran education and entrepreneurship
He encourages others—veterans or civilian—to keep learning: “If you’re taking a step forward … bettering yourself in some way … that’s never going to be a bad thing.”
6. Key Takeaways & Advice for Aspiring Students & Veterans
Don’t just complete coursework—apply it. Miles turned class projects into real business opportunities.
✅ Progress is better than perfection
Even in hard seasons, keep moving forward. Small steps—continuous learning—can compound into significant growth.
✅ Give back & share your journey
Miles already advocates for Lakewood among veterans and integrates his own experience into supporting others.
Conclusion
Miles’s story is a powerful example of resilience, strategy, and the potential of education when aligned with purpose. From overcoming addiction and health crises to earning an MBA without debt and closing real business deals, his journey shows what’s possible for those willing to commit, leverage available benefits, and think outside the box.
If you’re a veteran (or someone seeking a meaningful path forward), consider this story a roadmap: research your options, ask questions, apply your learning, and never stop growing.
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