Military personnel, veterans, and their families often face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. That’s why the availability of military-friendly online colleges is so crucial. These institutions understand the specific needs of military students and go above and beyond to provide the support and flexibility necessary for their success.
With the increasing demand for online education and the growing population of military personnel, it’s essential to identify the best accredited online colleges that prioritize military education. These colleges offer programs with national accreditation and military-friendly policies, ensuring that military students receive the education they need while serving their country.
Key Takeaways:
- Military-friendly online colleges provide valuable support and flexibility for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
- These colleges offer various benefits beyond the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, including additional tuition assistance and discounts.
- Approximately 25 million recipients have received over $400 million in military benefits in 2021.
- Military-friendly online colleges play a crucial role in supporting the education of veterans and active-duty military members.
- By choosing a military-friendly college, individuals in the military can find the support and flexibility they need to achieve their academic goals while serving their country.
What Makes a College Military-Friendly?
Military-friendly colleges offer a range of benefits to military students, providing a supportive environment for their educational pursuits. These colleges understand the unique challenges faced by veterans in college and strive to create a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere. Here are some key features that make a college military-friendly:
Acceptance of Military Training and Vocational Specialties
Military-friendly colleges recognize the value of military training and vocational specialties by accepting them for academic credit. This acknowledgment allows military students to build upon their prior knowledge and skills, reducing the time and cost required to complete their degree.
Resources and Support Services for Military Students
Military-friendly colleges go beyond the standard support services offered to all students. They provide resources and assistance specifically tailored to the needs of military students, including designated centers or lounges for veterans and dedicated pages of resources. These resources cover areas such as academic advising, career services, mental health support, and transition assistance.
Tuition Benefits and Financial Support
Many military-friendly colleges offer discounts on tuition, application fees, and scholarships for military personnel, their families, and veterans. These benefits are crucial because the GI Bill may not cover the full cost of college. By reducing financial barriers, military-friendly colleges ensure that military students have access to affordable education.
Flexibility to Accommodate the Needs of Veterans in College
Veterans in college often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as being married, working, and raising children. Military-friendly colleges understand these unique circumstances and strive to create a supportive and flexible learning environment. This flexibility can include online or hybrid programs, evening classes, and credit transfer options to accommodate military students’ busy lives.
By prioritizing the well-being and success of military students, military-friendly colleges play a crucial role in supporting their educational and career goals. These colleges recognize the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families and aim to provide the necessary resources and support to help them thrive.
Featured Military-Friendly Schools
When it comes to pursuing higher education, military members and veterans need colleges that understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support. Here are some of the best online military-friendly colleges that offer a range of programs and resources to support their military students:
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a top-rated military-friendly college known for its commitment to supporting military personnel and their families. With over 200 online programs, SNHU offers a wide range of degree options. In addition, active military personnel and their spouses can take advantage of tuition discounts of up to 30%. SNHU’s comprehensive support services ensure that military students have the resources they need to succeed.
Liberty University
Liberty University is another highly regarded institution for military members, offering military degree plans, tuition discounts, and various support services. With a strong focus on faith-based education, Liberty University provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for military students seeking online education opportunities.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is committed to supporting military members through its extensive online programs and military benefits. UCF offers more than 100 degree programs online, giving military students the flexibility to pursue their educational goals while serving. Military benefits at UCF include programs such as the GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and tuition assistance.
Averett University
Averett University is a respected institution that is known for its military-friendly programs and support services. The university offers online programs designed to accommodate the unique needs of military members and their families. Averett University strives to create an environment that fosters academic success and personal growth for military students.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
As a leader in online education, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is dedicated to providing military-friendly programs and support. UMGC offers over 30 bachelor’s degree options online, allowing military students to pursue their education from anywhere in the world. The university also recognizes the value of military training and experience, providing credit for previous military experience and training.
American Public University System
The American Public University System (APUS) is a renowned online university system offering military-friendly programs and resources. As part of APUS, the American Military University (AMU) provides extensive support to military students through online resources and reduced credit costs. Military scholarships and grants are also available to assist military students in their educational pursuits.
These featured military-friendly schools exemplify the commitment to supporting military members and veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Whether through tuition discounts, flexible online programs, or comprehensive support services, these colleges prioritize the unique needs of military students.
How We Rank Schools
When it comes to ranking military-friendly colleges, BestColleges.com is a trusted authority. Our comprehensive ranking methodology takes into account several key criteria to ensure accuracy and relevance. By evaluating these factors, we aim to provide students with transparent and inclusive rankings that can help them find the best college for their needs.
Ranking Methodology
- Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program: We assess whether colleges actively participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a federal initiative that provides additional funding for educational expenses not covered by the GI Bill. This program demonstrates a college’s commitment to supporting military students.
- Criteria for Military-Friendly Colleges: We consider the specific criteria that make a college military-friendly, such as accepting credits for military training. Colleges that offer credit for military training recognize the value and expertise gained through military service, easing the transition to higher education for military students.
- Availability of Support Services for Veterans: We evaluate the range and quality of support services offered by colleges for veterans, including dedicated advisors, counseling services, and veterans’ resource centers. These resources help military students navigate the unique challenges they may face and ensure they receive the support they need to succeed.
- Membership in Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges: We take into consideration whether colleges are members of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC). SOC member institutions work to simplify the credit transfer process and provide flexible educational opportunities for military students, allowing them to continue their education regardless of their deployments or relocations.
By analyzing these factors and utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics, we create rankings that reflect the dedication and commitment of colleges in supporting military students. These rankings act as a valuable resource for individuals seeking military-friendly colleges that prioritize their unique needs.
American Public University System (APUS)
The American Public University System (APUS) is a top military-friendly online university system offering over 50 fully online bachelor’s degrees. Through its flagship institution, the American Military University (AMU), APUS provides extensive military support, online programs, military scholarships, and reduced tuition for military students.
As part of APUS, the American Military University (AMU) is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of military students. AMU offers a wide range of online programs designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. These programs provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing military students to earn a quality education while fulfilling their service obligations.
Military Scholarships and Reduced Tuition
APUS understands the financial challenges military students face when pursuing higher education. To support their educational pursuits, APUS offers military-friendly scholarships and grants. These financial resources can help military students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
In addition to scholarships, APUS provides reduced tuition rates for military students. This reduced tuition helps make higher education more affordable and accessible to military students as they strive to further their academic and career goals.
Comprehensive Support for Military Students
APUS is committed to providing comprehensive support services for military students throughout their educational journey. AMU offers online resources and support networks tailored specifically for military students, ensuring they have the necessary tools and assistance to succeed.
From dedicated military advisors to specialized academic and career services, APUS understands the unique challenges military students face and is dedicated to their success. These support services help military students navigate the academic landscape and maximize their educational experience.
“APUS is proud to support our military by offering top military-friendly online programs, military scholarships, and reduced tuition options. We are committed to providing high-quality education and comprehensive support services to help military students achieve their academic and career goals.”
– APUS Spokesperson
With its top military-friendly colleges, extensive online programs, military scholarships, and reduced tuition options, APUS is a leading choice for military students seeking a flexible and supportive educational experience.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a leading institution specializing in online programs, providing a flexible format that caters to the needs of military students. With over 30 bachelor’s degree options available, UMGC offers a wide range of academic pursuits that can be completed entirely online, allowing military students to balance their education with their service commitments.
At UMGC, military students receive extensive support throughout their educational journey. One of the key advantages for military students is the recognition of their previous military experience and training, which can be translated into academic credits, reducing the time and cost required to earn a degree. This flexible credit policy acknowledges the valuable skills and knowledge acquired during military service and accelerates their progress towards a degree.
The University of Maryland Global Campus understands the unique challenges faced by military students and is committed to providing the necessary assistance and resources. With a focus on online learning, military students can access course materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments at their convenience, allowing for greater flexibility in managing their studies alongside their military obligations.
To enhance the support offered to military students, UMGC employs online military advisors who are well-versed in the unique circumstances faced by those in the military. These advisors provide personalized guidance and assistance, ensuring that military students have the necessary resources and information to make informed decisions about their educational journey.
UMGC also goes the extra mile by stationing advisors on military bases, allowing military students to receive in-person assistance when needed. This on-base support ensures that military students have access to the same level of guidance and support as their counterparts on traditional campuses, creating a seamless and supportive educational experience.
Financial assistance is another area where UMGC demonstrates its dedication to supporting military students. The university offers various tuition assistance programs, including scholarships and grants specifically designed for military students. These financial resources help alleviate the financial burden and make pursuing a degree more accessible for military personnel and their families.
With its commitment to online education, flexible format, extensive support, and tuition assistance, the University of Maryland Global Campus is a top choice for military students seeking quality education that accommodates their unique circumstances.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been supporting the educational journey of military students for over 80 years. With a commitment to providing a high-quality education and comprehensive support services, SNHU offers over 200 online programs tailored to the unique needs of military personnel and their families.
Military students at SNHU can take advantage of various benefits, including tuition discounts that make higher education more affordable. The university also recognizes the value of military training and offers transfer credits for military training, allowing military students to accelerate their degree completion.
At SNHU, comprehensive support services are available to ensure military students have all the resources they need to succeed. From academic advising focused on military students’ unique circumstances to career guidance and counseling, SNHU is dedicated to helping military students achieve their personal and professional goals.
SNHU’s online programs provide flexibility, allowing military students to balance their education with their military obligations. Whether they are on active duty or transitioning to civilian life, military students can access their coursework from anywhere, at any time, making it easier to fit education into their busy schedules.
Testimonial from a Military Student
“Choosing SNHU was the best decision I made for my education as a military student. The tuition discounts and transfer credits for my military training not only saved me money but also allowed me to complete my degree faster. The comprehensive support services at SNHU, from academic advising to career guidance, have been invaluable in my academic journey. I highly recommend SNHU to fellow military students!”
SNHU’s commitment to serving military students has made it one of the top choices for those seeking an online education. With a wide range of online programs, tuition discounts, transfer credits for military training, and comprehensive support services, SNHU continues to empower military students to achieve their educational and career goals.
Conclusion
Military-friendly colleges play a crucial role in supporting the educational aspirations of military personnel, veterans, and their families. These colleges understand the unique challenges faced by military students and provide various benefits to help them succeed in their academic pursuits. From tuition assistance to credit recognition for military training and comprehensive support services, these institutions prioritize the needs of military members.
Institutions like Southern New Hampshire University, Liberty University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus are recognized for their commitment to serving military students. Their online programs and military-friendly initiatives have provided countless individuals in the military with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their academic goals while serving their country.
By choosing a military-friendly college, individuals in the military can access an education that not only supports their professional growth but also recognizes their unique experiences and sacrifices. The best accredited online colleges for military offer the necessary resources and guidance to help military members and their families navigate the path to higher education successfully.
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