Top 30 Military Friendly Online Schools in 2021

Military service members and their families have rendered outstanding services to our nation. Often they have offered the ultimate sacrifice. In gratitude and out of a sense of justice, opportunities have now been created for active service members, veterans, and their families to earn college degrees at a lower cost and with greater convenience online. This list selects 30 of the Top Military-Friendly Online Schools. Our selections consider cost and convenience as well as inclusiveness and support of both military personnel and their families. Each school on our list is widely recognized as seeking to provide the best possible online educational opportunities and support for military students and their families.

Methodology:

This ranking was researched and written according to the following components:

• Student’s satisfaction according to retention rates no lower than 50%,
• Reviews listed on accredited resources listing college and university statistics,
• Prestige and notability as online schools according to reputable academic and journalistic resources,
• Ease of transfer course credits,
• Financial Aid options through military discounts,
• Military focused environment by offering support systems for military, veterans and their families,
• 100% online availability, offering flexibility and convenience,
• Accreditation, course and program options, as well as, degree outcomes.

OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose not to list these military friendly schools in a particular order, as they all vary in their own unique strengths and advantages.

_________________________________________________

Drexel University

• Reduced Tuition on Drexel’s Online Programs
• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
• Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
• Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
• MYCAA

To find out more about these programs, visit this website. Also, see the website about transferring the GI Bill to a spouse or dependent.

_________________________________________________

Amridge University

As a 2020 Military Friendly School, Amridge University proudly supports our veterans by providing programs and tuition rates to help them complete their education.

• Undergraduate Rates
  • GoArmyEd/Military     $250 per semester hour (no course fee or online service fee)
  • Military Spouse           $250 per semester hour (no course fee or online service fee)
  • Veteran/Vet Spouse     $365 per credit hour ($40/hour course fee; $110 Course Service Fee)
• For the tuition for degree programs in the following schools see Military Tuition Rates:
  • Masters – School of Human Services and College of Business and Leadership
  • Masters – Turner School of Theology
  • Doctor of Ministry – School of Human Services
  • Doctor of Ministry – Turner School of Theology
  • Doctor of Philosophy – School of Human Services
  • Doctor of Philosophy – Turner School of Theology

Personal and Family Support:

Amridge University offers Military Tuition Rates to all active duty personnel. It also offers the same Military Tuition Rates to immediate family members including children and spouses of active duty personnel. But its status as among the best online schools for military goes beyond discounted tuition – it’s also beloved by its students for its broad range of student support services including technological support. 

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Yellow Ribbon Program and Scholarship
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Veteran Rates
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30)
  • Montgomery GI Bill – Selective Service (Chapter 1606)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

For information on Amridge University’s GoArmyEd and Air Force programs see here.

_________________________________________________

Norwich University Online

“Established in 1819 as the nation’s first private military college, Norwich University has a long history of innovation in military education.”

Norwich University Online was founded in 1819 in Norwich, Vermont by Captain Alden Partridge, military educator and former superintendent of West Point. It is America’s oldest, private military college and still functions as a private university. It is considered by the United States Department of Defense as the “Birthplace of ROTC” (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). Norwich University now offers fifteen online graduate programs, nine online bachelor’s degree programs, and six online degree completion programs. According to the website of Norwich University, “…every online program is structured to meet the unique needs and goals of military students as well as working adults from various professional backgrounds.”

Tuition Rates: 

For the full tuition and fee schedule see Norwich University’s website. Norwich University also offers assistance through the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Montgomery GI Bill.

Personal and Family Support:

Norwich University has almost 200 years of experience in educating and serving military students and their families. In fact, it’s considered as one of the best online colleges for military spouses since they can use the service member’s scholarship and financing options. As part of a continuation of this support, Norwich has begun bringing program managers as well as directors and admissions advisors to visit military bases and education centers across the nation. These professionals will talk personally with their students about how to balance nontraditional work schedules, family life, and other obligations while continuing to pursue goals in their academic programs.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

Norwich University Online offers many scholarships for its active and veteran military students. They include:

• Norwich University Military Scholarship
  • This Scholarship is available to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel who are eligible for the military scholarship for any online master’s degree offered through Norwich University.
• Veterans Scholarships
  • Air Force Association
  • American Foundation for the Blind
  • American Legion
  • American Legion Auxiliary
  • AMVETS
  • Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association
  • Army Aviation Association of America
  • Fleet Reserve Association
  • Horatio Alger Association
  • Military Officers Association of America
  • National Amputation Foundation
  • National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators
  • National Ranger Memorial Foundation
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • Sentinels of Freedom
  • Student Veterans of America
  • The Fund for Veterans’ Education

Norwich also has an outstanding credit-transfer program, on average accepting 70 credits for military students on the basis of prior experience and education.

_________________________________________________

Penn State World Campus

“Our commitment to service members, veterans, and their families has been honored by prominent publications and organizations such as U.S. News & World Report; Military Times; Military Friendly; and Military Advanced Education & Transition.”

Penn State World Campus or “Penn State Online” is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University. The online campus began in 1998, but Penn State has been working in distance education since 1892. The World Campus offers more than 120 online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in partnership with Penn State. New programs are continually being added to the current online curriculum. The location of the World Campus offices is on the University Park Campus. Penn State World Campus is highly regarded by many military organizations. If you’re looking for the best online colleges for active duty military in terms of world-class quality of instruction and wide range of degree programs, then Penn State is your best choice! It is ranked in the top ten by US News and World Report in the following categories:

• Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
• Best Online MBA Programs
• Best Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA)
• Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs
• Best Online Graduate Education Programs
• Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs

Penn State World Campus has recently (2017) been ranked as a top 10 school by the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges in Online Colleges.

Tuition Rates: 

The current tuition rate for an academic year at Penn State World Campus is around $7,549. For members of the military and veterans, however, the cost of undergraduate tuition can be reduced to $353.00 per credit through the Military Grant-in-Aid Program. In combination with military tuition assistance, the per credit cost can be shrunk to only $103.00 per credit. For a full list of Military Discounts, see below. Also, according to their website, Penn State World Campus is currently waiving the application fee for associate and bachelor’s degree programs for service members, veterans, their spouses, and dependents.

Personal and Family Support: 

The Military Support Team at Penn State World Campus has full-time staff members who are available to assist their military students in accomplishing their goals. The Military Resources Page on their website also offers specific support to various branches of the military and also veterans, including the Air Force, National Guard, Veterans and Military Spouses. For a full list, visit the website here. Also included in the Military Discounts below is the Dependents Educational Assistance which provides assistance for the dependents of disabled servicemen and veterans.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Program Participant in the Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Program Participant in the Yellow Ribbon program
• Undergraduate Military Grant-in-Aid program
• Military Tuition Assistance (TA)
• VA Education Benefits
• Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33
• Montgomery GI Bill – Chapters 30 and 1606
• Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program
• Dependents Educational Assistance
• Tuition Assistance Top-Up

_________________________________________________

Liberty University

“Our Mission is Your Success”

Liberty University is a private, non-profit Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell. Liberty University’s online program has over 100,000 students and is the largest Christian university in the world. It has recently been listed as number 2 in the Best for Vets Online Schools for 2020 by Military Times.

Tuition Rates: 

The General Online Tuition Rates for 2020-21 are $455 part-time per hour rate and $390 full-time per hour rate for the Undergraduate program. For the Master of Arts program the Part-time per hour rate is $615 and the Full-time per hour rate is $565. Liberty University offers many Military discounts. For a full list, see below.

Personal and Family Support: 

On this list, Liberty University stands out in providing a strong support system for military servicemen and women and their families.  These systems are designed to ensure student success and allow students to enjoy work-life balance that, in turn, contributes to Liberty University’s reputation as among the top online colleges for military personnel and their dependents.

• Military Deployment
  • This service assists servicemen and women in the transition of being deployed
• Military Events
  • Each semester the office of Military affairs organizes events exclusively for the military population at Liberty. These events are run in order to establish a strong community and support system and are open to servicemen and women as well as their spouses and children.
• Military Family Resources
  • This page lists resources for the entire family of Liberty’s online students who are in the military. It includes information and support for Deployment, Health and Wellness, Financial, Loan Repayment, and Permanent Change of Station.
• Military Student Resources
  • Liberty offers resources to its students in the areas of Academic Support and Deployment, Career Resources, Education Benefits Support, Financial Resources, and Housing Resources.
• Military Outreach and Community
  • Liberty University states on this webpage that they are committed to providing the necessary tools for each student to “achieve their life’s goals – mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. Whether you are studying online or taking courses on campus, we are here to meet your needs….get involved as a Liberty University military student, and even find ways to give back to the community.” This site includes links to Events, Student Groups and Outreach Opportunities available to all families of military students.
• VetSuccess on Campus
  • In 2013, Liberty became one of many schools that collaborated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to participate in the VetSuccess on Campus program. This program assists Veterans to transition to student life and achieve their goals.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

The following military discounts are available at Liberty University’s online programs:

• Military Tuition Discount
• Heroes Fund Scholarship
• LUO Military Benefits Guide
• Military Scholarships and Benefits
• Tuition Assistance
• Veterans Benefits
• Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

_________________________________________________

Ball State University

Division of Online and Distance Education

We are privileged to work with more than 400 veterans and family members who have selected Ball State as their university of choice.

Ball State University, Division of Online and Distance Education offers more than 70 degrees and programs that can be taken all or mostly all online. Ball State is a state-supported university with around 20,000 students of which nearly 5,000 are online students. BSU Online has been ranked number 8 in Online Military Friendly Schools by GI Jobs Magazine. Ball State is currently ranked number 29 by US News and World Report for Online Bachelor’s Degrees and number 10 for Best Online Education Programs for Veterans. The University’s online classes are taught by the same faculty as their main campus programs, yet another reason for its status as one of the best military friendly online colleges; it’s a testament to the university’s commitment to ensure parity in the quality of education for on-campus and online students.

Tuition Rates: Check here for the current online tuition for Ball State University. Ball State University, Division of Online and Distance Education offers many Military Discounts for its military students and veterans.

Personal and Family Support: 

• Ball State University participates in the Indiana Child of a Disabled Veteran program. This program allows the children of eligible disabled Indiana veterans to apply for a Tuition and Fee Exemption at any state-supported post-secondary school or university in Indiana.
• The Dependents Education Assistance Program (Chapter 35) is available at BSU for eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of service to our country.
• Under the Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program, veterans who are students at Ball State University Online may receive services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon GI Bill (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) and (Chapter 1606)
• Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Federal Tuition Assistance/National Guard Supplemental Grant

_________________________________________________

The American College of Financial Services

To empower deserving veterans with career opportunities, thereby infusing the financial services profession with a talent pool of determined, mission-minded individuals who will be vital to the economic integrity and sustainability of the profession

The American College of Financial Services (also known as The American College) is a not-for-profit private college in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The majority of its students study online and the college educates around 40,000 students every year. The American College offers several professional certifications, two types of master’s degrees, and a PhD degree. Specializing in providing the best financial service degrees designed by leading financial experts, it’s the best online universities for military personnel looking for fast career advancement in the financial sector. And it has been in the field of business since 1927 so it knows what it’s doing, not to mention that it’s a trendsetter in the financial education industry. The American College has been in the field of business since 1927. It is now the largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. In 2017 The American College was named a Military Friendly Top Ten Online School. The American College offers unique programs and availability for servicemen and women throughout the world. One of these programs, established in 2012 as the American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs, offers special scholarships and support to Veterans (More information below). The American College was named a Military Friendly School for several years in a row.

Tuition Rates: 

Check here for The American College of Financial Services annual tuition and pricing. For all military discounts, see below.

Personal and Family Support: 

• The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs
  • Through the American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs, The American College of Financial Services has developed a top support system for servicemen and women and their families. This program was created in 2012 through a $2.5 million gift from Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. The Center’s mission is “to provide educational support and career opportunities to eligible men, women, and their spouses who have honorably served in the Armed Forces.” The Center provides scholarships to active duty military, Veterans, and also the spouses of qualifying members. The specific scholarships available through this program are listed below.
• Veterans Placement Initiative
  • The Veterans Placement Initiative “furthers the Center’s mission by connecting talented veteran scholars to a broad network of partners, representing some of the best organizations in the financial services industry.”
• Support the Heroes
  • The Support the Heroes program continuously supports military families by promoting their cause with local business and thereby procuring further scholarships and financial support. It also hosts an annual Clambake which is the prime networking and fundraising event of the organization. Additionally, the Support the Heroes program awards a Soldier-Citizen Award which “recognizes individuals in the financial services industry who have made significant contributions to the United States military, their community, or our society.”

_________________________________________________

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa offers a wide variety of educational opportunities tailored to fit the dynamic lifestyle of today’s military personnel.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private, nonprofit university located in Fayette, Iowa. Founded in 1854, Upper Iowa University has a rich military history that has established it as a military-friendly school for over 150 years.  In 1861 student soldiers from UIU participated in the Civil War, fighting in 17 major battles. In WWI, male students joined the army while female students organized Red Cross classes on campus. The gym was used as a barracks and the fields were used for military training. 1947-1950 showed an increase in WWII soldiers studying under the GI Bill and post-Vietnam also saw record enrollments at UIU. In 1972, UIU started its independent studies and online programs which have expanded to currently serve over 3,000 students. It offers both online and self-paced degree programs on all levels. Upper Iowa University earned Gold status as a Military Friendly Top 10 School for 2019-20 by GI Jobs Magazine and is also ranked as one of the Best for Vets Online Colleges for 2019.

Tuition Rates per credit hour: 

• Self-Paced Degree Program – $250
• Online Undergraduate, Online Education, Online Nursing – $250
• Online MBA – $300
• Online M.Ed. – $300
• Online MSA – $300

• These affordable rates are among the reasons why Upper Iowa University is on our list of the best online colleges for military spouses as well as for active-duty and veteran servicemen. With scholarships and grants, these rates become even more affordable and, thus, attractive to military families. 

Personal and Family Support: 

• Upper Iowa University has a unique Deployment/Readmission Policy which allows students who are called into active military duty or deployed as a result of military orders to have their academic standing and financial circumstances addressed accordingly. According to each case, servicemen and women will have the option to follow certain courses of action which will allow them to be readmitted in good standing when they are ready to resume their education. This policy is also available to spouses.
• Upper Iowa has Military Learning Centers on U.S. military bases that offer classroom settings without leaving the installation. These centers are located at Fort Leavenworth (KS), Fort Riley (KS), Fort Polk (LA), New Orleans (Jackson Barracks) (LA), Fort Sill (OK), Fort Hood (TX).
• Upper Iowa University participates in the Principles of Excellence program through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
• UIU offers many other additional resources for military personnel including the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges and Tuition Assistance “Top-Up.”
• Upper Iowa University participates in the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Yellow Ribbon Program
• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program Service (Chapter 31)
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

_________________________________________________

Central Texas College

With 50 years experience working with military personnel, we understand their unique needs and challenges.

Central Texas College (CTC) was founded by the citizens of Central Texas in 1965 to serve the western part of Bell County, Texas. The campus was donated by Fort Hood. CTC opened in 1967. Because of its close proximity to Fort Hood, Central Texas College has grown from a small junior college into a community college that caters to the military. Classes and programs on Fort Hood were established by CTC in 1970 and by 1974 had expanded to Europe in 1974. Because of its successful relationship with the military, Central Texas College opened branch campuses at places such as Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, South Korea, and even on-ship with the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets of the US Navy. By the early 1980s, CTC offered classes to military personnel in the Pacific command, Alaska, and Panama. Classes are still held at many military bases around the world. Central Texas College is an open admissions community college that offers associate degrees and certificates of completion. The school offers monthly distance learning start dates with over 30 degrees and a large selection of certificates that are 100% online. CTC has been granted Military Friendly status by GI Jobs Magazine and is ranked #2 in Best for Vets online schools by Military Times. CTC is also a member of the Council of College and Military Educators.

Tuition Rates: 

• Distance Learning – $235 credit hr.

Military Specific Programs of Study:

• Army Degree Maps
• Marine Corps College Program
• Navy Specific Programs of Study

Such a strong and varied support provided by the university to its online students and their families contribute to CTC’s robust reputation as among the best online universities for military personnel. Student success, after all, is also influenced by the support provided by the school beyond academics. 

Personal and Family Support: 

• CTC awards Evaluated Credit for military education and experience and other non-traditional learning.
• Military Spouse Students are awarded low in-state tuition rates if their spouse serves in Texas or on the locations of military installations around the world.
• Central Texas College participates in MyCAA which provides support to military spouses.
• CTC participates in Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC)
• The VetSuccess on Campus program “is a collaborative effort between Central Texas College and the Department of Veterans Affairs with the purpose of providing a supportive, on-campus environment where student Veterans may gather to obtain assistance and peer support.
• The College Credit for Heroes program is also available for military students.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• CTC Tuition Discount (See Above)
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Yellow Ribbon Program

The VetSuccess on Campus Counselor will assist all military students to find the best military discounts and programs at Central Texas College.

_________________________________________________

Bellevue University

Founded by military, for military, we have been helping service members for nearly 50 years.

Located close to the Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, Nebraska, Bellevue University began as Bellevue College in 1966. Its purpose was to provide education for working adults in the area. By 1974 it had become the fourth largest private college in Nebraska. According to its website, the mission of Bellevue University is to “teach the value of a free market, capitalist economic system and the importance of preserving our American heritage of a democratic and free way of life.” It has been recognized as a 2020-21 Military Friendly Gold Status school and a 2020 Best for Vets online college.

Tuition Rates: 

• Current online tuition rates are $425 per credit hour.
• Active Duty Military personnel $250 per credit in over 25 bachelor’s degrees.
• Preferred Military Majors pay $250 per credit hour.

Personal and Family Support:

• Bellevue University has a Military-Veteran Services Center which is housed in a beautiful 6,000 square-foot building which is used exclusively for Bellevue’s Military Veteran students and the Veteran community and is dedicated to both services and support. The Center is “like a private USO canteen – a space to call their own – fully staffed by veterans with experience both in the field and in the classroom.” At this center are the following:
  • Welcoming lounge, fully equipped conference rooms or private study rooms
  • Representatives from the VetSuccess on Campus program; SALUTE Honor Society; and career and academic support
  • housing assistance
• Bellevue provides credit for military training/experience, a common service in the best online schools for veterans since the more credits recognized, the less credits to be earned and the shorter the degree duration. Putting your degree to work, so to speak, becomes an easier task, too.  
• Bellevue University participates in the Survivors and Dependents Assistance program.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• REAP – Reserve Educational Assistance (Chapter 1607)
• DEA – Survivors & Dependents Assistance (Chapter 35)
• VEAP – Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)
• MGIB-SR – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• MGIB – Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• The Post-911 GI-Bill (Chapter 33)
• VR&E – Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service (Chapter 31)
• Military Tuition Assistance

_________________________________________________

Park University

A university that values your service to our country, we create custom academic programs to reward the skills and experience gained during your service.

Park University had a unique beginning. Founded in 1875 in Parkville, MO, the original college was made up of students who received free tuition and board in exchange for working up to half a day in the college’s farm, electrical shop, or printing plant. There were 17 students who worked and learned the first year. This experiment was given 5 years to succeed or the college campus would revert to a park. Succeed it did, which led the student body to another of its surprising feats. From 1883-1893, students of the University built a limestone building using limestone which was mined right on campus. This building, Mackay Hall, is one of the landmarks of the campus and of the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Park University serves 17,000 students annually at 40 campus centers in 21 states, including 35 campuses on military installations, and online worldwide. The relationship between Park University and the military began in 1889 but was greatly expanded in the late 1960s with the establishment of a Military Degree Completion Program. In 1972 this expansion continued in the Military Resident Center System. Park University has been included in the list of Best for Vets Online Schools. Park has also been highly ranked as a private institution with more than 10,000 enrolled students by GI Jobs Magazine – and it’s among the best online schools for military members with the highest enrollment. (High enrollment is a metric of quality of education since it signifies continuing satisfaction among students)

Tuition Rates:

• Undergraduate – $427/credit hour
• Military – $250/credit hour
• Veterans – $374/credit hour
• Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Completion Program
  • BSN Completion Courses – $427/credit hour
• Online BSN in Nursing Degree Completion Program – Military
  • Elective Courses – $250/credit hour
  • BSN Completion Courses – $346/credit hour
• Graduate Tuition – $597/credit hour
• Graduate Tuition/Military – $433/credit hour
• Veterans – $530/credit hour

Personal and Family Support: 

Park’s Warrior Center is a place for people to get to know and rely on each other for help and support. When people join the military or become a veteran, they are part of a big family, and families take care of each other. – Ret. Maj. Wade Abel, Asst. Director of Military & Veteran Student Services

• Park Global Warrior Center
  • “helps inform students about their educational benefits, works with students being deployed or returning from a tour of duty, and provides references or assistance in anything else the veteran requires.”
  • “helps veterans on such topics as: education, employment, finances, access to healthcare and counseling services, assists with employment opportunities, post-traumatic stress disorder and transition assistance.”
  • “features laptops, a reference library, a relaxation station and other amenities to best serve the needs of service members, veterans, wounded warriors, family members, caregivers, dependents and spouses.”

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Tuition Assistance (TA)
• GI Bill
• Gainful Employment Program
• Park Military Family Scholarship
• James J. Lennon Memorial Scholarship
• Sergeant Major Stan Hillery (Ret.) Memorial Scholarhip
• Air Force Aid Society’s General Henry Hap Arnold Education Grant Program
• Officers’ Spouses’ Club Scholarships
• Enlisted Spouses’ Club Scholarships

Learn more about these scholarships offered through Park University.

_________________________________________________

Grantham University

You’ve worked hard for your country. Now it’s time to earn your college degree. More than $9 million in scholarships and grants awarded in 2013 from a university deeply rooted in serving the military.

Grantham University a nationally accredited online colleges for military personnel (Distance Education and Training Council), was established in 1951 by World War II Veteran Don Grantham. Grantham saw how the GI Bill and its education benefits would assist and change the lives of returning servicemen (and now also women and their families). By 1955, Grantham University had opened its doors in Washington, DC and Hollywood, California. In the years to follow, additional campuses were opened in Seattle, Washington and Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the oldest distance learning schools in the country and is now 100% online in its service to students throughout the country. Grantham is organized into four different schools: The Mark Skousen School of Business, The College of Arts and Sciences, The College of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Grantham offers over 40 accredited online degrees and certificate programs. Grantham was a 2018 Military Times Best College, in 2019-20 a Military Friendly Spouse School, and 2020-21 Military Friendly Top 10 School, as well as, a Purple Heart University.

Tuition Rates: 

• Military Rate – $250/credit hour
• Veteran Rate – $250/credit hour
• Undergraduate Rate – $265/credit hour
• Graduate Rate – $325/credit hour
• Waved textbook, software, and technology fees

Personal and Family Support: The Veteran Support Team (VST) is a group of staff and veterans from Grantham University which are dedicated to providing support for veteran students and their families. These are some of the services which VST offers:

• Comprehensive Career Planning
• Resource Assistance with both educational and non-educational veteran benefits
• Programmatic Assistance for the classroom
• ADA accommodations
• Mentorship
• Support for the local chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA
• Assistance with financial management

Along with this support, VST also gives other personal support to veterans and their families by giving them a place to locate resources, speak with other veterans and engage with the University Personnel in a way that is beneficial to both the University and servicemen and women. Grantham University also participates in MyCAA to provide tuition assistance to military spouses.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Military Award Program (MAP)
  • National aid program that provides $1,000 scholarships
• Veterans Scholarship
• Services Opportunity College (SOC) member
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Academic Support (DANTES)
• Tuition Assistance (Top Up)
• Montgomery GI Bill

Learn more about tuition assistance at Grantham.

_________________________________________________

University of Maryland University College

“University of Maryland University College has steadfastly served the U.S. armed forces since 1947. No one can match our experience and dedication in serving you.”

University of Maryland University College is a public University that was founded in 1947 as a branch of the University of Maryland’s College of Education with locations around the state of Maryland. UMUC has a strong military history being the first university to send faculty overseas to educate active-duty military personnel in Europe. Today, it serves over 90,000 students worldwide and is one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world. It also has satellite campuses across the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, throughout Maryland, as well as in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. UMUC serves in over 140 worldwide locations including military bases in more than 20 countries and territories. University of Maryland University College is ranked #3 Best for Vets Online Schools by Military Times and has been included in the top ten on the Military Times list for several years in a row. UMUC is the most military friendly online colleges and it has several accolades to show for it including Top Veteran-Friendly Schools by U.S. Veterans Magazine in 2016.

Tuition Rates:

• Undergraduate Tuition Rates
  • Maryland Resident – $300 per credit
  • Out-of-state Resident – $499 per credit
  • Military and eligible spouses and dependents – $250 per credit
• Graduate Programs
  • Standard programs, out-of-state resident – $659 per credit
  • Standard programs, military and eligible spouses and dependents – $480 per credit
  • Specialty programs – $694 per credit
• Doctoral programs – $1087 per credit

Personal and Family Support:

• VetSuccess on Campus – all services are available to service members, military spouses and their dependents
• Spouses and children receiving benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are eligible for a housing allowance if the student transferring is a veteran.
• Got Your 6
  •  “UMUC has signed the Got Your 6 pledge. Got Your 6 bridges the civilian-military divide by creating new conversation in America so veterans and military families are recognized as leaders and civic assets.”
• Veterans Resource Center
  • “University of Maryland University College’s Veterans Resource Center offers individuals like you-service members, veterans, and families–a comprehensive inventory of timely information essential to making informed decisions while you transition to civilian life.”

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Tuition Assistance
  • Covers up to 100% of tuition
• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
• Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program
• Yellow Ribbon Program

Learn more about Military Discounts at the University of Maryland University College.

_________________________________________________

Western Kentucky University

The Spirit Makes the Master

Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, its enrollment is now over 20,000 students and six academic schools. Western Kentucky University has been ranked numerous years as a Best for Vets 4-year College by Military Times and in 2014 was ranked #7. WKU has also been awarded Military Friendly Status by Victory Media every year since 2009. In 2020-21, WKU received Bronze Status Military Friendly Schools and was also included in the list of Best for Vets Colleges. U.S. News and World Report named WKU one of the Best Colleges for Veterans of Regional Universities in the South. MONEY recognized WKU as one of the 25 Great Colleges for Veterans.

Personal and Family Support:

Current students and alumni praise WKU as the among the best schools for military servicemen and their families because of the strong support services and facilities available for online students. While it’s also known for its robust and rigorous academics, WKU’s commitment to student success attracts students from across the country.   

• Course Credit for Experience Training
• Operation Career Readiness
  • Resources to assist the transition to civilian employment
• Veteran Resource Center
  • A dedicated space for military, veterans and dependents
• Student Veterans Alliance
  • A Veteran run student organization that was established in order to provide military Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard and their dependents with the resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education.
• Military Student Services Center Glasgow
• Therapy Dogs
• Textbooks for Troops
• Veterans Upward Bound

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Special Military Tuition Rate
  • Western Kentucky University offers a military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and graduate courses
• GoGrad
  • WKU participates in many government grant programs for students. GoGrad assists students to find the scholarships that apply to them.

_________________________________________________

California University of Pennsylvania

For more than 160 years Cal U has been known for its educational excellence and having a strong commitment to our mission of pursuing student achievement and success, institutional excellence, and community service.

Located in California, Pennsylvania, California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is a public university that was founded in 1852. The online university at Cal U offers 75 degree and non-degree programs and serves over 10,000 people. Cal U is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Cal U has won many awards as a military-friendly online school. Cal U has been awarded Military-Friendly Status by GI Jobs for over 10 years and is 2019-20 Military Times Military Friendly School. It was listed by Military Times EDGE as Best for Vets from 2010 – 2014. It was also listed by Victory Media on STEM Jobs Approved Colleges for 2015 and 2016.

Military Tuition Rates: 

• Undergraduate – $250 per credit hour
• Graduate – $399 per credit hour

These affordable rates contribute to Cal U’s status as an excellent military school online students find to their liking, finance-wise. With the scholarships and grants offered, online students can easily enjoy nearly-free cost of attendance. 

Personal and Family Support:

• Military and Veterans Affairs
  • The California University of Pennsylvania Office of Military & Veterans Affairs (CALU OMVA) is set up to assist all veterans, eligible dependents, and service members of the National Guard and Reserve and active duty service members at Cal U.
• Cal U Veterans Club
  • The Vet Center at Cal U gives assistance by finding support for military service members, their spouses, and dependents in many areas. These support areas include Marital/Family Consultations; Benefits Assistance and Referral; Employment Counseling and Guidance and many others.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Discounts:

• Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill
• Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 35 – Survivors & Dependents Education Assistance
• Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
• Chapter 1607- Reserve Education Assistance Program

_________________________________________________

University of Management and Technology

UMT is committed to providing the highest quality online educational programs and to offering a wide range of military benefits to enable the men and women who serve our country to earn their degrees efficiently and affordably.

The University of Management and Technology (UMT) was founded in 1998 and provides a top-quality online college-level education at a very affordable price. UMT offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs with the “primary goal… to provide high-quality education programs… and to promote academic excellence in higher learning.” UMT is widely recognized as a top school for military service members, veterans, and their families. UMT was designated a “2016 Military Friendly School” by Victory Media, the publisher of G.I. Jobs, and Military Spouse magazines. UMT was also named a 2015-16 “Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities” by Military Advanced Education magazine.

UMT is among the best military friendly accredited online universities where the prestige and number of accreditations are concerned. Its accreditations include National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC), National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC), National Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (NACTE), to name a few.

Tuition Rates:

With scholarship awards tuition assistance the cost per credit-hour for undergraduate military students is lowered from $390 to $250, and most fees are waived. For qualified military personnel and veterans a degree can be earned often without any out-of-pocket expense after all scholarships and military benefits are applied.

Personal and Family Support:

UMT understands that military life and the sacrifice it requires affect not only military service members but their spouses and families as well. In recognition of their service and in the attempt to help military families achieve the highest success UMT offers military scholarships to the spouses of active duty service members, and UMT offers need-based military scholarships for military personnel and their dependents and veterans.

Military, Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• Tuition Assistance
• GI Bill
• The UMT Military Scholarship Program is a needs-based scholarship offered to eligible:
  • Active Duty US Military personnel, and in some cases, their dependents
  • National Guard
  • Reserves
  • Honorably discharged veterans.

_________________________________________________

Regent University

Regent University’s Military Resource Center is dedicated to empowering the military community by providing support and resources to assist in the transition to student life, and to promote academic, professional and spiritual growth.

Regent University in Virginia offers a broad range of online degrees for military personnel. Founded in 1978, Regent consists of seven graduate schools and one undergraduate school. In confirmation of Regent’s online academic excellence, it was recognized as “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia” by U.S. News & World Report, 2017. Regent also ranked #1 among the “Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia.” Regent University has excellent relations with active military servicemen and women and our veterans. Regent is ranked #39 in U.S. News and World Report 2021 list of “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans.” Regent received top marks from the same publication in military-friendly online Master’s in Business and Master’s in Education degrees. Regent was recognized by Military Advanced Education magazine’s 2015 list of top military schools. Military Times named Regent University as a top 10 “Best for Vets” online school. Military Friendly named Regent a top 10 Military Friendly school and gave Regent a rank of #4 for online schools.

Tuition Rates: 

At Regent, Tuition Assistance (TA) is offered to service members. TA typically covers 100 percent of tuition, up to the $250 cap per credit hour. Undergraduate military tuition is discounted to $250 per credit hour, and our graduate programs are discounted for military personnel.

Personal and Family Support:

Regent University employs a staff of guidance counselors and academic advisors for their military students and their families. For more information see here. Many of its specially trained military resource center staff are themselves veterans, giving Regent’s military support staff direct knowledge of the needs of military students and their families.

“As a military-friendly school, Regent University recognizes that military spouses are the ‘heroes at home’ who love and support our service men and women defending our precious freedom. We are proud and honored to support the education of our military spouses as a Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) school. All of Regent’s eight schools offer a military spouse discount, up to 15 percent.”

To the end of assisting military families, Regent University offers several scholarships and benefits to the spouses of service members and veterans as well as their dependents:

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• NOAA and USPHS Officers
• POST-9/11 GI BILL®, Chapter 33
• Montgomery and Selected Reserves GI BILL®, Chapters 30 and 1606
• Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1606
• Vocational Rehabilitation, Chapter 31
• Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA), Chapter 35

_________________________________________________

Western Governors University

WGU is a great university for the active-duty service member who wants to earn a degree and benefit from the flexibility of online learning. Our competency-based online degree programs allow you to benefit from your existing knowledge. Our mentors and staff provide continuous support to help you make progress at your own pace. And our policies are ‘military friendly.’

Western Governors University (WGU) is a 100% online college that combines excellence in academics with accessibility and affordability. WGU is unique. It is non-profit, charges a flat rate tuition on a per-term basis, and course and degree completion are competency-based, encouraging students to apply their life experiences to their course work. This model of online education provides military service members and veterans an excellent opportunity to use their training and military experience in the classroom, an attribute that makes it a perennial presence in the list of the best colleges for active duty military. WGU has been recognized one of the “Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities” for 10 consecutive years. WGU has also been ranked a Top Ten Military Friendly School for 2020-21, and in 2019-20 it was recognized as a Military Friendly Spouse School.

Tuition Rates:

• B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure): $5,280 per term
• Nursing Programs (MSN and BSN): $3,990 per term
• Business Master’s Programs: $4,180 per term
• Business Bachelor’s Programs: $3,225 per term
• Graduate Information Technology Degrees: $3,225-$3,540 per term
• All Graduate Teachers College Programs: $3,240 per term

Personal and Family Support:

A personal mentor works closely with every student in order to:

• Provide information on programs, policies, and procedures.
• Assess students’ strengths and development areas to help them develop a plan of study.
• Provide feedback on assessments and recommend learning resources.
• Help students to sustain motivation and maintain on-time progress to their degree.
• Recommend appropriate student services.
• Determine requirements waived by courses they transferred into your program.
• Discuss courses one has already passed, and courses that still need to be completed.
• Establish details of the student’s term (the amount of time he or she has to complete a required number of assessments).
• Assess type, status, and associated learning resources.
• Assist with required completion dates (deadlines students set within proper guidelines for completing assessments).

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• Military tuition assistance
• Employer tuition payments paid to the university
• Montgomery GI Bill
• WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship: WGU has partnered with the National Military Family Association to offer
  • active duty,
  • veteran military personnel, and their
  • spouses an opportunity to advance their education
• WGU Salute To Veterans Scholarship: In honor of Veterans Day 2016,
  • for retired military personnel,
  • veterans,
  • reservists, and
  • military spouses and children

_________________________________________________

West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University online undergraduate program is at the top of online distance education for military students. This year (2020) U.S. News & World Report ranked WT A&M #12 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for veterans, #14 in Online Business Programs for veterans, and #32 for Online MBA programs for veterans. In past years the university was recognized by G.I. Jobs as a top “military friendly” school. With its strong support and counseling system for military service members, veterans and their spouses and dependents, West Texas A&M University is an excellent option for military students.

Tuition Rates:

As a university in the Texas educational system, tuition rates are set by the Texas Legislature. The rate for Texas residents is $50 per semester credit hour. The Border State rate is $80 per semester credit hour. This makes West Texas A&M tuition affordable at the outset. Military tuition rates are not provided, but with Federal benefit and tuition assistance as well as military scholarships and grants, West Texas A&M University is one of the most affordable online education options for military students.

Personal and Family Support:

West Texas A&M University has developed a strong personal and family support system. The university also offers transition and family support, support for student veterans, veterans’ health, and crisis and prevention hotlines.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• Tuition assistance
• GI Bill
  • Chapter 30-MGIB,
  • Chapter 33-Post 9/11,
  • Chapter 35-DEA, 1606 MGIB-SR, and
  • Chapter 31 VR & E

West Texas A&M University, as a part of the Texas A&M University system, in addition to Federal Tuition Assistance and Benefits, offers a number of military scholarships:

• Ann and S. Ray Huffiness ’74 Military Appreciation Scholarship
• Bush School Scholarships
• For Those Who Serve Scholarship
• Heroes of the War on Terrorism Scholarship
• Jorge A. Bermudez ’73 Endowed Scholarship
• Maureen and Temple R. Kennedy ’46 Endowed Scholarship

External Scholarships: Dependents Only

• Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
• Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
• Fisher House Scholarships for Military Children Program
• Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarships
• Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
• M.G. James Ursano Scholarship Program
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
• ThanksUSA Scholarship Program
• Marines’ Memorial Association Scholarship Program

Dependents and Spouses

• Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation
• Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship
• Tailhook Educational Foundation (TEF)
• Tillman Military Scholarship
• Veterans United Foundation
• AT&T Fallen Heroes’ Scholarship

_________________________________________________

Temple University

“At Temple, we’re committed to helping veterans make a smooth transition from military to college life.”

Temple University’s Fox School of Business is a top online education option for military service members and veterans. Temple University has been widely recognized for its service to military students. G.I. Jobs included Temple in its list of Military Friendly Schools for 2017 and ranked Temple #5 in its list of top 10 tier 1 research institutions. Military Advanced Education and Transition awarded Temple University the designation of a “Top Military-Friendly University” in its 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities. And U.S. News & World Report in 2020 ranked the university #68 among all colleges for military veterans.

Tuition Rates:

The Fox online MBA program comprises 48 credit hours and has several different tracks with different rates of tuition. Tuition per credit hour for the GMBA program is $1,188 for resident students and $1,245 for non-residents. Tuition for the PMBA program is $1,188 for both residents and non-residents. Tuition for the Executive Master of Business (EMBA) is $1,999 for both resident and non-resident students. These are among the most affordable tuition we’ve seen so far and, thus, among the reasons for its inclusion in the list of the top military spouse friendly colleges; affordable tuition means less financial stress on military families. Military discounts are not listed. However, Temple offers access to several Tuition Assistance and Military Benefit programs.

Personal and Family Support:

Temple University and the Fox School of Business provide a strong support network for military and veteran students and their families. In 2010 the Temple Veterans Association was established in order to provide guidance and assistance for veterans with continuing education, veteran benefits, career advancement as well as assist the university in recruiting of veterans, and to provide a support group for Temple veterans. Temple University also has a Veterans Task Force, also established in 2010, “to address the need to centralize our student services to better help military and veteran students and their spouses and dependents transition to college life at the university.” The task force “meets monthly to develop programs, create academics support systems, review and refine our workflow process and examine legislative laws and policies that are mandated for institutions of higher education to implement. Temple Veterans Task Force has been the impetus in assisting the Military and Veteran Services Center in helping Temple University to be recognized as one of the nation’s top military-friendly schools.”

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• Yellow Ribbon Program
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Transfer credits for military service

_________________________________________________

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide & Online

Embry-Riddle Worldwide has a long-standing commitment to our service men and women, both active-duty and veteran, and takes pride in being able to offer them degrees that are of the highest academic quality and that are sought after by employers in the aviation and aerospace industry – Dr. John R. Watret, Chancellor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 1971 became one of the first institutions of higher education to offer distance-based learning. Today ERAU, a private not-for-profit university, continues to maintain high standards of academic excellence, advancing online education in aerospace engineering, science, and technology. Its status as among the top military friendly colleges started when ERAU has had a close working relationship with military service members and veterans since the early 1970s. And with a student body that is 75% military, ERAU is strongly focused on helping military personnel, veterans and their families achieve educational success. U.S. World News & Report named ERAU in 2020 a “Best School for Veterans.” ERAU was recognized as a 2017 “Gold Military Friendly” School, and G.I. Jobs features ERAU as a top educational choice for service members and veterans. Because of ERAU’s relationship with the various branches of the armed forces instruction is offered both online and in-person on more than 90 U.S. military locations.

Tuition Rates:

ERAU offers military tuition discounts for both undergraduate and graduate (Masters level) instruction.

• Undergraduate tuition for military service members is $250 per credit hour, significantly lower than $390 per credit for non-military students.
• Master’s level instruction is $599 per credit hour as compared with $714 for non-military graduate students.

These rates apply to all service members on active duty or in the reserves while pursuing an undergraduate studies. These rates also apply to military spouses and dependent 26 years old and younger.

Personal and Family Support:

ERAU understands that veterans and their families have made great sacrifices and that military life brings with it many extra curricular responsibilities and unpredictable schedules. To facilitate the education of military personnel and their families, ERAU offers flexible course schedules as well as discounted tuition rates, not only to military personnel, but also to their spouses and families. ERAU’s staff of counselors and advisors, because of the university’s long-standing relationship with the armed forces, have an excellent knowledge of the needs of military students and their families and are able to provide the best guidance possible.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• DOD Voluntary Education Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
• The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) School
• The Post 9/11 GI Bill, which pays up to 100 percent tuition for qualifying students
• Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

_________________________________________________

The University of Oklahoma

“Oklahoma University is proud to provide members of the military community the opportunity to continue their education through distance learning.”

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma (UO) is a public university located in Norman, Oklahoma. UO has over 20,000 on-campus undergraduate students. UO offers excellent online education opportunities for military service members and for veterans. U.S. News & World Report in 2020 named the University of Oklahoma one of the best online programs for Veterans. Its robust reputation as among the top military friendly colleges and universities partly comes from its wide range of military benefits programs, tuition reductions, and tuition assistance programs, making it a top choice for service members seeking to gain a university education online.

Tuition Rates:

Non-resident and resident undergraduate military students pay:

• $362.45 per credit hour after military waiver, down from $872.15.

Non-resident graduate students pay

• $452.55 per credit hour after waiver, down from $1,063.35.

The following qualify for military tuition rates:

• Active duty military spouses
• Retired military members and spouses
• Veterans and spouses
• Civilian employees and contractors on military installations

OU:CLS understands that families of military service members help pay the price for freedom and security and thus offer military tuition to them as well in appreciation for their sacrifice.

Personal and Family Support:

UO provides each military student with an academic advisor, who is a personal advocate for issues related to deployment, program requirements, course materials, university policies, and anything else that may impact their academic experience. Military veterans have access to support of a staff to help them navigate the policies and resources specific to military status. In its commitment to the success of military families, UO offers military tuition discounts not only to active service members and veterans, but also to retired military and their spouses.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

UO participates in the

• Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) programs to
  • eligible active duty,
  • reserve, and
  • National Guard personnel.

The following are some of the TA programs, grant and benefit programs offered to service members, veterans and their families:

• Air Force Tuition Assistance
• Army Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• Marine Tuition Assistance
• Navy Tuition Assistance
• The G.I. Bill

_________________________________________________

Post University

[Post University is] proud to offer unique educational opportunities for active duty, national guard and veterans, as well as their eligible family members.

Post University began in 1890 as a business school to train people in the skills needed to succeed in the burgeoning industries of Connecticut. In 1996, Post College became the first college in Connecticut to offer fully online accelerated and accredited degree programs. In 2006, the school offered its first online master’s degree program, and in 2007 Post University became the first in the state to offer a fully online Master of Business Administration degree program. Post is recognized as a top online educational option for veterans and military personnel. Post is recognized as a 2010-21 Military Friendly Top 10 Gold School. In 2019 Post University was ranked among the best online schools by Military Times’ “Best for Vets” survey.

Tuition Rates:

Post University’s undergraduate military tuition is:

• Undergraduate $250 per credit hour
• Graduate $399 per credit hour

(And it’s widely considered as one of the best online MBA military personnel will want to enroll in because of its excellent graduate outcomes. Graduates easily find better job opportunities and leadership positions)

Post offers significantly reduced tuition rates for their Accelerated Degree Programs. Qualifying active service members and veterans can receive:

Personal and Family Support:

Post offers scholarships to:

• Veteran and military family members.

Post also participates in:

• The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA).

Post University has a staff of specially trained Financial Aid Advisors to assist veterans and military service members in managing their:

• Tuition Assistance
• GI Bill
• and other military-related education benefits.

Post also has Full-time veteran counselors on staff, offering:

• Career Planning Service and
• Free tutoring for veteran students.

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

Post provides military and veteran students with many military-related grants and benefits. Post University:

• Is post-9/11 GI Bill Approved
• Offers the Yellow Ribbon Program benefits for those who qualify
• Offers scholarships for military/veterans
• Evaluates military experience for course credit
• Has Signed Veterans Administration Principles of Excellence
• Has Programs listed in the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

_________________________________________________

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

For 35 years the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been offering college-level education on a distance learning model. Today the distance education program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-P) is a top online college that cares for military service members, veterans, and their families and seeks to provide the best, most convenient and affordable educational experience for those who have given so much for the good of our country. In recognition for its outstanding service to military personnel and their families, UW-P was ranked number 7 as a Top 10 Gold Online School by Military Friendly®, and is featured G.I. Jobs and the Guide to Military Friendly Schools. UW-P has also been designated as a 2017 Top School in Military Advanced Education & Transition’s 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities.

Tuition Rates:

Online education tuition for online students is $344.50 per credit hour.

Personal and Family Support:

• UW-P maintains a full time staff of veteran counselors.
• Career Planning Service experts are on available.
• Free tutoring is offered to Veteran students
• Veteran associations are present at UW-P

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits: 

• The Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
• Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program/REAP (Chapter 1607)
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (Chapter 31)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
• DANTES Troops to Teachers

_________________________________________________

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 and formally established in 1890 by a community of Benedictine Monks as the first Catholic college in Florida. In 1998 Saint Leo opened its online learning center, and since 2002, Saint Leo University has expanded its online program to include over two dozen degree and certificate programs, ranging from the Bachelor’s level to the Doctorate. In under 20 years of online education, Saint Leo has been established as one of the top online educational institutions in the world.

Saint Leo University has a very strong relationship with military and veteran students. The university was designated by Military Friendly® as a Top 10 Military Friendly School and ranked number 3 in private institutions with more than 10,000 enrolled students. Saint Leo is showcased with other 2020-21 Military Friendly Schools as a Top 10 Gold School and a 2019-20 Spouse School. U.S. News & World Report recognized Saint Leo University one of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and one of the Best Colleges in the in South for Veterans. Saint Leo was named as one of the Best for Vets: Colleges in 2020.

“Saint Leo University has come to be known as one of America’s largest and most committed providers of higher education to the U.S. military. Thousands of active duty service members, veterans, and family members worldwide earn affordable, accessible university degrees through our traditional Florida campus, our extensive online programs offerings and our 17 education centers on military bases in seven states.”

Tuition Rates:

Saint Leo tuition for military students is $250 per credit for undergraduate studies and $740 per credit for graduate courses. In order to offer the best tuition rates coupled with the most convenient and accessible educational experience for veterans and service members, Saint Leo University partners with:

• Community College of the Air Force
• Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP)
• Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE)
• U.S. Coast Guard Degree Programs for Maritime Law Enforcement Personnel
• GoArmyEd
• eArmyU
• Air Force Academic Institution (AI) Portal
• Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program
• Marine Corps Lifelong Learning Program’s Academic Explorer (AeX)
• National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES)

Personal and Family Support:

Saint Leo explains its commitment to their military students and families with the following:

“It is so important to help those who have served our country transition into civilian life,’ said Pamela Martis, retired U.S. Army colonel and director of Saint Leo’s Office of Military Affairs and Services. ‘We can advocate for military students, military family members, and student-veterans throughout the university— at all of the centers and teaching locations, as well as our Center for Online Learning. The support from the staff and faculty to support the military and student-veteran is phenomenal.'”

Saint Leo offers the following financial aid opportunities to military spouses and dependents:

• Military Spouse Career Advancement Acts (MYCAA)
• Military Family Scholarship (must be enrolled in Graduate Business program)

Military Scholarships, Grants and Benefits:

• Non-Title IV financial aid
• Military tuition assistance
• Employer tuition payments paid to the university
• Private scholarships for tuition (paid to the university
• Tuition percentage discounts
• Montgomery GI Bill®, Reap, Selected Reserves 1606, DEA Chapter 35
• Post-9/11 GI Bill®
• Yellow Ribbon Program
• Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation
• Education-Related Programs
• Top-Up
• VA Work-Study Allowance Program
• Veterans Upward Bound
• ThanksUSA.org
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Credit for Prior Training/Training

_________________________________________________

United States Sports Academy

The United States Sports Academy, located in Daphne, Alabama, was founded in 1972 as an institute of higher learning “to serve the nation and the world as a sport education resource, upgrading sport through programs of instruction, research and service.” The Academy provides excellent online educational opportunities for military veterans and service members interested in pursuing studies in the sports sciences. The Academy has been rated as high as #2 by Top Ten Military Friendly Online Schools and has earned the designation as a “military friendly” school for close to a decade. In approved programs of study, Veterans of any branch of the armed forces can receive educational benefits. Dependents of some veterans may be eligible for educational assistance while attending the Academy. The Academy has been approved by the United States Department of Defense to offer courses to members of the Armed Forces.

Tuition Rates:

The United States Sports Academy offers a number of ways in which military service members and veterans can receive discounted tuition:

• AirForce: All active-duty Air Force personnel may be eligible to receive Air Force Tuition Assistance (AFTA). This program covers 100%of the cost of tuition and fees for classes taken during off-duty hours within the cap limits set by the Air Force
  • $250 per semester credit hour
  • Up to $4500 per fiscal year
• GoArmy: Army Tuition Assistance program (ATA) is open to nearly all active-duty soldiers including those in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. ATA will cover 100 percent of tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of
  • $250 per semester credit hour
  • Up to $4000 per fiscal year (16 semester hours).
• Tuition Assistance (TA) is available to all eligible Naval officers, enlisted active duty and Reservists on continuous active duty. Tuition Assistance will cover 100 percent of tuition and fees up to the
  • maximum amount of $250 per semester credit hour
  • Up to $4,000 per fiscal year (16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours).
• The United States Marine Corps offers Tuition Assistance (MTA) for all eligible active-duty Marines for off-duty educational purposes. The MTA will pay 100 percent of costs associated with tuition and fees up to
  • $250 per semester credit hour
  • Up to $4500 per fiscal year (16 semester hours).
• Coast Guard: Eligible active-duty members of the U.S. Coast Guard may receive Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (CGTA) for classes taken off-duty. CGTA may fund courses for eligible participants 75 percent of the amount paid for tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of
  • $187.50 per semester credit hour and reflects the 75% reduction.
  • This amounts to $3375 per fiscal year and reflects the 75% reduction of $4500 and 6 semester hours per fiscal quarter

Personal and Family Support:

The Academy seeks to assist military veterans and active members of the Armed Forces on account of their great service to the country. They offer several Additional Tuition Assistance Programs for Military Personnel, Veterans and Families:

• Tuition Assistance
• “Top-Up” program
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service

Military Scholarships, Discounts and Grants:

• The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) includes the Academy’s distance learning degree program in its DANTES External Degree Catalog.
• The Academy is a member of the Service members Opportunity Colleges.
• The Academy is a participant in the Concurrent Admissions Program.
• The Academy is also an approved educational institution for the Veteran’s Administration.
• The Academy is a participant in the Post 9/11 GI Bill “Yellow Ribbon Program.”

_________________________________________________

Oregon State University

Our mission is to provide support to military service members, veterans, and their families studying at Oregon State University campuses, Ecampus and Degree Partnership locations.

Oregon State University was founded in 1868 as a Land Grant university. It is one of only two universities in the U.S. to have Sea Grant, Space Grant and Sun Grant designations. Oregon State now boasts 11 colleges and offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs through 900 online courses in 90 different subject areas. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named OSU a top school for veterans. Students who pursue an education online with OSU earn the same diploma and transcript as the university’s on-campus students. The military history of Oregon State University also deserves mention. Their first Cadet Corps was formed in 1872. The military training was organized under the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1916 and all male students were required to complete ROTC training until it became voluntary in 1962. During WWII, the school became known as the West Point of the West for producing more officers than any other non-military academy in the nation. An armory was built in 1911 to provide a dry place for cadets to conduct drills and store their guns. In 1971, it was renamed McAlexander Fieldhouse after General Ulysses Grant McAlexander, who was commandant of cadets in the early 1900s. Oregon State University has been given Military Friendly Bronze status by GI Jobs and is also named a Military Advanced Education & Transition Top Colleges and University for 2017.

Tuition Rates:

Oregon State University ecampus – undergraduate $318 and graduate $560 per credit

Military Tuition Assistance of up to $166.67

Personal and Family Support:

Oregon State University allows military members to transfer education benefits to their spouses. Military spouses may also be eligible for additional funding under the MyCAA Department of Defense program. The flexibility of OSU’s ecampus makes it easier for spouses and dependents to complete their education through the moves and upheaval that being in the military can cause. Its online college courses for active duty military can obviously be taken anytime, anywhere for as long as students have a secure and stable Internet connection. Oregon State University participates in the Survivors and Dependents program and also has a tuition waiver program for dependents.

Military Discounts:

• Voyager Tuition Assistance
• Yellow Ribbon Program
• Veterans Dependent Tuition Waiver Program
• Non-Resident Veterans Tuition Remission
• Visit the Veterans Information page for information on the following:
  • Active Duty
  • Reserve
  • Survivors and Dependents
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Veterans Education Assistance
  • VA Education Monthly Benefit Rates

_________________________________________________

Excelsior College is another outstanding online college for veterans. Founded in 1971 as a distance learning institution. Since it’s founding, Excelsior has seen over 170,000 graduates from their online degree programs. Veterans and their families have a number of online degree financing options through Excelsior and work with a support team that includes former military personnel who’ve gone on to earn college degrees. In recognition of their outstanding support and creation of opportunities for current and former members of the military and their families, in 2020 Excelsior has been recognized as a Best for Vets College. In 2018, Excelsior was a Military Friendly Top 10 Gold School and a Top University for Military Advanced Education & Transition.

Tuition Rates:

• Military Tuition:
• Undergraduate tuition is $250 per credit
• Graduate tuition is $295 per credit
• Veteran Tuition:
• $510 per credit

Personal and Family Support:

Working with both academic experts and advisors, as well as, military base consultants, military students and their families at Excelsior have support teams that pave the road for achieving their academic, career, and personal goals. Excelsior commitment to military personnel is borne out by the fact that over 72,000 servicemembers have reached some of their most cherished personal, academic, professional goals through an online degree from Excelsior. Excelsior provides a wide variety of internal and external scholarship opportunities for military service members, veterans, and their families.

_________________________________________________

What is the Montgomery GI Bill?

The GI Bill was passed in 1944 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide veterans of World War II the funds to further their education. This bill also covers online schools veterans will want to enroll in as part of their career advancement or career change plans. The GI Bill is also known as the “Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30 or MGIB.” Your GI Bill benefits will depend on when your service began; however, generally, to receive your benefits, you must have paid at least $100 per month during the first year you served. Your GI Bill can be used for a college degree, certificate training, high-tech training, apprenticeship training, flight training, or other distance learning opportunities, entrepreneurship training or vocational courses. Typically, your GI benefits are available 10 to 15 years after your honorable discharge, depending on your GI Bill stipulations. Your benefit term will last 36 months, allowing you up to four years (or eight semesters) of college education.

What advantages can I expect through an online degree program that offers military benefits?

Are you ready to see what is next for you? Are you prepared to receive your college education? Are you ready for your country to now help you with a quality education? If so, you will find that most universities and colleges provide unique benefits for those who have served our country and are ready to transition into civilian life. Through special military programs, schools understand the importance of transitioning smoothly into a learning program to efficiently help you attain your career goals, and not only to the service member, but also, their families.

As you research the right online distance learning program for you, you will need to work closely with an advisor, preferably one with a military background, that specializes in the needs of military service members. You should ask questions, such as how many service members they have enrolled, what benefits they offer, what sort of financial help you can receive, and can you transfer your prior military education and training credits? In addition, if your spouse is interested in a college education, do they also provide them with military discounts? As a veteran, you deserve the best!

An informed and reputable school will gladly assist you with your GI benefits. They will help you determine which benefits apply to your specific situation, such as checking your eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Many institutions provide workshops for veterans to help them transition into a classroom setting or a distance learning format, as most veterans are above the age of 25, generally have a salary decrease after leaving the service, and some have post-traumatic stress disorder or have physical disabilities due to injuries. A military friendly college can address all the above issues and more.

Advisors with military experience can also match your military training skills with a program to benefit you as you transition into a civilian career. Your coursework should offer you convenience and flexibility, as many military members have spouses and children to raise. Additional benefits, such as individual orientations for veterans are essential, as well as, experienced counseling services for military members. School counselors are always happy to assist veterans with applying for all applicable benefits and tuition discount programs.

Can my spouse and children take advantage of military benefits for their online academic degree needs, as well?

Many schools offer discount programs, grants, and scholarships to military spouses, depending on the terms of your GI Bill and military status. Through the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), a military spouse may be eligible for financial assistance to help you with tuition and other credentials needed to transition you into a new career. Also, through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, unused credits can be transferred to a spouse or dependent; however, restrictions and service terms may apply. Your military friendly school program counselor can instruct you on the many ways that military spouses and children can benefit from your service to our country, as everyone deserves affordable and accessible educational opportunities.

Is there a minimum military service requirement for receiving GI benefits for an online degree program?

The GI Bill requires a service member to be on active duty at least two years to qualify for benefits. Also, you must own a high school diploma or GED, as well as; you must have contributed $100 per month for your first year of service. Most veterans take advantage of their MGIB benefits after they leave active-duty service to take advantage of everything it has to offer.

How do I apply for GI military benefits for an online degree program?

Military friendly colleges are more than helpful when it comes to getting the ball rolling on your future. As you leave the military in pursuit of additional education, qualified counselors, mentors, and veteran’s groups are available to help you get your paperwork in order. Of course, if you prefer to handle this yourself, you can go through the VA’s online application portal, through a VA regional office, or you may request an application by phone by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Most likely as a service member, you may have already received valuable training. If so, you will want to contact the proper authority to obtain your transcripts and test scores, if you have credits that could be transferrable.

After you apply for your GI Bill funding, it may take four to eight weeks to receive your eligibility status. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if they ask for additional information, as this is common to complete the process. After your approval, consult with an academic advisor that specializes in GI Bill benefits to be sure that your money is applied wisely to meet all your educational needs.

What kind of support will I receive as a member of the military or as a veteran through my online distance learning program?

Locating the right school for you and your family is essential. Support services for military families are an integral part of any college or online distance learning program. All schools take these services very seriously and often hire counselors with military experience themselves. They’ll work hard to accommodate the needs of those who have PTSD, a disability, or other injury-related disabilities.

Through your degree program, you can join veteran’s groups that work with students to help them get the necessary information together for college entry applications, and helps students get acclimated to their academic studies. Also, they often provide scholarship opportunities. Programs of this type are often created and maintained by veterans; therefore, working with schools who associate with outside support groups is an excellent idea.

____________________

As a military service member, you’ve worked hard to serve your country. You deserve a school that will respect your service, in addition to, assisting you in making a transition into your dream career. Do diligent research to find an accredited university or online distance learning degree program that is the right fit for you, your family, and your military background! We, at Onlineschoolscenter.com, would like to THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!