Choosing the right online college can be a crucial decision for military veterans seeking to further their education.
Many universities offer various programs and benefits tailored specifically to the needs of veterans, accommodating their unique schedules and experiences.
Which schools provide the best support and resources for veterans in an online setting? This article will guide you through some top-rated online colleges that are known for their military-friendly policies, ensuring you can make an informed choice for your educational journey.
1) University of Maryland Global Campus
You might be interested in the University of Maryland Global Campus, known as a top choice for military veterans.
UMGC offers flexible academic programs tailored for those who have served.
The university is recognized for being military- and veteran-trusted.
It has a dedicated military advising team to help you with everything from choosing a program to enrolling in classes.
UMGC ranks first among online universities in the Military Times Best for Vets.
It’s also ranked fourth among public universities and fifth overall in a survey of 300 universities.
Most of the student body at UMGC consists of working adults, which means you’ll be in good company.
The school offers online degrees and certificates with 55,000 students currently enrolled.
UMGC’s commitment to veterans isn’t just about making things convenient.
It also includes services to help you transition into civilian life, using the unique skills you bring from your military experience.
This school is part of the University System of Maryland, so it has strong academic credentials and history.
It started as an evening degree program but has grown a lot since then, now focusing on professional development.
If you’re looking for a school that understands your needs, UMGC might be a good fit.
2) Liberty University
Liberty University offers attractive options for military veterans.
They provide an 8-week class format with no set login times, making it flexible for those with unpredictable schedules.
Liberty University has a variety of start dates throughout the year.
You can start your courses at one of eight different times annually, which allows for greater adaptability around military commitments.
Ranked as No. 1 for online education in the Military Times’ “Best for Vets” top 20 for 2023, Liberty University is highly regarded.
This shows their strong support and commitment to military students.
Liberty University offers a discount for military members.
New online students can get a 15% reduction in tuition rates, showing their appreciation for your service.
Their Office of Military Affairs offers dedicated resources.
You can contact a Military Benefits Representative by phone or email to get assistance with your specific needs.
The university recognizes the sacrifices made by military families.
They aim to support your education without it being interrupted by deployments or other duties.
3) American Military University
American Military University (AMU) offers flexible, online programs designed for military personnel and veterans.
As a student at AMU, you can take advantage of the Preferred Military Rate, making tuition more affordable.
Undergraduate courses cost $250 per credit hour, while master’s-level courses are $290 per credit.
AMU caters to military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
The university provides undergraduate and master’s programs with no entrance exams.
Courses are taught by professionals active in their fields, ensuring relevant and practical knowledge.
AMU has a clear support system for veterans, offering grants to reduce the cost of tuition.
There’s also a $0 transfer credit evaluation fee, making it easier to continue your education without starting from scratch.
The university promotes engagement through online forums and communities, allowing you to interact with both professors and peers.
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, AMU offers a variety of programs to choose from.
Using the program finder, you can compare different degrees and select the one that best fits your career goals.
The university aims to provide quality education tailored to the unique needs of military and veteran students.
4) Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit university with strong support for military veterans.
It offers discounts of up to 30% on tuition for U.S. Active Duty, National Guard, and Selected Reserve members, as well as their spouses.
SNHU has a long history in education, founded in 1932 and offering online programs since 1995.
The university enrolls over 135,000 students online, showing its extensive experience in distance learning.
The university provides career-focused programs to help you meet your professional goals.
With flexible schedules, you can balance your studies with military duties or personal commitments.
The online platform is designed for ease of use, ensuring you can access your coursework anytime, anywhere.
If you are a veteran looking for financial aid, SNHU has various options.
You can take advantage of military education benefits and tuition assistance to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
They also provide personalized support, including admission counselors to guide you through the process.
Its campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, though primarily an online school, offers a traditional college experience.
Veterans looking for in-person options can benefit from a supportive environment on the 300-acre campus.
SNHU is recognized as one of the best online colleges for military veterans.
Its programs are accredited, ensuring you receive a quality education.
The school’s commitment to accessibility and affordability makes it a great choice for military members.
5) Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top choice for military veterans seeking online education.
With over 15,000 military-affiliated students, veterans, and dependents, ASU is known for its welcoming atmosphere.
ASU Online offers unique programs tailored to veterans.
For example, the Applied Military and Veteran Studies Degree can prepare you for roles in military, public service, and community organizations.
Ranked No. 2 for best online bachelor’s programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report, ASU Online is respected for its academic excellence.
You can find information on their rankings and support for veterans here.
ASU is also known for its strong support network for veterans.
The university has earned the title of Academic Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
For more insights, visit Arizona State University Veterans.
ASU’s engineering and education programs are also highly ranked.
The online master’s in engineering is among the top 10 for veterans.
This combination of diverse programs and veteran support makes ASU a solid option for military personnel seeking online education.
6) Excelsior College
Excelsior College has a strong track record of supporting military veterans.
The school has served veterans for over 50 years.
Excelsior’s Center for Military and Veteran Education works with many service members, veterans, and their families.
The college offers a generous credit transfer policy, allowing you to earn your degree faster.
This means your military experience can count toward your education goals.
Flexible eight-week and 15-week terms help you balance education with other commitments.
Nearly half of the student body is made up of military servicemembers and veterans.
Excelsior College has ranked No. 3 in the Best for Vets: Colleges 2019 list of Online and Nontraditional Schools by the Military Times.
The college is also accredited and not-for-profit, ensuring high educational standards.
Dedicated counselors are available to guide you through degree programs and financial aid options.
You can even get a free transcript review to see how your military training translates into college credits.
For more information, visit Excelsior University.
7) Norwich University
Norwich University offers special programs for military veterans and their families.
If you are a current service member, veteran, or military spouse, you will receive discounted tuition rates on online master’s programs.
You can expect to pay $550 per credit hour for these programs.
Undergraduate programs are also available at the Tuition Assistance rate of $250 per credit hour.
Norwich University has a dedicated Veterans Programs & Services office.
This office helps you access the military and veteran funding you are eligible for.
Whether you are currently serving or have served, the university supports your educational journey.
You can find more details on their military benefits page.
The university will also be present at events like the Wright-Patterson AFB.
For additional information and tuition details, visit their military page.
8) Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus ranks among the best online colleges for military veterans.
It offers flexibility and convenience, making it easier for you to achieve your educational goals.
Their dedicated team helps you navigate admissions and leverage your benefits.
They also assist with managing the impact of deployments.
Penn State World Campus is recognized nationally for its online programs for veterans.
It was ranked highly in the 2024 edition of U.S. News’ Best Online Programs for Veterans.
This ranking is based on student engagement, services and technology, and faculty credentials.
The institution also excels in making college more affordable for military students.
Military Times ranked it as a top school in the “Primarily Online Education” category of its 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings.
You will find veteran-centric resources geared to meet your unique needs.
These resources are combined with practical experience to support your educational journey.
Penn State World Campus appreciates your military service and aims to make your transition to student life smooth.
For more information, visit their Military or Veterans pages.
Accreditation and Veterans’ Specific Programs
Accredited online colleges often offer tailored programs to help military veterans transition to civilian careers.
These schools provide unique support services and educational benefits catered to the needs of veterans.
Importance of Accreditation for Military Veterans
Accreditation is crucial when selecting an online college.
It ensures that the education you receive meets specific standards of quality and rigor.
Accredited programs are recognized by employers, which can help in job placements.
They also qualify for military benefits like the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance.
Choosing an accredited institution ensures your degree will be respected.
Accreditation agencies review colleges for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and financial stability.
This adds a layer of security for your educational investment.
Tailored Programs for Veterans
Veteran-specific programs are designed to assist your transition from military to civilian life.
These programs often offer credits for military training and experience, saving you time and money.
They also provide career services that focus on translating military skills to civilian job markets.
These programs often have flexible schedules and support services like counseling, tutoring, and career guidance.
Schools like the University of Florida, Citadel Military College of South Carolina, and Villanova University are known for their robust veteran support networks.
In addition, many of these colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover any tuition costs not covered by the GI Bill.
Financial Support and Scholarships
You can access a range of financial support and scholarships to help cover your education costs.
Key options include the GI Bill and exclusive scholarships specifically for veterans.
GI Bill and Other Financial Aids
The GI Bill is one of the most significant financial aids for veterans.
Programs under the GI Bill, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, provide coverage for tuition and fees, housing, and supplies.
This aid can significantly reduce your education costs at many schools, including military-friendly institutions.
You might also be eligible for additional financial aids such as the Yellow Ribbon Program.
This program bridges the gap between tuition costs and the amount covered by the GI Bill.
Schools like Georgia Southern University participate in these programs, offering substantial support to veterans.
Exclusive Scholarships for Veterans
Many colleges provide exclusive scholarships for military veterans.
These scholarships often cover a range of programs and significantly reduce education costs.
For example, Liberty University offers various scholarships tailored to veterans.
These scholarships can cover degrees in fields like nursing, information technology, and psychology.
In addition to school-specific options, other organizations also provide scholarships aimed specifically at veterans and active-duty military.
These scholarships ensure that you have financial assistance throughout your education, enabling you to focus on your studies and career goals.
Support Services and Resources
Many online colleges for military veterans provide extensive support services and resources.
These resources may include dedicated centers for veterans and specialized counseling and career services to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Dedicated Veteran Support Centers
Many online colleges have centers dedicated to supporting veterans.
These centers often act as a central hub for resources and assistance.
Staffed by personnel familiar with veterans’ needs, they can provide guidance on financial aid, including VA benefits and scholarships.
You might also find peer mentoring programs.
These offer opportunities to connect with other veterans who can share experiences and advice.
Other services may include academic advising to help you plan your course of study, ensuring you get the most out of your educational experience.
Additionally, some schools offer virtual orientations tailored for military students.
These sessions can help you navigate online learning platforms and understand the resources available to you.
Having access to a dedicated support center ensures you receive personalized help, making your academic journey smoother.
Counseling and Career Services
Many military-friendly colleges offer specialized counseling services.
These can help address issues related to transitioning from military to civilian life. Mental health support is usually available, including access to licensed counselors who are familiar with the unique challenges veterans face.
Career services are another crucial resource.
These services often provide resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
Some schools partner with employers who actively seek to hire veterans, giving you a direct pathway to employment after graduation.
You may also find career fairs and networking events specifically for veterans.
These events can connect you with potential employers and other veterans in your field.
Having access to comprehensive career and counseling services can significantly enhance your post-military career prospects.