Earning a degree as an active military member poses challenges that traditional college programs cannot always solve. However, online college programs are changing that. Online learning is an alternative to traditional learning that service members should explore. There are several reasons you might need a degree as a service member. This guide will cover what you need to know about education from military friendly online colleges and the benefits of online learning for service members at any stage of their careers.
Should I Enroll in a Military Friendly Online College While on Active-Duty?
Yes you can! Many of the best military colleges online provide competitive degrees for students who are still enlisted. In fact, distance learning has become a new educational norm in the US. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that in fall 2021, 28% of undergrads exclusively took classes online. The pandemic played a role in this, however, online enrollment remains high and schools continue to grow their online programs.
Many of the best online universities for active duty military offer coursework accessible from anywhere in the world. All a service member needs is a secure WIFI network to connect to lectures, submit assignments, and access course learning materials.
If you’re concerned about making time to study, don’t worry! Most accredited military friendly online colleges have minimal lecture requirements. Many offer a fully asynchronous learning format. This flexibility allows students to work when their schedule allows. Likewise, an abundance of programs are fully online. This means no commutes to campus. Whether you’re deployed or busy with service commitments, there are online schools for military that will meet your needs.
To be sure, many of the best online schools for military across the country make a strong effort to support active-duty students. These schools offer many forms of support to show gratitude for the sacrifice our country’s military personnel make each day. The options for military-friendly schools with online programs are massive. Even better, federal Tuition Assistance is available for active duty who enroll in college. We’ll dive deeper into this later in the article.
Top 8 Online Colleges That are Military Friendly
Western Governors University
Accreditation: NWCCU
Total Cost: Capped at $2,250 (US Coast Guard only) to $4,500 (all other branches)
Programs: Naval Community College Program, Community College of the Air Force Partner, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillWestern Governors University starts our list of military friendly online colleges. Firstly, WGU offers 37 innovative bachelor’s degrees. Each program is online and allows students to advance at their own pace. This non-profit institution has has offers highly pursued degrees in business, computer science, and education. It’s most popular degree program, however, is nursing. Many military members gain experience in medical care throughout their service. This experience can lead to more focused training in the medical and healthcare fields. Aside from the sense of fulfillment a career in nursing can provide, a degree in nursing comes with substantial financial rewards.
There are many reasons why WGU is one of the best military colleges online. Besides being an affordable university with bachelor’s degrees that cost 48% less than the national average, WGU’s programs also are eligible for Military Tuition Assistance. In other words, active duty personnel pay even less for their education. Also, there is an abundance of military scholarships available. Rather than slog through already-known material, it’s possible to prove your knowledge and test out of courses. WGU’s competency-based education model accelerates students through their respective programs. You’ll graduate faster which saves time and money.
Most of WGU’s programs are fully online. Military experience plus CLEP or DANTES test scores may allow students to waive certain coursework. Academic mentors, faculty, and enrollment coordinators are available. Military Engagement, Military Support, and Student Success are three WGU organizations dedicated to supporting active duty students.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Total Cost (Military): $6,720 (with financial aid)
Programs: The Sergeants Major Fellowship Program Partner, Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Member, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillPenn State World Campus is the online extension of Penn State University. It offers 175 online programs ranging from certifications, associates, bachelor’s, and master’s. Pathways include business, health care, STEM-related topics, and law, to list a few. For technologically-inclined service members, PSU offers a bachelor of science in Cypersecurity Analytics & Operations. This will prepare you for a lucrative, sought-after career in the this booming field. This is one of the best online schools for military personnel with a robust alumni network and military student population.
The school graciously offers military-affiliated students priority registration for coursework. In addition, there is a generous credit transfer policy for military experience, CLEP scores, and DANTES scores. This helps students advance faster through their degrees. Active duty students can qualify for financial aid like Tuition Assistance and scholarships. Undergrads who are service members qualify for the Military Grant-Aid program. This, combined with military assistance can reduce tuition to a mere $112 per credit. Finally, if service commitments force you to withdraw from courses, the university will provide a full refund.
Exclusive access to the universities’ military support team makes this one of the best online schools for military. Staff includes admissions counselors, disability services, and financial aid coordinators. Many of them are veterans who understand the needs of military students. Likewise, each active duty student will partner with a military academic advisor to ensure they achieve their educational goals.
Liberty University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (Military): $15,000
Programs: Yellow Ribbon, Air Force General Education Mobile
(GEM), Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP), College of the American Soldier (CAS), Air University Associate Baccalaureate Cooperative (AUABC), Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillLiberty University. a Christian-based university with 15 colleges and schools, offers a diverse catalog of online degrees. Students have plenty of areas of interest to match their post-military career goals. For instance, they can choose from aeronautics, health services, education, and engineering. Liberty’s goal is to make competitive advanced degrees accessible and affordable to our nation’s service members. Their Gold Military Friendly school status reflects this commitment.
Deployed students won’t have to worry about in-person requirements. This is because Liberty’s online programs are exclusively in a virtual format. Even better, students can log in whenever works best for them. Students can interact with faculty and submit assignments from a convenient location. Courses are 8-weeks long which accelerates students through their degree.
Thanks to Tuition Assistance and a reduced military rate, active military students won’t break the bank to study. Liberty may also transfer military experience into college credits. It’s possible to transfer up to 75% of an undergrad degree and 50% of a graduate degree. The Office of Military Affairs has information about military scholarships, deployment guidance, academic support, and military community events. These resources Liberty one of the best military colleges online.
Park University
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (Military): $15,000 with tuition assistance
Programs: Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillAt this time, there are 78 online programs available at Park University. Students can study innovative degrees in business administration, citizenship and service, construction management, cybersecurity, and information systems. This non-profit institution strives to make education accessible and relevant to students with a military background. Since over 60% of the student population has a military affiliation, they understand what this population needs.
Classrooms are interactive and dynamic. Students can log in when their schedule allows, which is ideal for service members with busy schedules. Terms are 8 weeks which means students will advance quickly through their degree. Each course’s fully online design makes them accessible from anywhere in the world.
The Global Warrior Center serves as the support hub for military students and their families. Qualified staff who understand the needs of active-duty students are available. Whether it’s academic support, mentoring, transfer credit information, or a walk-through of benefits, they are ready to help. Active duty students can convert their military experience into college credit. Park accepts JST and CCAF transcripts. This trims unnecessary coursework and keeps money in student’s pockets. Active duty qualifies for Tuition Assistance to lower the cost of attendance. Also, the university offers easy access to external military scholarships.
Upper Iowa University
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (Military): $15,000 (with tuition assistance)
Programs: Principals of Excellence, Yellow Ribbon, NCPACE, US Army Ordnance School Partnership, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillUpper Iowa University offers a convenient, affordable, and competitive education. Due to this, they’re one of the top military friendly online colleges. Their online catalog has many certificates and degrees available. Examples include business administration, criminal justice, emergency and disaster management, and health services administration. Courses are 8 weeks long and only 6 weeks during the summer.
Also, students receive a learning experience tailored to their needs. This means that courses can be either synchronous – attending live virtual lectures – or with a self-paced study plan. This flexibility helps active duty succeed on a schedule that works for them. The university even offers programs via mail correspondence for service members deployed without internet access. The Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) has four bachelor’s degrees, four associate degrees, and over 70 courses available.
UIU has a generous credit transfer policy. In fact, they can translate up to 90 undergraduate or 12 graduate credits from military training. JST, CCAF, CLEP, and DANTES scores are welcome. The Military & Veterans Service Center provides information on tutoring, financial aid, counseling, and academic advising. The Patriot Tuition Grant and other scholarships are available. These resources make UIU one of the best military colleges online.
Bellevue University
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (Military): $15,000 (with tuition assistance)
Programs: Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) Program, Yellow Ribbon Program, Principals of Excellence Program, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillWith over 75 degree programs offered, Bellevue University gives active-duty students many options for deciding on a professional career track. Their online degrees have no in-person requirements. Their faculty members are experienced and courses have ongoing start dates. Moreover, military students can access materials wherever they’re stationed. Programs include computer science, business, IT, leadership, and cybersecurity, for example. Bellevue partners with the AU-ABC program, offering a competitive BAS-Computer Information Sciences degree to Air Force students.
Bellevue is one of the best online schools for the military thanks to the MVSC. Also known as the Military Veteran Services Center, this is the hub for all military student support. Its mission is to help military-affiliated students succeed in their education and career goals. There is a dedicated team for academic, career, mental health, disability support, and Tuition Assistance (MTA) guidance. Purple Heart Medal recipients qualify for the Wounded Warriors Scholarship.
The university recognizes CCAF credits thanks to its association with Air University. CLEP scores, DANTES scores, and ACE-recommended credits are also accepted. This gives active-duty students a chance to complete their studies with minimal costs and time commitments.
Central Texas College
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (Military): $0 (with tuition assistance)
Programs: COOL Program, NCPACE Program, MCCCP Program, Yellow Ribbon Program, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillCentral Texas College is one of the best military colleges online. It’s served military students for 50 years and has a Military Friendly Silver rating. Furthermore, they have over 60 programs available. Their asynchronous courses are 5-16 weeks in length with monthly start dates. This is ideal if you’re deployed. Example degrees include criminal justice, cyber defense, engineering, teacher education, and homeland security.
CTC partners with Army COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) to offer relevant credentials to advance the careers of active duty Army personnel. These credentials can help soldiers get promotions. In addition, they are part of the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) program which offers free competitive professional courses for Navy service members. Marine Corps students can even more transfer credits for their training and experiences thanks to the Marine Corps Career College Program (MCCCP). CTC is a member of the Council for College and Military Educators (CCME) and the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services (NAIMES).
CTC has a generous military experience to college credit transfer policy. This helps active military students maximize what they already know to accelerate through their program. Active duty students are eligible for Tuition Assistance and scholarships.
Mayville State University
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (Military): $15,000 (with tuition assistance)
Programs: Principals of Excellence, Troops to Teachers, Military Tuition Assistance, GI BillMayville State University was voted one of the top 25 online colleges for service members. In addition, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) deemed Mayville a Principles of Excellence institution. These recognitions make Mayville one of the best online schools for the military. There are 21 online programs to choose from, as well as 9 different competitive certifications and various professional development courses. They offer bachelor’s degrees in education, business, and mathematics. Likewise, there are master’s in education, nursing, and education available.
There is a strong support network for active duty. Mayville’s professional staff includes career, disability, and student success counseling. Academic advisors will assist in making sure military-affiliated students stay on track with their respective degrees. Additionally, the universities’ distance learning programs are fully online with a synchronous learning model. This means you can study from anywhere. Their excellent school of education is a Troops to Teachers partner.
Numerous scholarships are available and active duty qualify for Tuition Assistance. National Guard members may qualify for a tuition waiver from the Department of Defense (DoD). Active duty students may earn up to 30 credits by examination. This may be through AP, CLEP, IB, and DANTES examinations.
Paying for a Military Friendly Online College
There are several programs available to help you complete your education while on active duty. Besides Tuition assistance and the GI Bills, there are scholarships, grants, and even loan repayment programs that will help cover your educational costs.
Do I Need to Finish My Degree While in the Service?
In short, yes. The way things are set up, almost any serviceperson should be able to get at least an associate degree while on active duty, because of the Military Tuition Assistance. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense program for active-duty military soldiers and personnel. While provisions differ between branches of service, TA provides benefits in general cover up to $250 per credit hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per year. Using these benefits active-duty soldiers can potentially get a free college degree online while serving in the military.
A lot of soldiers don’t know they can get Tuition Assistance if they are on active duty—they think they have to utilize the GI Bill. Military Tuition Assistance should always be used first before a service member even thinks about touching his or her GI Bill tuition benefits. Enlisted service members do not need to pay back any Military Tuition Assistance dollars. Officers, on the other hand, face active duty service obligations, meaning they have to serve two years from the end of their last TA-funded course, or else repay some or all of the course tuition.
Since Military Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill (Department of Veterans Affairs) have separate issuing authorities, one won’t affect the other. In fact, eligible service members may even supplement Tuition Assistance funding with GI Bill benefits. This can cover the remaining tuition or fees. GI Bill benefits typically cover a maximum of 36 months of education. It’s best practice to only use them with Tuition Assistance if you plan to complete most or all of your desired program while on active duty. Always take advantage of Tuition Assistance first since it’s only available during active service. Once discharged, these benefits expire.
How Does Tuition Assistance Work
Active duty service members from all four service branches can apply for Tuition Assistance. This includes officers, warrant officers, and members of the US Coast Guard. Each branch has its own process to apply.
- Army: After enrolling in an accredited institution, active duty Army personnel can:
- Speak with an Army Education Services Officer about your intentions for studying.
- Create a degree plan, set an educational goal, and register for classes.
- Create an account on the Army’s education hub, GoArmyEd.
- Submit a degree plan and a Tuition Assistance request for the following term.
- If approved, send a copy of the confirmation documents to the school.
- Please note: It’s best to start the TA process at least a month before classes start.
- Air Force: Air Force personnel must enroll in an accredited institution, then:
- To begin, create a degree plan and register for classes.
- Submit the degree plan to the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) website.
- Submit a request for Air Force Tuition Assistance (MilTA) on the same site.
- Get supervisor approval for MilTA.
- Finally, send a copy of the approval form to the school.
- Please note: Air Force personnel must request MilTA within 7 to 45 days before the term starts.
- Marine Corps: After enrolling in an accredited institution, Marines must:
- Firstly, contact the Marine Corps Voluntary Education Center for educational advice.
- Complete a College 101 Brief.
- Submit a statement of understanding.
- Submit a TA request application on the WebTA site.
- Complete the Financial MGMT MCI – 3420F course if it’s your first time applying.
- Lastly, get Command approval.
- Please note: Marines must start the application process 60 days before the term start date.
- Navy: After enrolling in an accredited institution:
- Inform Command of the decision to study.
- If it’s your first time, then take the Virtual Learning 101 course.
- Get counseling from a Navy College Education Counselor.
- The, submit the desired degree plan for review.
- Apply for TA online at Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC).
- If approved, send an approval voucher to the school.
- Please note: Sailors must submit applications between 7 to 120 days before the course start date.
Scholarships for Active Duty Military
Scholarships are a great way to get funding for your education. However, the thing about scholarships is that everyone wants them, making for fierce competition that sees only the best emerge as victors. Thankfully, some scholarships are designed exclusively for active military. Applying for these scholarships significantly reduces competition and maximizes your selection chances. The following list includes service member scholarships as well as those designed for spouses or dependents of service members.
AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships
(800) 336-4583 | [email protected]
AFCEA is an acronym for “The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.” The foundation awards scholarships to service members and honorably discharged veterans who are at least in their sophomore year of study at an accredited institution. Eligible applicants must be studying for a STEM-related degree such as computer science, technology, or engineering. In addition, applicants must be US citizens and possess a GPA of 3.0. AFCEA offers more than one type of scholarship, and each one has certain conditions. Visit the foundation’s website to see eligibility criteria for each type of scholarship.
American Veterans (AMVETS) Scholarships
(301) 683-4031 | [email protected]
AMVETS awards scholarships to deserving service members and honorably discharged veterans, spouses, and children/grandchildren. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be US citizens, and have a clean loan record with the federal government.
Application processes open in January and close on the last day of April. Active duty service members are eligible for five scholarships that the foundation offers. Each program is for a designated set of beneficiaries—service members, veterans, spouses, and children/grandchildren—who demonstrate the need for financial aid to further their education.
Army Women’s Foundation “Six Triple Eight” Legacy Scholarship
(804) 734-3078 | [email protected]
This scholarship honors the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit deployed during WWII. It awards up to $2,500 to female service members and honorably discharged veterans studying at accredited US institutions with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must include a personal essay, transcripts, recommendations, and proof of service with their application. Visit the Army Women’s Foundation to learn more.
Staff Sgt. Special Agent Richard S. Eaton Jr. Scholarship
The Lint Center for National Security Studies offers this $1,000 scholarship in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Special Agent Richard S. Eaton Jr., a soldier who died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, in 2003. Service members or veterans who wish to study fields related to counterintelligence, cultural understanding, military science, alliance building, and national security are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Interested applicants must download and fill out an application form available on Lint Center’s website. A personal statement, photograph, resume, two recommendation letters, and a 600-word essay are also required.
Troops to Teachers
(850) 452-1241 | [email protected]
Lastly, the US Department of Defense funds the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program. In short, this turns active-duty and military veterans into teachers. Any current or former service members are eligible to apply. The program includes financial assistance, counseling, state certification assistance, and employment leads. Applicants who wish to apply must submit evidence of military service and a personal statement. Ideally, applicants should have a background in teaching and education.
Other Financial Aid for Military Friendly Online Colleges
The Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program: This program helps active-duty military members pay for school. If the military’s regular tuition help doesn’t cover all the costs, the Top-Up Program can cover the rest. This is great for those going to the best online colleges for active duty military. With both the regular help and the Top-Up, military folks can go to school without worrying too much about the cost.
Yellow Ribbon Program: If you fully qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you might also be able to join the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program helps pay for school costs that the GI Bill doesn’t cover. Here’s how it works: A school decides to be part of the program and agrees to pay some of the student’s leftover fees. Then, the VA will pay an equal amount. Many online colleges that like to help military members are part of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
College Loan Repayment Program: If considering a college loan, your service branch can lend you a hand. Certain service branches like the Army and Navy offer loan repayment programs. In the Army, eligible active-duty soldiers with at least three service years can apply. For each year, the Army will either pay $1500 or one-third of the loan amount, whichever is greater. Only certain loans like the Stafford Student Loans (GSLs) qualify.
College Fund Programs: The Department of Defense issues College Funds for each service branch under the GI Bill Kicker. This is a boost to service member’s existing GI Bill benefits. Kickers are often incentives for recruits when they first sign up to serve. Eligibility requirements and reward amount varies with each service branch. Benefits can increase by as much as $950.
Individual branch programs: The Graduate Education Voucher Program (GEV): Select Unrestricted Line (URL) officers in the Navy may apply for the GEV program. In short, this enables officers to pursue a master’s degree from an accredited university. If approved, a student will earn $40000 towards tuition and various fees. GEV may not be used with Tuition Assistance.
If online military students do wind up having more expenses than TA will cover, they should look into service-specific grants, scholarships, and other private financial aid programs before tapping into their GI Bill benefits.
How to Choose a Military Friendly Online College
When choosing an online university, there are several options from which to choose. Taking the time to research an institution and your personal goals will help you find a program that meets your standards. That said, there are some important factors to consider when researching online schools and programs.
Firstly, make sure the university is accredited by one of the US accrediting bodies. Accreditation is a quality check that ensures the institution is up to academic and industry standards. Besides being a quality check, studying at an accredited university will make you eligible for federal financial aid and make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
You should also consider whether a public or private school is the right fit for you. Public universities tend to have lower costs of attendance compared to private institutions. Still, each school offers unique benefits to service members. Prospective students should narrow their search to online colleges that are military friendly. These can offer excellent benefits like scholarships, priority enrollment, or being a Yellow Ribbon member.
Next, explore the costs of attending. Tuition is higher for out-of-state students. Thankfully, military friendly online colleges and universities may offer in-state tuition to active duty personnel regardless of location. Other schools, meanwhile, may offer a tuition discount to service members.
Finally, consider university programs that match your career goals or the Military Occupation Code (MOC). This may convert more military training and experience into college credit. You’ll save time and money, and essentially be geared for success. Schools with support for military students like counseling and scholarships will improve the educational experience.
Benefits of Attending an Online College That is Military Friendly
Getting a degree while in the military is a great idea. It gives soldiers better skills, which can help them move up faster. Plus, the military often helps pay for school, so it’s less expensive. By studying and training at the same time, soldiers gain a mix of discipline, leadership, and knowledge. This makes them well-prepared for jobs after the military.
Financial Aid
With so many ways to lower tuition, active-duty students should strongly consider taking advantage of the resources available to them. Some programs and grants help service members ease the financial burden of acquiring a degree. For example, qualified students can apply for Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, and military scholarships. Depending on your field of study, programs like Troops to Teachers, AMVETS, and the Army Women’s Foundation can offer financial support.
Training Opportunities
In 2020, more than half of the armed forces personnel in the US had only a high school diploma. Many people join the military at a young age, usually straight out of high school. Getting a degree while in the military is a smart move. It opens up more training chances. With a degree, soldiers can learn advanced skills and get into special programs. This extra training can help them do their jobs better and even lead to promotions. So, getting your degree while serving is a win-win!
Work Experience Credits
As stated before, your military experience could count as college credits. Suppose you decide to pursue a degree related to a skill you acquired or practiced in the military. In that case, it can help shorten your time studying for your degree. Every school has unique requirements, so ensure to do your research.
Increased Chances of Promotion
Suppose you plan to earn a degree while still enlisted in the military. In that case, you will reap the benefits of furthering your education. A college degree will earn you advancement opportunities in many branches of the armed forces. Those credentials can be a deciding factor. Studying while on active duty demonstrates to your superiors your capability to develop yourself while serving your country.
Easier Transition into Civilian life
When you eventually leave the military, you might wonder how to apply your life and work skills to a new career. To that end, many undergraduate and graduate degrees count work and life experience for college credits. Degrees prepare service members for civilian life by aligning professional traits with relevant in-demand skills and providing the path to a career that fits best.
Common Challenges Service Members Face in Higher Education
Due to the nature of military service, active service member and veterans have often faced challenges when enrolling in college. For example, age gaps, disability, and deployments have been barriers in the past. Thankfully, online education has mitigated or eliminated some challenges service members and veterans face in pursuing higher education.
Age Gaps
According to the Education Data Initiative, 67% of full-time undergraduate students are 24 years old and younger. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the majority of part-time students at for-profit universities average between 25 to 34 years old. Active duty students may be well above this age when they decide to enroll in classes. There are less than 1% of 55 and over college students. With online education at military-friendly online colleges, this challenge is minimized or completely removed. While service members who pursue hybrid programs have to attend classes from time to time in person, those who choose 100% online programs may never step foot on the college grounds. This can ease the awkward transition of sitting in a classroom of much younger students.
Disability
To point out, service members may utilize disability services through their college experience. From 2015 to 2016, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that around 42% of veteran college students had a disability. Online education offers disabled or injured service members the opportunity to overcome learning challenges ranging from tinnitus and hearing loss to PTSD. Disability services can include academic support, social support, and website resource support.
Deployments
Undoubtedly, deployments can come without notice. These deployments often take service members to distant locations away from their institution, sometimes even outside the country. For service members attending a traditional college, this can cause an abrupt disruption to their studies. Online education offers flexibility, however. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a military base in another state or another country; you can study from anywhere. And asynchronous online learning makes it even better— you can study at your convenience. The issue of deployments being a hindrance to acquiring a degree has forever been laid to rest.
Apply to a Military Friendly Online College Today!
Without a doubt, you have everything to gain by pursuing higher education as a military service member. What’s more, online education is available for you or your family. It is beneficial if you seek a new career after military service or seek advancement in your current service role.
There’s no better time than now. Take advantage of the numerous support programs dedicated to service members and veterans listed above, or check out the GetEducated.com rankings of the best online degrees available in your field of interest.