How to Maximize Military Education Benefits at Online Colleges

Without a doubt, figuring out how to use your veteran and military education benefits can feel overwhelming. The first step is understanding the benefits that are available to you and how to utilize them for maximum assistance. In this article, we’ll explore the best online colleges for veterans, as well as help you get the most out of your military education benefits. While each program has its own set of requirements and perks, the two main funding sources are the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Supplemental funding and services are also available through the Yellow Ribbon program, GI Bill Kicker, the Work Study Program, and Tutorial Assistance.

Article Navigation: Service Member Oppotunity College: Start Here | Best Online Colleges to Use Military Education Benefits | Getting to Know Your Military Education Benefits | College Credit for Military Experience | How are VA Education Benefits Measured? | Additional Sources of Assistance | Spouse & Dependent Military Education Benefits | Where to Find More Information

Service Members Opportunity Colleges: The Best Usage of Your Military Education Benefits

Alliances have also been formed with universities and colleges around the country—both online and on campus—to address the unique challenges that veterans face when pursuing higher education. Many veteran education benefits exist specifically to support and help insure the availability of affordable higher education for U.S. veterans and their families.

In 2022, over 800,000 million beneficiaries received military education benefits through the VA with payments totaling nearly $10 million. In the same year 68% of the new recipients used the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

The Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) is a DoD contractor that works as a bridge between service members and higher education. The SOC has developed a Degree Network System with participating colleges and universities worldwide. Network schools agree to the transferability of many course credits within the network and have reduced academic residency requirements allowing service members to use their military education benefits even while moving from duty station to duty station.

Online colleges and universities within the network also evaluate the student’s military training and courses and may grant college credit for this experience. This is a great option for individuals who have gained technical knowledge and skill in their military career, but need academic credentials to obtain civilian employment after military service.

When participating in the SOC, the student completes a student contract which outlines goals and requirements for degree completion and takes into consideration a service member’s military training. This agreement protects students from degree requirement changes and from being penalized for service related interruptions of academic studies. If the service member does not reach degree completion before discharge, the student contract is still valid and the student may continue to take advantage of the program.

Some schools, like Western Governors University, also offers multiple scholarships to active-duty or veteran students, as well as their family members. Awards are generally between $1,500 and $5,000.

Best Online Colleges to Use Military Education Benefits

1. Drexel University

   Accreditation: AACSB, ABA, ABET, ALA, CAEP, CCNE, MECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $862-$968/ credit hour for undergrad, $750-$1709/ credit hour for graduate
   Programs: Yellow Ribbon Program, Military Transition Program, GI Bill

   Military Times ranks Drexel University as a “Best for Vets” school. In other words, it’s one of the top online schools for veterans. With over 150 certificates and degrees available online, students can find the perfect degree for their future goals. Examples include computer science, engineering, medicine, and veterinary science, to list a few.

   Drexel accepts Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts and Joint Services Transcripts (JST), so students can convert their previous military knowledge into college credit. This transfer policy lets students skip repetitive coursework. In addition, students can reduce attendance costs with GI Bill benefits. Besides being one of the best online colleges for veterans, Drexel is a Yellow Ribbon school, which provides an extra layer of financial aid.

   Drexel’s Center for Military and Veteran Services (CMVS) is the go-to hub for support services. Veteran students can take advantage of academic, career, mental health, and disability services. In addition, the university offers a vibrant student community for its veterans. Enrolling gives former service members access to the Drexel Veterans Association, Drexel Veterans Alumni Network, and the Drexel Women Veterans Network. These groups chiefly provide students with networking opportunities and a space to develop new skills. The Military Transition Program also has tools to help veterans who are adjusting to student life.

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2. Western Governors University

   Accreditation: AAQEP, ACBSP, CAEP, CAHIIM, CCNE, NWCCU
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $8010/ average per year for undergrad, $8444/ average per year for graduate*
   *Tuition is flat-rate, not based on credits
   Programs: GI Bill, Bridge My Return, VITAL Peer Support Program

   Western Governors University, designated as a Purple Heart University, clearly stands out as one of the best online schools for vets. They are committed to making quality education accessible to those who served our country. Most of WGU’s degrees, which are fully online with no residency requirements, offer a lot of flexibility, which is especially beneficial for veterans with busy schedules. Furthermore, its unique competency-based learning model enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and test out of courses, thereby accelerating their progress towards educational goals.

   Additionally, veteran students at WGU have access to many financial aid opportunities. It’s feasible to significantly save on tuition through GI Bill benefits. Meanwhile, WGU offers numerous scholarships exclusively for military community applicants. For instance, the Military Appreciation Scholarship can potentially save veterans $2500 annually. Veteran students are also encouraged to submit military transcripts, ACE scores, and DANTES scores, which might help them qualify for certain program waivers.

   Moreover, WGU’s partnership with the Bridge My Return platform effectively connects transitioning service members and veterans with an array of renowned career services. These services include coaches, job boards, skill translation services, and a supportive community. Likewise, the Military Support Department at WGU helps connect students to career coaching, skill assessments, and job boards. Notably, WGU is one of the premier schools for veterans seeking mentorship, exemplified by its VITAL Peer Support program.

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3. Southern New Hampshire University

   Accreditation: ABET, ACBSP, CAEP, CACREP, CAHIIM, CCNE, CEPH, NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $330/ credit hour for undergrad, $637/ credit hour for graduate
   Programs: GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, USO Pathfinder Program

   Southern New Hampshire University has over 80,000 students enrolled in their innovative, dynamic online educational programs. Military students, in particular, have a team of dedicated advisors and a wide variety of benefits and discounts. Additionally, SNHU has partnerships with the USO, Operation Homefront, WT3, and other organizations that serve the needs of veterans and their families.

   SNHU is Military Friendly Gold status. In other words, it’s another one of the best online colleges for veterans. A military benefits team works with veterans to find the best assistance. Veterans will learn which financial aid opportunities they qualify for like the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Not to mention, SNHU is among the top online colleges that accept military credits. In fact, it converts up to 90 bachelor’s degree credits worth of experience. SNHU also accepts CLEP and DANTES exam scores to transfer college credits.

   To note, academic and career advisors are available to support veteran students. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services can help veterans with a service-related disability. Disability and Accessibility Services support veteran students who need extra assistance. With this level of support, it’s no wonder SNHU ranks as one of best online schools for veterans. It’s also a supporter of the USO Pathfinder Program, which offers career guidance and resources to help veterans with the transition to civilian life

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4. Grand Canyon University

   Accreditation: ABET, AAQEP, ACBSP, CAATE, CCNE, CSWE, HLC
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $340-$485/ credit hour for undergrad, $410-$725/ credit hour for graduate
   Programs: Yellow Ribbon Program, GI Bill

   To better help military students find lucrative careers, Grand Canyon University provides online degree programs in highly sought-after fields such as business, public safety, justice, nursing, and more.

   Furthermore, GCU has an extensive Veterans Affairs Office with military benefit liaisons to help you explore all possible veteran benefits. By working with liaisons and university counselors, veteran students have strong support throughout their education. These professionals will determine what resources are available. Significantly, GCU is one of many online colleges that accept GI Bill benefits, and is a Yellow Ribbon school. Moreover, the Military Veteran Tuition Scholarship awards a 10% tuition discount to eligible applicants.

   In addition, GCU’s policy of converting military experience into college credits is notably generous, further easing the transition for veteran students into higher education. Former service members may convert up to 30 credits worth of training from Joint Service Transcripts (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Credit transfers plus 7-8 week courses make for an accelerated learning experience that is cost-effective. The Student Veterans Association is a club exclusive to veteran students. All of the services offered make GCU one of the best online colleges for veterans.

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5. University of Massachusetts – Lowell

   Accreditation: AACSB, ABET, CAMPEP, CAPTE, CCNE, EHAC, NAACL, NASAD, NASM, NCATE, NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $380-$385 / credit hour for undergrad, $600-$655/ credit hour for graduate
   Programs: GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment, Yellow Ribbon Program

   Recognized as a “Best for Vets” school by Military Times, the University of Massachusetts – Lowell offers a wide range of benefits, services, and programs designed to help veteran military students achieve success in their academic and career endeavors. A nationally ranked public research university, this school notably has one of the highest returns on investment for graduates.

   The Office of Military and Veteran Services is a one-stop shop. In essence, its experienced Veterans Benefits Administrators can assist all veteran students to maximize their available support. Veterans can ask about applying for the GI Bill, which covers education expenses. Also, educational and vocational counseling is available to veterans who qualify. As long as veterans were discharged under non-dishonorable conditions and have at least a 10% service-related disability, they’re eligible for VR&E services. Veterans can receive expert counseling support to meet their career goals. Lowell is a Yellow Ribbon Program member, which means that veterans can apply for increased monetary support for their education. Lowell offers the Veteran’s Fellowship , a merit-based award that can support either current or veteran service members enrolled in a graduate program. Please note that there is an on-campus credit requirement to be eligible. Lowell is one of the best online universities for veterans.

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What are My Military Education Benefits?

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) is paid by the DoD and is usually the first military education benefit available to service members. It is a great option for working towards a degree while serving on active duty. In both the Army and Navy, tuition assistance is available to all active duty after they complete one year at their first permanent duty station. The Marine Corps requires 24 months service before they’re able to request tuition assistance. The Air Force has no initial time requirement. Each branch also has different eligibility requirements for reservists which are detailed in the chart below.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Montgomery GI Bill

One of the most common forms of military education benefits is the Montgomery GI Bill. This bill was first implemented in 1985 and was the main education benefit for veterans until 2008. The Montgomery GI Bill has two separate components for Active Duty and for Selected Reserve. Both programs offer up to 36 months of payments paid directly to the individual rather than the institution. Qualifying education and training include:

• College & university degree programs
• Technical or vocational courses (such as HVAC repair, truck driving, EMT training, beautician school, CNA program, dental assistant training, etc.)
• Flight training
• Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (such as union work, law enforcement, fire department, etc.)
• Licensing & certification tests

Although they cover the same types of education and training, their requirements and benefits are very different.

MONTGOMERY GI BILL — ACTIVE DUTY

MONTGOMERY GI BILL — SELECTED RESERVE

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

The Post 9/11 GI Bill was implemented in August 2009 and marked the availability of unprecedented military education benefits for service members, veterans, and their families who served for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, service members do not have to make a financial contribution to enroll in the program.

Service members who initially paid into the Montgomery GI Bill but later chose the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are entitled to a refund of their contributions. To be eligible for this refund, an individual must have enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill, subsequently relinquished it, and fully utilized all 36 months of the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Additionally, they must be receiving a monthly housing allowance in the month they use their last Post 9/11 benefits. It’s also essential that they are the original beneficiary of both GI Bills, meaning the benefits must not have been transferred to a spouse or children. (*Refunds are only for the original $1200 contribution. The additional, optional Buy Up program is not refundable.)

POST 9/11 GI BILL

Montgomery GI Bill vs. Post 9/11 GI Bill

Individuals who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill must select one program in writing. If an individual selects the Post 9/11 GI Bill, he/she may not change back to the Montgomery GI Bill after receiving any Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

How to Earn College Credit for Military Experience

Another military education benefit available to service members is the opportunity to earn college credit for military experience. The American Council on Education (ACE) works with the DoD to decide appropriate college credit for military training and experience. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard all use a Joint Services Transcript (JST) to document this experience and list the ACE recommended college credit associated with each training experience or course. The JST also details the service member’s individual job history/skills within the military, types of training completed, and any military courses attended, adding a recommendation for earned credit for each. More than 2,300 colleges recognize this transcript as an official document. Each institution individually decides whether to reject, accept, or modify the ACE credit recommendations.

The JST also lists any CLEP or DSST exams taken by the individual. These are both college level, subject specific tests that can be taken to earn college credit. There are 33 introductory level CLEP exams and 38 DSST subject exams. The exam fee for both types of tests is $93 each and typically earns 3 credit hours with a passing score (some CLEP exams award higher credit hours). CLEP credit hours are accepted at 2,900 colleges and universities and DSST credits are accepted at over 1,900 colleges and universities. These tests can significantly reduce the overall cost of a college degree.

You can search by institution to find out which CLEP exams are accepted at a particular school. You can also view schools that accept DSST exams.

How are Military Education Benefits Measured?

All types of military education benefits are not measured in consecutive calendar months. If an individual has 36 months of education benefits, this does not mean he has only 36 consecutive calendar months to complete his education. In fact, benefits can be started and stopped any number of times and are calculated by the months and days that the VA is making payments on your behalf.

For example, if a school semester begins on August 21st and ends on December 14th, the individual’s VA entitlement will be charged 3 months and 24 days if the student is attending at a full time rate. The VA uses the average of 30 days regardless of how many days are actually in a month. This means in this example the entitlement is charged 10 days for August 21st – August 30th, 1 month for September, 1 month for October, 1 month for November and 14 days for December 1st through 14th. If a student is attending at less than a full time rate, the entitlement will be charged proportionately.

Additional Sources of Veteran & Military Education Benefits

Yellow Ribbon Program

Several programs have been created to supplement the GI Bill and reduce out of pocket expenses for service members and veterans. The Post 9/11 GI Bill only covers the cost of in-state tuition at public schools and has a maximum cap for foreign and private schools. Therefore, any additional costs for students attending a school as a non-resident (out of state) or costs that exceed the national cap for private schools are the responsibility of the student.

Enter The Yellow Ribbon Program. This supplemental program helps cover any additional costs beyond the GI Bill. Participating schools agree to pay a portion of a student’s tuition and fees not covered by the GI Bill, therefore allowing more students to attend out of state schools or private universities. The VA then matches dollar for dollar the contribution by the college or university.

Each participating school reaches an individual agreement with the VA and has limits that dictate the number of students able to participate as well as the total financial cap for the program annually. To that end, a newly revised list is released in June of each year detailing the specifics for participating colleges and universities. View the current list of participating Yellow Ribbon online schools to check the benefits offered by a school before enrolling.

Each school reassess the program funding annually. This means the funding is not guaranteed and must be renewed each year. Also, keep in mind that The Yellow Ribbon Program is not available while on active duty or to spouses to whom benefits have been transferred. The program may be utilized by an eligible veteran or by a child with transferred benefits only if they have earned maximum Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits by serving at least 36 months after 9/10/2001.

GI Bill Kicker

Most online EdD programs offer courses that are primarily online, with many being asynchronous, allowing you the flexibility to complete the weekly work without adhering to a specific sign-on time. However, some online EdD programs do incorporate synchronous class sessions, providing opportunities for real-time interaction with professors and fellow students. Additionally, around half of these programs may necessitate attending a few on-campus intensive seminars. These sessions, often held during the summer or weekends, facilitate face-to-face interaction and provide a more immersive learning experience. Look for EdD programs that offer robust online support, including academic advising, tech support, and access to library resources.

Military Education Benefits Work Study Program

This program is available to full and ¾ time students in college degree, vocational, or professional programs. The school grants admission to the program after reviewing the student’s ability to complete a work-study contract before the end of their education benefit eligibility and the availability of jobs within commuting distance of the student. Participants receive federal or state minimum wage (whichever is greater). During each enrollment period, they can work a maximum of 25 times the number of weeks during that period. For example, if the enrollment period is 15 weeks, they can work 375 hours during that time-frame. The current federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr. State wages range from that to $15.74/hr in 2023. The money received is non-taxable and all jobs must be related to the work of the VA.

Some examples are:
Completing VA paperwork at schools
Assisting with VA paperwork at VA offices or facilities
Performing VA outreach services within the community or school
Performing services at VA medical facilities

Recipients may request a one time advance payment of up to 40% of the number of hours in the contract (maximum 50 hours). The VA will not pay the recipient again until the number of hours in the advance payment have been completed. The payments will then continue bi-weekly, or every 50 hours, whichever comes first. Students are eligible to work during and between enrollments. Veterans with at least a 30% service related disability will be given priority in the program.

Work study can be used in conjunction with:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
• Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Visit the VA’s website to view a complete list of approved programs that can be used along with work-study.

Tutoring Assistance

Many veterans don’t realize that the GI Bill covers tutoring costs. Eligibility requires benefits at a minimum of half-time status and a documented need in a course essential for your program. Tutoring should occur during the semester of the relevant course. Your instructor must verify in writing that tutoring is necessary. Finally, submit a reimbursement request form signed by you, your tutor, and a certifying school official. This form should be submitted monthly or within a year of the first session. The benefit provides up to $100 per month, capping at $1200. Under the Montgomery GI Bill, you can get up to $600 in reimbursements without affecting your entitlement. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill, on the other hand, your entitlement remains unaffected by these reimbursements.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Military Education Benefits

Two GI Bill programs exist to aid the families of service members who have either died in the line of duty or become permanently and totally disabled due to a service related condition.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Otherwise known as the Fry Scholarship, this fund is specifically available to the children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001. This scholarship pays 100% of tuition for 36 months. Children are eligible on their 18th birthday or at high school graduation and may use the benefits until the age of 33. The benefit is not affected by a child’s marriage status. When the child of the service member begins to use the Fry Scholarship, he/she will no longer receive Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments. A spouse has 15 years from the service member’s death to use this benefit and will lose the benefit if remarried. The spouse may continue to receive the DIC payments in conjunction with the Fry Scholarship. Additionally, children of those who died in the line of duty prior to 8/1/11 are allowed to receive both the fry scholarship and dependency and indemnity compensation per PL 111-377 Section 111.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

This benefit is available to both veterans and dependents. Veterans and their dependents may use this program if the veteran is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a condition acquired due to active duty service. Dependents of a veteran who has died on active duty, as a result of a service related condition, or who is missing in action/held captive by a hostile force may also receive this benefit. Under the DEA, veterans and/or their dependents receive up to 45 months of educational benefits. A service member may not use the DEA benefit while on active duty. Spouses have 10 years from the date of eligibility to use the benefit (in cases of death of the service member, spouses have 20 years to use the program) and children may use between the ages of 18-26. Like the Fry Scholarship, children will not receive DIC payments while using this benefit. If a dependent qualifies for both programs, one has to be selected, except for dependents of service members who died between 9/10/01 and 8/1/2011. In this situation, both may be used, but only one benefit can be used at a time and the benefits are capped at 81 months.

Where to Find More Information on Your Military Education Benefits

GI Comparison Tool

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has provided a GI Comparison Tool that estimates the dollar value of education benefits. The tool allows you to input specific parameters such as the type of benefit used, your military status, cumulative time of service, and the institution you plan to attend. The tool will then calculate the maximum amount you may receive for annual tuition and monthly housing allowance. The results will also include the number of GI Bill students at that particular institution plus its accreditation.

VA Contact Information

An education call center is available for questions at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551).

Tax Information

Military education benefits are not taxable and do not have to be reported as income on taxes.

Earn an Online Degree with Your Veteran Education Benefits

Military education benefits are one of the best perks your active-duty career can afford you. New partnerships between the VA and schools offer unique opportunities to help members of the military earn an education faster and cheaper. So why not let your VA education benefits launch you on a new path? There’s no better time to start than now.