10 Best Online Schools for Veterans [2023 Ultimate Guide]

Online education is great for veteran students! It provides the option for more education and new careers. Yet, it’s challenging finding the best online schools for veterans. Especially in terms of cost, balancing studies and life, and transferring military credits.

While many colleges claim to provide advanced learning benefits for veterans, the best online schools for vets settle most of these concerns. They offer flexible programs, academic support, and financial benefits. In this article, we will present some of the best online colleges for veterans. How did we find the best? These criteria are based on accreditation, program flexibility, and military-friendliness.

Article Navigation: What Are Veteran-Friendly Online Colleges? | Online Degree Programs for Veterans | Which College Accepts the Most Military Credits? | Best Online Schools for Veterans | Accreditation | How to Choose Military-Friendly Schools Online | Cost of the Best Online Schools for Veterans | Benefits of Online Learning for Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel | Transition from the Military to Civilian Life with the Best Online Schools for Veterans

What Are Veteran-Friendly Online Colleges?

Veteran-friendly online colleges provide programs and services addressing the needs and preferences of veteran students. These colleges offer specialized programs. They provide support services and policies to assist veterans in their education. Certain features distinguish them from other online schools:

• Accreditation: Online schools must emphasize quality by providing accredited degree or certificate programs. These programs are flexible, affordable, and relevant to the workforce. Overall, accreditation ensures the college meets quality standards. In addition, veterans can earn degrees recognized by employers and other institutions.
• Transfer of Military Credits: Veterans possess relevant military training, experience, and competence transferable to college credits. Veteran-friendly colleges have policies to evaluate and award credit for military training. This ensures vets can receive academic recognition for their previous training and experiences.
• Financial Aid Options: These colleges also provide vets with financial aid options that work with the GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and other military scholarships and grants. This financial assistance makes a significant difference in the cost of online programs.
• Academic and Career Support Services: Shifting from the military to the classroom or workplace is challenging. Veteran-friendly colleges have staff who provide vets with support services for an easier transition. These services include academic advising, counseling, and access to resources.

While several colleges advertise military-friendliness, not all offer these benefits. It’s best to evaluate each school and compare them to your needs and goals. Choosing a veteran-friendly online college creates a successful education and post-military career transition.

Online Degree Programs for Veterans

An online degree may be best for vets pursuing advanced education. These academic programs are especially beneficial for nontraditional students. They’re delivered online to cater to unique education and career needs.

Remote programs for vets accommodate flexibility and support. Also, recognition for military experience. Below are some popular online degree programs for military personnel and vets:

• Business Administration: This field includes areas such as finance, marketing, leadership, or management. Veterans can develop the skills needed to excel in administrative positions in any industry.
• Information Technology: IT programs are popular due to the growing importance of technology. In this case, the best online schools for veterans may provide training in computer science and engineering. These programs cater to veterans interested in tech-related careers.
• Nursing: Online nursing programs, from RN to BSN programs, allow veterans with medical training to advance their careers. You could also pursue healthcare degrees that are not medically inclined. For example, electronic record keeping.
• Criminal Justice: This is one of the top online degrees for military personnel. It prepares veterans for law enforcement, homeland security careers, etc.
• Engineering: Most veterans with technical backgrounds pursue advanced degrees in engineering to enhance their expertise in the field.
• Education: Online education degrees, such as an M.Ed or teaching certificate, lead to education careers. Such programs generally come with focus areas.

These are just a few examples. Other top programs for vets in fields include arts and humanities, sciences, and more. Ultimately, the best online degrees for veterans depend on your interests. Vets should also consider their career goals and transferable skills when choosing an online degree program.

Which College Accepts the Most Military Credits?

The best online colleges for veterans simplify the process of earning a degree for service members and vets. They prioritize key factors that incorporate cost, efficiency, convenience, and, most importantly, military credit.

Each college decides how many credits they accept and how they can be applied to a degree program. Therefore, it’s best to research schools and compare policies and procedures for transferring military credit. Ultimately, vets should seek out colleges that accept the most military credit. But which online college accepts the most military credit?

• Thomas Edison State University

  Military Tuition: $250 per credit

  Thomas Edison State University is the best online school for military students regarding earned credits. First, TESU assesses and awards credit for college-level learning acquired outside the classroom. Also, it offers a credit-transfer policy that honors military experiences. However, military students who enroll in the BSN degree or graduate-level degree programs will pay the nursing program, graduate, or MBA tuition rate. This college has dedicated military enrollment counselors. They assist with every enrollment process.

  TESU has established financial aid and scholarships to recognize the service of:

  – Active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members; their spouses
  – Veterans
  – Wounded Warriors

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  Thomas Edison State University

   

Best Online Schools for Veterans

Veterans who want to pursue higher education have several options. However, not all are equally suited to their needs and goals. Online programs provide convenience, affordability, and quality. But some programs offer more support than others.

To help identify military-friendly colleges, below is a list of the best online schools for veterans that meet all the relevant criteria.

1. Wake Technical Community College

   Military Tuition: $1,200 to $2,400 tuition coverage under different programs

   Wake Technical Community College is a renowned and largest community college in North Carolina. It offers academic programs and workforce development to meet the diverse needs of its student population, including military veterans.

   In fact, most scholars rank this school as the best online college for veterans. This is due to the military education credits they offer. Wake Tech maintains membership in Service Members Opportunity Colleges, which provides appropriate transfer credit for previous work, credit for military training and experiences, and nationally-recognized standardized testing programs.

   Wake Tech is also a Yellow Ribbon School. This makes them one of the top online schools that accept VA benefits. Under this program, this college provides up to 50 qualified student veterans with about $1,200 each. For the VA match, each non-resident student would receive up to $2,400 for tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.

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   Wake Technical Community College

    

2. Ivy Tech Community College

   Military Tuition: Up to $4,000 in financial aid

   Ivy Tech Community College provides affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce certifications in relevant fields to help students jumpstart their careers quickly. Through its Prior Learning Assessment, Ivy Tech offers course credit to students with selected qualifications or expertise, such as work experience, military service, volunteering, and technical training.

   Ivy Tech strives to be a part of a vets’ educational experiences, making it one of the best military colleges online. This college allows VA benefits and provides several military tuition assistance. For instance, the MyCAA scholarship offers up to $4,000 in financial aid for licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate degrees. The Army, Air Force, National Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps also benefit from Ivy Tech’s military tuition assistance.

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   Ivy Tech Community College

    

3. Purdue Global

   Military Tuition: 10% to 55% per-credit tuition reduction to undergraduate and graduate programs

   Purdue Global provides a platform for working adults to advance career wise by earning a reputable degree. This college offers all program levels, from certificates to associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, in several fields of interest. Aside from an opportunity to match your claim to a degree, Purdue Global offers students personalized career guidance.

   As one of the top online colleges for veterans, Purdue Global offers military tuition assistance for service members and other benefits for military spouses. The military tuition assistance may pay up to $166.67 per quarter credit hour for a maximum of $4,500 annually. This assistance covers the Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Marines. However, the Army has an annual cap of $4,000. Purdue Global also provides military advisors to assist with other military benefits and financial aid options.

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   Purdue Global

    

4. New England College

   Military Tuition: $187.50 per undergraduate credit hour; $250 per graduate credit hour

   Veterans and other service members seeking a degree can explore New England College’s associate, bachelor’s, master’s, executive, doctorate, and pre-college programs. This school is an accredited, private, non-profit college. Initially, it served the educational needs of servicemen and women. NEC is also one of the online schools that accept GI Bill, making it an ideal option for veterans.

   As a military personnel, NEC can help you navigate your military benefits to fulfill your goal of earning a degree. A 10% tuition savings is available for service members, including veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and their spouses. This benefit also extends to dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. This extensive range of military benefits makes New England College one of the best military colleges online.

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   New England College

    

5. Southern New Hampshire University

   Military Tuition: 30% tuition discount

   Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit college offering several undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Over time, SNHU has evolved into a leading institution for its innovative approaches to education and emphasis on career preparation. One such innovative approach is their flexible credit transfer policies.

   At SNHU, students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous college courses or life and work experiences. This makes up about 75% of an SNHU degree, potentially saving students thousands on online degree programs. It also features as one of the top veteran-friendly online colleges with its 30% tuition discount for active-duty students and spouses and dedicated military support from day one to graduation.

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   Southern New Hampshire University

    

6. Regent University

   Military Tuition: $250 per credit hour

   This private Christian university in Virginia has become a prominent college known for its academic excellence and Christian worldview. Regent University offers various online degree programs for veterans across multiple disciplines. The SACSCOC has accredited the college, ensuring its programs meet high-quality standards.

   Regent University provides significant help in transitioning out of the military into academia. The college includes tuition assistance which covers 100% of tuition, up to the $250 cap per credit hour, military transfer credit of up to 90 credit hours, and about 25% tuition discounts for HQ, NATO, and SACT Employees or Dependents. Furthermore, it’s also one of the online schools that accept VA benefits for military personnel and their family members.

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   Regent University

    

7. Western Kentucky University

   Military Tuition: $250 per credit hour for undergrad and graduate courses

   Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and features as one of the best online schools for veterans and active-duty personnel in the area. WKU offers top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, particularly journalism, nursing, education, and agriculture.

   WKU has been recognized as a military-friendly school for several years. It offers military student services and financial assistance. Specifically, they provide a military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for undergrad and graduate courses to all service members currently:

   – On active-duty
   – Serving in a reserve unit or a National Guard component

   Moreover, WKU recognizes military students’ entitlements based on VA regulations.

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   Western Kentucky University

    

8. Columbia College – MO

   Military Tuition: $250 per credit hour for military undergrad; $325 for grad students

   Columbia College is a private liberal arts college. It includes many campuses that offer a number of undergrad and graduate programs across diverse fields. This school focuses on engaging students in interactive and collaborative learning experiences, preparing them for success in their chosen careers and further academic pursuits.

   Columbia College’s strong emphasis on student support services makes it well-suited for delivering quality online degree programs for veterans and other military students. They offer a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for military undergraduates and $325 for graduate students. Spouses and dependents can also explore a $318-$416 tuition rate per credit hour. Other veteran services include military scholarships, military student groups, compliance with the federal Principle of Excellence, and a green zone.

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   Columbia College - MO

    

9. Liberty University

   Military Tuition: $250 per credit hour for undergrad programs; $275 per credit hour for grad programs; $300 per credit hour for doctoral programs

   Liberty University is the second private Christian university on our list. It’s possibly the best online college for veterans seeking to earn a degree and impact their culture as a “Champion for Christ.” Liberty University offers over 700 programs of study, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in any area of interest. However, the college is highly regarded for its law, counseling, aviation, and Christian ministry programs.

   Military students at Liberty University can transfer up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and 50% of a master’s degree. The college also welcomes the possibility of earning college credits for military experiences. Furthermore, military students get a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, $275 per credit hour for graduate programs, and $300 per credit hour for doctoral programs. Your GI Bill, tuition assistance, and other military education benefits are also designed to help vets succeed in military and civilian life.

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   Liberty University

    

10. University of the Incarnate Word

    Military Tuition: $250 per credit hour

    The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university in San Antonio. Established in 1881, UIW firmly commits to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community engagement. This college ranks as the best online school for military students who are also devoted Catholics. UIW offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations and over 20 graduate and doctoral programs.

    UIW is highly ranked for military and veteran education benefits and recognizes all service members who currently or previously served to protect the country’s rights and freedom. It’s one of the online schools that accept VA benefits, educational assistance programs, and Department of Defense tuition assistance. These financial aids range from a $250 per credit hour tuition rate to a 15% discount depending on the service a student opts for.

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    University of the Incarnate Word

     

Accreditation

Want to find the best online schools for vets? Then research the standards and quality of the college and the programs they offer. Accreditation is a gauge of a college’s quality and program standards.

Accredited veteran-friendly colleges earn formal recognition conducted by external agencies. This ensures a college meets certain quality and excellence standards. Like other colleges, veteran-friendly schools undergo regional accreditation. This serves as quality assurance of:

• An institution’s programs
• Faculty qualifications
• Student support services
• Overall effectiveness

One of seven regional accrediting agencies recognized by the DoE grants regional accreditation. This approval process is the gold standard for all military-friendly colleges. In addition, it is widely accepted by other schools and employers.

Programmatic accreditation applies to a particular program, department, or faculty within a school. This assessment ensures a program meets industry standards and competencies required for that field. It is also crucial for careers that require certification or licensure.

Accreditation is essential. It means the school and its programs have gone through an evaluation process and meet the quality criteria set by accrediting agencies. Some of these agencies across different fields include:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)

Overall, accreditation affects credit transfer. It affects financial aid and also the recognition of degrees by employers and other colleges. Therefore, the accreditation status should be a priority in identifying the best online colleges for military personnel.

How to Choose Military-Friendly Schools Online

As a service member or veteran seeking to pursue higher education through online learning, choosing military-friendly schools remains crucial to achieving academic and career goals. This section explores the essential factors to consider when selecting top online schools for veterans.

Accreditation

A college’s accreditation status should be a priority factor for every aspiring student. This helps to identify schools that meet recognized standards of quality education. It also ensures employers and other schools will respect your degree. Look for regional and specialized accreditations for specific schools, programs, or disciplines where applicable.

Military/ Veteran Services

Military-friendly schools should provide comprehensive military and veteran services to address the needs of these professionals. Ensure this by checking for the school’s resources for academic advising, counseling, mental health support, disability services, and other student life and veteran-specific programs.

Education Benefits

Veterans and military students are exposed to several educational benefits, and maximizing these benefits is best. As such, you should opt for online schools that accept GI Bill, incorporate the Yellow Ribbon Program, and provide credit for military training. Furthermore, it’s best to choose a school with a dedicated point of contact (POC) that helps to provide guidance and support services.

Online Format

Remember, flexible scheduling. This is particularly important for military personnel to accommodate the demands of military service, deployments, etc. Be sure to evaluate the online learning platform and resources. Ideally, they should be user-friendly and offer interactive and supportive learning features.

Transfer Credits

Credit transfer is an easier, quicker, and cheaper way to earn a degree. Determine whether the online school accepts military credits for prior learning and experience. Ensure the school has clear procedures and policies for recognizing, evaluating, and awarding military credits.

Majors

Align your educational experience with career goals. Choose degrees that provide relevant and comprehensive coursework and offer growth, networking, and success. As we’ve seen earlier, there are some popular majors to apply previous training and knowledge. Any school you choose should provide quality programs that align with your aspirations.

Cost of the Best Online Schools for Veterans

Aside from the factors in the previous section, the cost of an online degree is an equal consideration. Understanding the financial implications and evaluating the overall cost of online degrees for military personnel can help prospective students make informed decisions about pursuing their academic goals.

• Associate’s Degree: The average tuition for online associate degree programs is about $5,000 to $25,000.
• Bachelor’s Degree: The average tuition ranges from $30,000 to $60,000.
• Master’s Degree: On average, an online master’s degree would cost anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000
• Doctorate Degree: An online doctorate can range from $30,000 to over $100,000.

The actual cost of an online program depends on several factors. Particularly, the school and program. However, online programs are generally more affordable compared to traditional degrees. Remote programs often have lower tuition fees. They eliminate commuting and accommodation expenses. Also, they utilize Open Educational Resources, all contributing to the cost-effectiveness of online programs.

Does Military Pay for Online College?

Yes, the military provides financial assistance programs. These help cover the costs of online college education. The best online colleges for military recognize military education benefits and identify eligibility percentages. These benefits make online degrees cheaper. Also, they should apply to traditional on-campus education at approved institutions as well.

It is recommended that military personnel seeking online degrees explore online schools that accept GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, Tuition Assistance Program, and other financial aid. These options help alleviate the financial implications of pursuing advanced degrees.

Benefits of Online Learning for Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel

Online learning can benefit those seeking a degree while serving their country. Also, those transitioning to civilian life. Here are some of the benefits in this context:

Flexibility to Learn from Anywhere

The best online degrees for veterans and active-duty have flexibility. Online degrees may allows study from anywhere with an internet connection. This means students can study during frequent moves, deployments, and irregular schedules. Online programs allow students to study anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace, balancing their educational commitments and military duties more efficiently.

Military Credit Transfer

Most online colleges for veterans offer military credit transfer. Transfer is based on the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations and the Joint Services Transcript (JST). This ensures colleges recognize and grant credits for military work experience, training, and education acquired during their service.

Military credit transfer reduces the time and cost of completing a degree. It also validates achievements and credentials. It expands a vet’s career opportunities by building on prior knowledge and enhancing academic skills.

Career Advancement and Career Resources

Online learning helps to advance careers. By developing professional skills and integrating military experience, veterans can explore better career opportunities and earning potential.

Furthermore, top online schools for veterans also connect students with career resources. These can be valuable in the transition to the workforce. For example, access to federal government employment information, academic and career support, and networking.

Benefits for Military Spouses

Military spouses face unique challenges. Frequent relocations, family responsibilities, and the need to maintain career flexibility. To this point, online learning offers a chance to overcome these challenges.

First, online school allows military spouses to adapt to the demands of military life. Most online schools for veterans also provide supportive communities that help them navigate the challenges of that life.

Transition from the Military to Civilian Life with the Best Online Schools for Veterans

In conclusion, you can transition from military to civilian life through the best online schools for veterans. These colleges understand your challenges and provide support, flexible learning, and relevant degree programs to facilitate success.

GetEducated serves as a resource for veterans and other students to find the best online schools. This free online counseling center for adult students features a comprehensive selection of colleges that prioritize academic success, career readiness, and personal growth in any field of study. This ensures vets can embark on higher education. Make the transition seamlessly with top online schools for veterans today.