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Military-friendly online colleges or universities refer to educational institutions, typically universities or colleges, that have programs and policies in place to support and accommodate the needs of military service members, veterans, and their families who are pursuing education online.
These colleges strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for military-affiliated students and often offer specialized resources and services tailored to their unique circumstances.
Some common features and benefits associated with military-friendly online universities include:
- Flexibility
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
- Transferability of military credits
- Financial assistance
- Support services
- Military community and networking
- Compliance with military guidelines
For your convenience, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best military-friendly online colleges nationwide. Our ranking will ensure that you have easy access to the top institutions committed to supporting and accommodating the educational needs of military service members, veterans, and their families.
Top 11 of the Most Military-Friendly Online Colleges
1. Averett University
Averett University presents a range of online programs in seven key areas like business, education, and nursing.
As a military-friendly college, they extend generous benefits to military personnel, such as substantial tuition discounts up to 50%, military scholarships, and access to programs like the GI Bill benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment services, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Admission requirements for prospective students include a high school diploma or its equivalent. Furthermore, military students have the advantage of potentially receiving up to 90 transfer credits based on their previous experience and training.
Averett University aims to support military-affiliated individuals by offering flexible online education opportunities combined with financial and academic benefits. Thus, it is an ideal choice for those seeking to further their education while serving their country.
2. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) stands as a military-friendly college, offering over 100 online programs and certificates to cater to diverse educational goals.
The university recognizes the importance of supporting military personnel and extends benefits such as discounted tuition rates, tuition assistance programs, and scholarships for family members of veterans.
In addition, TESU ensures access to crucial resources like GI Bill and Veterans Affairs benefits, serving as a valuable support system for military spouses and dependents as well. Admission requirements for prospective students involve holding a high school diploma or a GED diploma.
To further aid military students, the university acknowledges the value of their experience and training, allowing them to potentially earn transfer credits towards their desired degree.
3. University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Global stands among the top military-friendly online colleges, offering a wide selection of over 90 online programs.
Understanding the unique needs of military personnel, UMass Global provides essential resources to support their transition from service to academics. This includes military transition programs, tuition assistance programs, and significant tuition discounts of up to 50%.
The university also ensures access to benefits like the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, aimed at easing the financial burden of education for military-affiliated individuals.
Prospective students seeking admission to UMass Global’s online programs are required to hold a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
For over 80 years, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been recognized as a top military-friendly college online. With a vast selection of over 200 online programs, SNHU caters to the diverse educational needs of military-affiliated individuals.
The university demonstrates its commitment to the military community by offering significant tuition discounts of up to 30% for both active military personnel and their spouses.
Admission requirements for prospective undergraduate students are straightforward, as they only need to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Moreover, SNHU acknowledges the value of military experience and training, allowing military students to potentially receive up to 90 transfer credits.
5. Syracuse University
Syracuse University boasts an impressive collection of nearly 60 online programs, catering to a wide range of academic interests. Recognizing the importance of supporting military-affiliated individuals, Syracuse University offers various benefits and resources.
For instance, students can take advantage of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits, tuition assistance programs, and access to the Yellow Ribbon Program, which aids in funding tuition expenses.
Notably, Syracuse University played a pivotal role in the creation of the original GI Bill in 1944, further highlighting its commitment to military students.
Prospective students looking to enroll in Syracuse’s online programs need to meet the basic admission requirements, which include holding a high school diploma or a GED diploma, as well as submitting standardized test scores.
Additionally, military students have the opportunity to potentially receive transfer credits for their prior experiential learning.
6. Liberty University
Liberty University stands as one of the top military-friendly online graduate schools. With a remarkable selection of over 100 online bachelor’s programs and more than 300 online master’s programs, the university ensures that military-affiliated individuals have access to a wide array of educational options.
Liberty University goes the extra mile to support military students by offering specialized military degree plans. These plans encompass various benefits, such as:
- Tuition discounts and assistance,
- Technology fee waivers, and
- Comprehensive support services during deployments and returns.
Prospective students seeking undergraduate admission to Liberty University’s online programs are required to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) stands as one of the regionally accredited military-friendly online colleges. UMGC offers reduced tuition rates and tuition assistance programs.
The university also ensures access to essential military benefits. With a robust selection of over 90 online programs, learners have a diverse range of academic options to choose from. Admission requirements for prospective students are straightforward, as they need to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Additionally, UMGC acknowledges the value of military experience and training, providing the opportunity for admitted students to receive transfer credits. This recognition allows military students to leverage their existing knowledge and skills, potentially expediting their degree completion.
8. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) caters to online military students by providing a wide array of over 100 degree programs. Most importantly, UCF offers tuition assistance programs, military scholarships, and even free tuition for Florida National Guard members.
Prospective undergraduate students aiming to enroll in UCF’s online programs need to meet the basic admission requirements of holding a high school diploma or its equivalent, as well as submitting SAT or ACT scores.
Upon entering UCF, military students receive personalized attention and support through a specialized transition plan, academic advising services, and comprehensive career support. These resources aim to facilitate a smooth and successful educational journey for military students.
9. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) proudly supports military personnel, with over 6,000 enrolled. Offering a vast selection of nearly 300 online programs and certificates, ASU provides ample educational opportunities for military-affiliated individuals.
ASU’s commitment to serving the military community is further demonstrated through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. It offers specialized student services tailored to the needs of veterans and active-duty military.
Prospective students seeking admission to ASU’s online programs are required to hold a high school diploma or a GED diploma. Additionally, ASU recognizes the value of military training and education by providing enrolled students with the opportunity to receive transfer credits based on their prior military experience.
10. Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including numerous online options, allowing learners to choose from 96 different programs. Distance education attracts students who seek adaptability in their learning journey.
As a private Baptist university, Hardin-Simmons University ensures that online programs maintain rigorous academic standards, providing a high-quality education to its students.
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree in less than four years, thanks to the possibility of transferring credits earned from previous educational experiences.
Additionally, graduate learners can pursue master’s programs in various fields, further expanding their knowledge and career opportunities.
11. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University stands as one of the military-friendly online colleges, providing both on-campus and online programs across various fields, including:
- Business,
- Healthcare,
- STEM, and
- Social science.
Through its online programs, students have the opportunity to earn their college degrees entirely online, offering flexibility and convenience.
As an accredited online institution, Tarleton State University ensures that its undergraduate and graduate programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, military-affiliated individuals seeking online education have several options. These military-friendly online colleges provide a supportive environment, specialized resources, and benefits to help military students achieve their educational goals.
