As a member of the military, finding the right college can be a challenge. With deployment, changing duty stations, and irregular schedules, traditional classes don’t always fit into your schedule. That’s where military-friendly online colleges come in. Online programs offer flexibility and convenience for military personnel, allowing them to take courses on their own time and from anywhere in the world. But which online colleges are the best for military-friendly programs? Here, we’ve put together a list of the top-ranked online colleges that are committed to providing quality education to military personnel and their families.
If you’re looking for an online college that caters to the needs of the military, look no further than these top-ranked institutions. Each college on this list offers a range of benefits and resources, including flexible class schedules, on-campus veteran resource centers, and tuition assistance. We’ve considered factors like affordability, quality of education, and support for veteran and military students to bring you this list of the best military-friendly online colleges.
Best Military Friendly Online Colleges
Online colleges can provide flexibility and accessibility for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.
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Criteria for Military Friendly Colleges
Military-friendly colleges offer various types of support, such as tuition assistance, credit transfers, and flexible scheduling.
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Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
Penn State World Campus, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of Maryland Global Campus are among the top military-friendly online colleges.
Introduction
As a military member, finding time to attend a traditional college can often be challenging. Luckily, there are now many military-friendly online colleges that cater to the needs of service members. These online colleges offer a wide range of courses, degrees and certifications through distance education, allowing military members to further their education while still fulfilling their military obligations. In this article, we will discuss the best military-friendly online colleges available today.
Benefits of Online Programs for Military Members
Online programs offer many benefits to military members, including flexibility in scheduling, convenience in location, and accessibility to course materials. Most online programs allow students to work at their own pace without having to worry about missing an important class or lecture. Additionally, online programs are accessible from any location with internet access, making it easy for military members to continue their education from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, online programs often provide course materials online, allowing students to access them 24/7, regardless of their location.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Military Friendly Online Colleges
Here are some of the criteria that we used to select the best military-friendly online colleges:
- Accreditation
- Degree and program availability
- Tuition and financial aid
- Scholarships specifically for military members and their families
- Flexibility in scheduling
- Access to resources specific to military students
- Experience of faculty and staff in working with military students
Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
1. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a popular choice for military members due to its flexible scheduling options and numerous degree programs. They offer a Military Division that provides support and resources for military students and their dependents. They also have online counseling services, academic advising, and a veterans resource center. The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a military-friendly online college that offers over 200 programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. They offer discounts for active military, award credit for military experience, and provide scholarships for veterans and their families. Additionally, they have a military admission team that assists service members through the application process. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
3. American Military University
American Military University is a virtual campus designed for active service members, veterans, and military families. They offer over 200 degree and certificate programs, including degrees in homeland security, intelligence studies, and national security. They also provide a variety of services for military students, such as transfer credit for military experience, tuition assistance, and a dedicated veteran services team. American Military University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
4. Liberty University
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world and offers over 450 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. They offer a wide range of degree programs for military members, including aviation, criminal justice, and psychology. They also have a dedicated veterans center and provide benefits such as tuition discounts and transfer credit for military experience. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a military-friendly online college that specializes in aviation and aerospace programs. Their online campus offers over 90 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They also provide services such as academic and career counseling, credit for military experience, and tuition assistance. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Conclusion
Online programs offer a convenient and flexible way for military members to earn a degree while still fulfilling their military obligations. The colleges mentioned in this article are just a few of the many military-friendly online colleges available to choose from. When selecting a college, be sure to consider factors such as accreditation, degree programs, tuition, scholarships, and support services for military students. With the right college, service members and their families can receive quality education while serving our country.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Best Military Friendly Online Colleges
Question 1: What is a military-friendly online college?
A military-friendly online college provides programs and services that meet the unique needs of military service members, veterans, and their families. These services may include flexible course scheduling, transfer credits for military training, veteran support centers, and financial assistance.
Question 2: How can I tell if a college is military-friendly?
Look for colleges that have received recognition from organizations such as Military Times, G.I. Jobs, or Military Friendly. These organizations evaluate colleges based on their support for military students, including tuition assistance, credit transfer, and veteran services. You can also research individual college websites and contact their admissions or veteran support office to ask about their policies for military students.
Question 3: What are some of the best military-friendly online colleges?
Some of the best military-friendly online colleges include Arizona State University, Colorado State University-Global Campus, Purdue University Global, University of Maryland Global Campus, and University of Wisconsin Online. These colleges offer a range of programs, financial aid options, and support services specifically designed for military students.
Question 4: Can I use my military benefits to pay for online college?
Yes, military benefits such as the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and scholarships can be used to pay for online college. However, it is important to check with your specific branch of service and the college you are interested in attending to ensure that your benefits will be accepted.
Question 5: What if I need to take a break from my online courses due to military duty?
Many military-friendly online colleges offer flexible scheduling and allow students to take breaks from their courses without penalty for military duty. Be sure to check with your college’s policies and procedures for withdrawing or taking a leave of absence due to military service.
Question 6: Do online courses require a lot of technical skills?
No, online courses typically have user-friendly interfaces and do not require advanced technical skills. However, it is important to have basic computer skills such as word processing, email, and internet navigation.
Question 7: What type of degree programs are offered online by military-friendly colleges?
Military-friendly online colleges offer a variety of degree programs including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some colleges also offer certificate programs and professional development courses for military students.
Question 8: Can I get academic credit for my military training?
Yes, many military-friendly online colleges offer academic credit for military training and experience. This can shorten the amount of time it takes to complete your degree and reduce the amount of tuition you need to pay.
Question 9: How can I access support services for military students?
Military-friendly online colleges typically have dedicated veteran support centers that offer a range of services including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services. You can also access resources and support from organizations such as the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and Vet Centers.
Question 10: What are some tips for succeeding in online college as a military student?
To succeed in online college as a military student, it is important to stay organized, manage your time effectively, communicate with your professors and classmates, and take advantage of support services. Additionally, be sure to take breaks for self-care and connect with your military and civilian communities for support and encouragement.