Best Online Colleges for Military: A Comprehensive Guide
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to continuing your education. However, with the advent of online education, military personnel have more flexibility than ever before to earn a degree or certification without disrupting their service. There is a plethora of online colleges that cater to the unique needs of military personnel and offer the flexibility, affordability, and quality education they deserve. In this article, we will explore some of the best online colleges for military and what makes them stand out.
One of the top online colleges for military personnel is American Military University (AMU). AMU is a regionally accredited institution that offers a wide range of degrees and certifications that aligns with the needs of military personnel and veterans. The university is renowned for its flexible online programs, including asynchronous courses, which allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. What sets AMU apart from other online colleges is its military-friendly policies, such as waived fees for the application, matriculation, and transcripts. AMU also has a dedicated Office of Military Affairs that provides one-on-one support and guidance to military personnel throughout their academic journey. With tuition discounts for active-duty personnel and veterans, AMU is a top choice for military personnel looking for affordable and high-quality online education.
Another well-established online college that caters to the needs of military personnel is Grantham University. Grantham University offers flexible and affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates in various fields that align with the needs of military personnel. One of the standout features of Grantham University is that it has a dedicated Military Support Center that provides a wide range of services, including degree plan customization, education benefits guidance, and career services assistance. Grantham University is also a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium, which means that the university’s programs meet the unique needs of military personnel and veterans, including those who are on active duty or deployed. With its military-friendly policies, flexible coursework, and affordable tuition rates, Grantham University is an excellent choice for military personnel looking to advance their education while serving their country.
The Benefits of Online Colleges for Military Personnel
Online colleges provide flexibility and accessibility for active-duty service members and veterans in obtaining higher education.
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The Top Online Colleges for Military Personnel
The University of Maryland Global Campus, Excelsior College, and American Military University are among the best online colleges for military personnel based on factors such as affordability, support services, and flexibility.
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Resources and Support
Military personnel can take advantage of resources and support services provided by online colleges, including dedicated military advisors, financial assistance, and academic credit for military training and experiences.
Introduction
The life of a military serviceman is a challenging and rewarding one. Serving your country is a noble duty, but it can be tough to balance that with your personal life, including higher education. Fortunately, there are many online colleges that cater specifically to military personnel. In this article, we’ll look at the best online colleges for military members, including both universities and colleges that offer flexible programs ideal for military service professionals.
Benefits of Online Study for Military Members
Online study can be a great option for military members because it’s flexible and allows you to study from anywhere, making it an ideal solution for professionals on the move. Here are some of the key benefits of studying online:
- You can study anywhere and anytime that suits you.
- You don’t need to relocate to attend classes.
- You can access course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.
- You can balance your personal and professional life better.
- You can complete your degree at your own pace.
- You’ll learn valuable skills in digital technology, which can enhance your resume and professional prospects.
Top Online Colleges for Military Members
Here are some of the top online colleges that cater specifically to military members:
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university that offers online programs catered to military personnel. UMGC has been serving military members for over 70 years and has over 25,000 current active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their family members. UMGC offers over 90 online programs, including 32 certificates, 17 associate degrees, 31 bachelor’s degrees, and 11 master’s degrees.
2. American Military University
American Military University (AMU) is a private, for-profit university that specializes in catering to military personnel. The university offers over 200 online programs in various fields such as business, education, criminal justice, intelligence studies, and cybersecurity. AMU is known for its flexibility in accommodating military personnel with non-traditional schedules.
3. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit university that offers online programs catered to military personnel. Military personnel can get credit for their military experience, making it easier to complete their degree faster. The university offers over 100 online programs, including degrees in business, education, criminal justice, and nursing.
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private, non-profit university that specializes in aviation and aerospace education, making it an ideal choice for military personnel with an interest in this field. The university offers over 30 online programs in areas such as aviation, engineering, and safety. Embry-Riddle is particularly known for its certification training options.
5. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university that offers online programs catered to military personnel. The university offers over 80 online programs, including non-traditional programs like emergency management, security management, and supply chain management. Bellevue University is known for offering tuition assistance to individuals affiliated with more than 2,500 organizations.
Conclusion
Military personnel face unique challenges when it comes to higher education because of the demands of their profession. Fortunately, online colleges have emerged that cater specifically to military students and offer flexible programs that can accommodate their schedules. By considering online programs from some of the best online colleges for military members, including those we have highlighted in this article, military personnel can further their education and advance their career prospects without sacrificing their duties to serve our country.
FAQ
Question 1: What are the best online colleges for military personnel?
Answer: There are several online colleges that offer military-friendly programs. Some of the best ones include the University of Maryland Global Campus, Arizona State University, Pennsylvania State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Liberty University. These colleges offer flexible online programs that are designed to meet the needs of military personnel and their families. They have specially designed programs to help military students transfer their credits, manage their finances, and complete their degrees while on active duty. They also offer a variety of veteran services, including tuition assistance, GI Bill counseling, and academic support. Additionally, all of these colleges are accredited and recognized for academic excellence.
Question 2: Can I get a degree online while serving in the military?
Answer: Yes, you can get a degree online while serving in the military. In fact, many military personnel choose to pursue their education online because it allows them to balance their career with their studies. Many universities and colleges offer online programs that are flexible and designed to meet the needs of active-duty military personnel. These programs are often asynchronous, which means that you can complete your coursework at any time that is convenient for you. If you are interested in pursuing an online degree, it is important to research the colleges that offer military-friendly programs as well as their degree requirements and prerequisites.
Question 3: What type of degrees can I get online?
Answer: You can get a wide range of degrees online, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. Some of the most popular online degrees for military personnel include business, computer science, nursing, criminal justice, and engineering. These degree programs are offered by many accredited universities and colleges and are designed to meet the needs of active-duty military personnel who may have limited time to complete their degrees. It is important to research the specific degree programs offered by each college to ensure that they meet your academic and career goals.
Question 4: Do online degrees have the same credibility as traditional degrees?
Answer: Yes, online degrees have the same credibility as traditional degrees if they are earned from an accredited institution. Online degree programs are often designed to be just as rigorous as traditional programs and can provide the same level of knowledge and skills. However, it is important to note that not all online colleges are accredited, and it is essential to verify the accreditation of any college or university you are considering. Accreditation is the process by which an independent organization evaluates and recognizes a college or university as maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and rigor.
Question 5: Is financial aid available for online colleges?
Answer: Yes, financial aid is available for online colleges. Military personnel are eligible for several types of financial aid, including the GI Bill and tuition assistance. In addition, many online colleges offer scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to support their military students. It is important to research the financial aid options offered by each college to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available resources.
Question 6: What support services are available for military personnel enrolled in online colleges?
Answer: Many online colleges offer services that are tailored to the specific needs of military personnel. These services may include academic tutoring, career counseling, and veteran support programs that offer resources for transitioning to civilian life. Additionally, many colleges provide a designated point of contact for military students to assist them with any issues they may encounter during their studies. It is important to research the support services offered by each college and the resources that are available to help military personnel successfully complete their degrees.
Question 7: Are online colleges flexible enough to accommodate the schedules of active-duty military personnel?
Answer: Yes, online colleges are designed to be flexible and accommodating to the schedules of military personnel. Many online degree programs are offered asynchronously, which means that students can complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition, many colleges offer accelerated degree programs that can be completed in a shorter period of time, which may be beneficial to military personnel who are limited by their deployment schedules.
Question 8: Can I get credit for my military training and experience?
Answer: Yes, you can often receive academic credit for your military training and experience. Many universities and colleges offer credit for military training and experience through the VA Transferability program, which is designed to help military personnel transfer their skills and knowledge to their education. It is important to research the specific guidelines and requirements for receiving academic credit for military training and experience to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available options.
Question 9: How do I know if an online college is military-friendly?
Answer: To determine if an online college is military-friendly, you should research the college’s website, speak with admissions representatives, and review the college’s published policies and procedures related to military students. Many colleges have dedicated military support centers that provide resources and guidance to military students, and many colleges participate in military-specific programs and initiatives. Accreditation is also an important factor in determining if a college is military-friendly as it ensures that the college meets rigorous academic standards.
Question 10: How long will it take me to complete an online degree while serving in the military?
Answer: The time it takes to complete an online degree while serving in the military can vary depending on the specific degree program and the individual’s course load. However, many online colleges offer accelerated degree programs that can be completed in a shorter period of time. It is important to research the degree requirements and prerequisites for each college and degree program to determine the estimated completion time, taking into consideration any breaks or deployments that may interrupt your studies.