Military personnel and their families have special needs when it comes to education. Due to the frequent relocation and deployment, it’s not easy for service members to complete their education. That’s why the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) introduced the Military Friendly® Schools program to help them find colleges and universities that support their unique needs, such as financial aid, flexible schedules, and support services. The program evaluates schools based on the results of a survey questionnaire, which assesses their preparedness in serving military and veteran students. The schools that meet the criteria receive a Military Friendly® Schools designation, which makes it easier for veterans and their families to find the right schools, both on-campus and online.
As online education becomes more popular, military personnel have started to recognize its potential to advance their education, regardless of their location or schedule. Many colleges and universities have recognized this trend and have started to offer online degree programs explicitly targeting military personnel and their families. These programs allow military members to earn college degrees without disrupting their careers or family lives, and they provide the necessary support to help them succeed. Thanks to these programs, military-friendly colleges online are becoming increasingly popular and have earned a reputation as a reliable source for flexible, affordable, and accessible education.
Military Friendly Colleges Online: An Overview
Military friendly colleges online offer programs and resources specifically designed for military members and their families.
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Benefits of Military Friendly Colleges Online
From flexible schedules and tuition discounts to opportunities for networking and career advancement, military friendly colleges online offer a variety of benefits for students with military ties.
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Top Military Friendly Colleges Online
There are many military friendly colleges online to choose from, including some well-known universities and specialized schools that cater to military members and veterans.
Online Military Friendly Colleges: An Overview
As a member of the military, finding a college that is accommodating to your situation might be challenging. However, with the rise of online learning, many universities have been able to cater to the needs of service members through flexible online programs. In this article, we’ll explore the top military friendly colleges that offer online programs to veterans, active duty personnel, and their families.
Benefits of Pursuing Your Degree Online
Online learning has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. Military personnel are often required to relocate constantly, making it difficult to attend traditional college classes. Here are some benefits of pursuing your degree online:
- Flexibility: Online programs offer a flexible schedule that allows you to work around your military duties, allowing you to study and complete coursework whenever you have free time.
- Cost-Effective: Online learning is typically more affordable than traditional college courses. They may also be eligible for additional financial assistance specifically for military families, such as the GI Bill.
- Convenience: Studying from home means avoiding commuting and having a comfortable learning environment, which can be important, especially if you are dealing with psychological stress or other military-related issues.
- Interdisciplinary learning: Many online courses incorporate multimedia and group work, allowing you to collaborate with students from all over the globe, acquire cross-cultural competencies, and develop diverse perspectives.
Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
Now, let’s take a glimpse at some of the top military friendly colleges that offer online degrees to service members:
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
UMGC offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs that are completely online. The university also has a long-standing relationship with the military and is committed to helping military personnel and their families complete their education.
UMGC aims to provide financial assistance to military personnel and their families, including scholarships specifically for military-affiliated students, discounted textbooks, and the ability to use military tuition assistance. They also have a dedicated support team to help students transition from active duty to student life.
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a popular choice for military personnel looking for online degree options. They offer degree programs in aviation, business, engineering, cybersecurity, and more. They also provide a range of resources for military students, such as credit for previous military training and experience, career services, and counseling services.
ERAU has an extensive military-affiliated student services department, and they offer several educational programs exclusively for veterans or active duty personnel, making the transition to college life easier. They also offer tuition discounts and book vouchers, helping military personnel afford higher education.
3. Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online is a Christian university that provides graduate and undergraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, education, and counseling. They offer a range of support to military personnel and their families, including assistance for transitioning soldiers to college life, counseling and career services, and financial aid for active duty personnel.
Liberty University Online also provides credit for military experience and training and offers discount degrees and scholarships. They have a dedicated military affairs team that is available to assist military students by phone or email.
Conclusion
Online learning is an ideal solution for military personnel and their families who want to achieve their educational goals without sacrificing their current roles. When selecting an online college to attend, ensure that it is a military-friendly college that provides adequate support systems and financial benefits for their military-affiliated students.
With the rise of online colleges geared towards military personnel, it is now possible for service members and their families to pursue higher education from anywhere in the world. With determination and the right resources, earning a degree while serving our country can be achieved successfully.
FAQ
1. What are military friendly colleges online?
Military friendly colleges online are institutions that offer educational opportunities to military service members, veterans, and their families. These colleges provide flexible schedules, online classes, and other resources to help military students balance their academic commitments with their military duties. They also have staff members who are familiar with military life and can offer guidance and support in navigating the post-secondary education process.
2. What are the benefits of attending a military friendly college online?
There are numerous benefits of attending a military friendly college online. These institutions typically offer flexible scheduling options and courses that are designed to accommodate the unique demands of military life, such as frequent deployments or relocations. Military students can also take advantage of resources such as military education benefits, veteran-specific scholarships, and access to advisors who are knowledgeable about the military experience. Additionally, military friendly colleges online often have strong veteran communities that offer networking opportunities and support to military students transitioning from military to civilian life.
3. How do I know if a college is military friendly?
Many colleges and universities advertise as being military friendly, but it’s important to do your research to ensure that the institution truly meets the needs of military students. The best way to determine if a college is military friendly is by looking for accreditation from organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Military Friendly Schools program. You can also check for resources such as veteran-specific offices or programs, a designated point of contact for military students, and a strong support network for veterans.
4. What types of degrees can I pursue at a military friendly college online?
Military friendly colleges online offer a wide range of degrees and programs spanning certificate and associate’s degrees to master’s degrees and beyond. Typical degree programs include fields such as business, nursing, education, cybersecurity, and information technology. Online programs can also offer opportunities for professional development, such as online certificate programs, that allow you to build skills and gain credentials without committing to a full degree.
5. How do online classes work at military friendly colleges?
Online classes at military friendly colleges are delivered through a virtual learning platform. Students are able to access course materials, communicate with instructors and classmates, and submit assignments entirely online. Classes may have asynchronous or synchronous components, meaning that you may be required to attend lectures or participate in discussions at specific times or complete activities on your own schedule. Each institution will have its own policies and procedures for online classes, so it’s important to review these carefully before enrolling in any courses.
6. What types of support do military friendly colleges offer?
Military friendly colleges offer a variety of resources and support services to help military students succeed. These may include academic advising, career services, tutoring, counseling, financial aid assistance, and disability services. Many institutions also have dedicated programs or offices for veterans that provide additional support and resources, such as peer mentoring and social activities. It’s important to research the support options available at each institution to find the one that best meets your needs.
7. Can military spouses and dependents attend military friendly colleges online?
Yes, many military friendly colleges extend their resources and support services to military spouses and dependents. These institutions may offer specific programs or resources designed to support military families, as well as scholarships and tuition assistance for spouses and dependents of military service members. Some colleges also offer specialized programs that provide vocational training or career development to military spouses, helping them build skills and pursue job opportunities despite frequent moves and periods of separation.
8. Can I use my military education benefits at a military friendly college online?
Yes, military education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Tuition Assistance can be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees at military friendly colleges online. It’s important to check with each institution to ensure they are certified to accept your specific benefit. In addition, many institutions may offer veteran-specific scholarships or additional financial aid options to help military students fund their education.
9. How do I apply to a military friendly college online?
The application process for a military friendly college online will vary depending on the institution. Generally, you will need to fill out an application either online or by mail providing basic information about yourself, your educational background, and any military experience. You may also be required to submit additional documents such as transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be notified of any next steps, such as registering for classes or securing financial aid.
10. How can I find the right military friendly college online for me?
Finding the right college that meets your unique needs and goals requires research and careful consideration. Start by identifying your academic interests and career aspirations, and then look for institutions that offer programs in those areas. Consider factors such as cost, location, accreditation, and support services when evaluating potential colleges. Most importantly, read reviews and speak with current or former military students to get a sense of what the institution is like and how it can meet your needs as a military student or veteran.