Military service is a noble vocation that necessitates sacrifice and devotion. Serving in the military has its share of dangers, but it is still one of the most respected professions. Many people opt to join the military to serve their country in some capacity. While in the military, it can be difficult to balance professional and personal responsibilities, especially when it comes to education. However, online colleges that are military friendly have come to the rescue to allow military personnel to obtain a degree in their own time and at their own pace.
There are many military-friendly online colleges to choose from that are intended for people who are serving or have just recently served in the military. These online colleges can provide unfettered access to post-secondary instruction for people pursuing a variety of educational backgrounds, whether it’s an associate degree or a doctorate. Military service has a set of benefits that these colleges are adept at accommodating. Servicemen and women may be transferred to different duty stations frequently, and these military-friendly online colleges know how to handle that. Furthermore, they provide support personnel who are not only familiar with military protocols, but also with the academic requirements of the online education system. As a result, online colleges devoted to the military are becoming increasingly common.
There are numerous advantages of studying with military-friendly online colleges. Their websites are designed to be user-friendly and equipped with cutting-edge online instruction methods, resulting in high-quality virtual meetings or webinars. The curriculum is intended to align with military obligations, and credit transfer options are available for previously earned post-secondary credits. Furthermore, the financial burden of obtaining an education is reduced due to military tuition assistance options.
Overall, the availability of military-friendly online colleges has a huge impact on post-military education for thousands of service personnel across the country, allowing them the opportunity to complete their education and embark on a new career path.
Military Friendly Online Colleges
Online colleges can be a great option for military personnel seeking education while on active duty or after returning to civilian life.
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Criteria for Military Friendly Designation
Military friendly online colleges are those that meet certain criteria, including tuition discounts, credit for military experience, and a dedicated office for military and veteran services.
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Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
Some of the top military friendly online colleges include University of Maryland Global Campus, Southern New Hampshire University, and American Public University System.
Overview of Military Friendly Online Colleges
In recent years, the demand for online education has skyrocketed among military service members and veterans who are seeking quality higher education that fits into their busy schedules. That’s why many colleges and universities have stepped up to the challenge and crafted military-friendly online programs that cater to this unique demographic. A truly military-friendly online college not only offers high-quality education but also provides support services, including financial assistance, flexible scheduling, credit transfer options, and resources to aid in the transition from military to civilian life. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the military-friendly online colleges and universities, what sets them apart, and what benefits they offer.
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a top-rated military-friendly online college known for its flexible degree programs and affordable tuition. The school has been recognized by various organizations and publications, including Military Times, for its outstanding support for veterans and military personnel. SNHU offers more than 200 online programs, including a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree options across several fields, from accounting and business to psychology and nursing. Additionally, the college provides various resources to support military service members, such as tuition discounts, career assistance, and educational benefits.
2. American Public University System
The American Public University System (APUS) is another military-friendly online college that’s worth mentioning. With over 200 online programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various disciplines, APUS has a strong military-centered culture, which is evident in its programs and services. The school has a dedicated office for military students that offers assistance with enrollment, VA education benefits, and career services. APUS also offers a generous transfer credit policy, allowing military service members to convert their military experience into course credits.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an accredited military-friendly online institution that has been serving the educational needs of military service members, veterans, and their families for more than 70 years. The university offers over 90 online programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity, data analytics, business administration, and more. UMGC provides various resources, such as tuition discounts, scholarship opportunities, and career services, to support military personnel and their families.
4. Liberty University
Liberty University is a Christian-based military-friendly online college that offers over 400 online degree programs across various disciplines, including business, education, psychology, and more. The school offers generous tuition discounts for active-duty military service members, veterans, and their families, as well as credit transfers for military training and experience. Additionally, Liberty has a dedicated military affairs office to provide career resources, counseling, and support services to military service members and their families.
5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is an accredited military-friendly online college that specializes in aviation, aerospace, and engineering programs. ERAU has a long history of partnering with the military to provide higher education opportunities to military personnel, veterans, and their families. The college offers more than 100 online degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields like aviation, security and intelligence, engineering, and business. ERAU also provides various resources, including dedicated academic advisors, military support services, and discounts on tuition and textbooks.
Conclusion
Choosing a military-friendly online college is crucial for military service members and veterans who want to pursue higher education and advance their careers. The five colleges and universities discussed in this article are just a few examples of the many quality military-friendly online programs available. When selecting an online college, military personnel should consider factors such as accreditation, tuition costs, degree programs, and support services. By doing so, they can ensure they receive a quality education that meets their unique needs.
FAQ – Military Friendly Online Colleges
Question 1: What does it mean for a college to be military-friendly?
A military-friendly college is one that understands the unique needs and challenges that military personnel face and strives to support them. These colleges offer a range of resources and services specifically tailored to current and former military personnel and their families. This can include things like flexible learning options, financial aid assistance, credit for military experience, and access to a veteran’s center or support group.
Question 2: Are online colleges a good option for military personnel?
Online colleges can be a great choice for military personnel, as they offer a lot of flexibility and convenience that traditional campus-based programs may not. With online learning, military personnel can study from anywhere in the world, on their own schedule, and often at a lower cost than traditional colleges. Additionally, many online colleges are specifically designed to meet the needs of military personnel, with special resources and support services available.
Question 3: What types of degrees are available from military-friendly online colleges?
Military-friendly online colleges offer a wide range of degree programs, from associate’s to doctoral degrees. These programs can cover a variety of subject areas, including business, healthcare, technology, education, and more. Many online colleges also offer certificate programs and professional development courses that can help military personnel enhance their skills in specific areas.
Question 4: What types of financial aid are available for military personnel attending online colleges?
Military personnel attending online colleges may be eligible for a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Additionally, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other military education benefits can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses. It’s important to research the specific financial aid options available at each online college to determine what’s best for your situation.
Question 5: How can I find military-friendly online colleges?
There are several resources available to help you find military-friendly online colleges. The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a list of approved colleges and universities that offer VA education benefits. Additionally, several organizations, such as Military Friendly and the Military Times, rank colleges based on how well they support military personnel and their families.
Question 6: Can military experience count towards college credits?
Yes, many military-friendly online colleges offer college credit for military experience and training. This can help military personnel save time and money towards their degree by receiving credit for skills they already possess. Be sure to check with each online college to see how they evaluate military experience and award college credits.
Question 7: What support services are available to military personnel at online colleges?
Online colleges offer a variety of support services specifically tailored to military personnel, such as academic counseling, career services, and access to veteran’s centers or support groups. Additionally, many online colleges have dedicated staff members who specialize in serving military students and can provide assistance with things like financial aid, transfer credits, and career planning.
Question 8: Can I transfer credits to an online college from a military training program or another college?
Yes, many online colleges accept transfer credits from military training programs and other accredited colleges and universities. The amount of transfer credits that can be applied towards a degree can vary by college and program, so it’s important to research each online college’s policies on transfer credits.
Question 9: What are the advantages of attending a military-friendly online college?
There are several advantages to attending a military-friendly online college, including flexible learning options, tailored support services, and the ability to receive credit for military experience. Additionally, many online colleges offer discounted tuition rates for military personnel and their families, making higher education more affordable.
Question 10: Can military personnel receive credit for experience gained in the military towards a degree?
Yes, military personnel can receive college credit for experience gained in the military towards a degree. This can be a valuable way to save time and money towards a degree by receiving credit for skills and knowledge gained through military training and experience. Be sure to check with each online college to see how they evaluate military experience and award college credits.