Online education has been increasing in popularity in recent years. For many reasons, including convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, it has become a preferred choice for those who cannot commit to traditional, brick-and-mortar colleges. It’s no wonder that military personnel are among those taking advantage of distance learning, as it fits perfectly with their unique schedules and needs. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of attending an online military-friendly college and highlight some of the best institutions to consider.
One of the most significant advantages of online education is that it allows military personnel to balance their work and personal lives while pursuing their academic goals. Many in the military have unpredictable schedules, and some may have to relocate frequently. With online education, they can study at any time and from any location, which means they no longer have to pause their education due to changes in their work assignments. Moreover, online courses offer increased flexibility in terms of attendance, so that those who might have to miss a lecture for duties can catch up later.
As we delve further, we will explore some of the best online military-friendly colleges that cater to the unique circumstances of military personnel. But first, let us take a look at some of the critical features that make these colleges stand out from the crowd.
What Are Online Military-Friendly Colleges?
Online military-friendly colleges are institutions that cater to the needs and preferences of servicemen and women, including flexible schedules, tuition assistance, and support programs.
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Benefits of Online Military-Friendly Colleges
Online military-friendly colleges offer numerous advantages, such as accessibility, affordability, and quality education, which can help military members transition to civilian life or advance their careers while serving.
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Top Online Military-Friendly Colleges
Here are some of the top online military-friendly colleges that provide exceptional programs and services for military students: [list colleges and their features].
Introduction
One of the biggest challenges for active-duty military members and veterans is continuing their education while serving or after they have left the military. Fortunately, there are now many online military-friendly colleges that offer flexible schedules, supportive services, and tuition assistance programs to help military members achieve their educational goals. In this article, we will highlight some of the best online military-friendly colleges and explore what makes them unique.
Tuition Assistance Programs
One of the biggest barriers to education for military members is the cost. However, many online military-friendly colleges offer tuition assistance programs that can help offset the cost of tuition. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for veterans and active-duty military members who have served at least 90 days on active duty since September 10, 2001. This program can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees for eligible individuals.
In addition, many online military-friendly colleges also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides additional funding to cover tuition and fees that exceed the basic benefits provided by the GI Bill. This can be especially beneficial for students who are attending private schools or out-of-state institutions.
Flexible Schedules
Online military-friendly colleges also offer flexible schedules that can accommodate the unique needs of military members. Many colleges offer asynchronous courses, which allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule rather than at a specific time. This can be especially helpful for students who may be deployed or have other military obligations that prevent them from attending classes at set times.
Furthermore, many online military-friendly colleges also offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degree requirements in less time than traditional programs. This can be a major advantage for military members who need to complete their degree quickly in order to meet promotion or deployment requirements.
Supportive Services
Online military-friendly colleges also offer a variety of supportive services that can help military members succeed in their academic endeavors. For example, many schools have dedicated military and veteran support offices that offer resources such as academic advising, counseling, and career services. These services can be especially helpful for students who may be dealing with the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life.
In addition, many online military-friendly colleges also offer credit for military experience. This means that military members can earn college credit for the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their military training and service. This can help reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.
Best Online Military-Friendly Colleges
Now that we have explored what makes online military-friendly colleges unique, let’s take a look at some of the best schools for military members.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
UMGC is a state university that offers over 90 academic programs, including degrees in areas such as cybersecurity, business, and education. The school has been recognized as a top military-friendly school by Military Times and GI Jobs, and offers a variety of resources to support military and veteran students, including a dedicated advising center and a Veterans Assistance Fund.
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle is a private university that specializes in aviation and aerospace education. The school has been designated as a Center of Excellence for cybersecurity by the National Security Agency, and offers online programs in areas such as aviation, engineering, and business. Embry-Riddle is also a Yellow Ribbon school, and offers scholarships and other financial aid options for military students.
3. American Military University (AMU)
AMU is a for-profit university that offers over 200 programs in areas such as homeland security, intelligence studies, and emergency and disaster management. The school has been designated as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, and offers free online textbooks and other resources to military and veteran students.
4. Arizona State University (ASU)
ASU is a public university that offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in areas such as engineering, nursing, and public service. The school has been ranked as the #1 most innovative university in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and has a dedicated veteran center that offers services such as tutoring, counseling, and career coaching for military and veteran students.
Conclusion
Online military-friendly colleges offer a unique opportunity for military members to continue their education and achieve their career goals. With flexible schedules, supportive services, and tuition assistance programs, these schools can help military members overcome the challenges of balancing military and academic responsibilities. Whether you are an active-duty member or a veteran, the schools highlighted in this article can provide a path to success.
FAQ
1. What is an online military-friendly college?
An online military-friendly college is a college or university that provides an online degree program specifically designed to meet the needs of military service members and veterans. These colleges offer a range of degree programs that are flexible and accommodate the busy schedules of military personnel. They also provide specialized support services to assist military students in achieving their educational goals.
2. What are the benefits of attending an online military-friendly college?
There are numerous benefits to attending an online military-friendly college, including the flexibility to study from anywhere, access to specialized support services for military students, and the ability to transfer credits earned during military service. Online programs also offer the opportunity for military personnel to complete their degree programs at their own pace, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.
3. What degree programs are available at online military-friendly colleges?
Online military-friendly colleges offer a wide range of degree programs, from associate’s degrees to master’s degrees. Some of the most popular programs include business administration, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and nursing. In addition, many colleges offer programs specifically designed for military personnel, such as military history or leadership studies.
4. How do I know if an online military-friendly college is reputable?
It is important to research the accreditation and reputation of any college or university before enrolling in an online degree program. Look for colleges that are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission or Middle States Commission on Higher Education. You can also research the reputation of a college by reading student reviews and checking the college’s ranking on reputable websites like U.S. News & World Report.
5. Can I use my military benefits to pay for online degree programs?
Yes, military personnel and veterans can use a variety of military benefits to pay for online degree programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Tuition Assistance Programs. In addition, many colleges offer military-specific scholarships and tuition discounts to help offset the cost of tuition.
6. What kind of support services do online military-friendly colleges offer?
Many online military-friendly colleges offer specialized support services to military students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services. In addition, colleges often provide resources and assistance in navigating the VA education benefits and transferring military credits to academic credits.
7. How do online degree programs differ from traditional on-campus degree programs?
Online degree programs generally have the same academic requirements as traditional on-campus degree programs, but the delivery of the curriculum is different. Online students complete their coursework online through a learning management system, rather than attending classes in person. Online programs also offer more flexibility in terms of when and where students can complete their coursework.
8. How long does it take to complete an online degree program?
The length of time it takes to complete an online degree program varies depending on the degree program and the student’s pace of study. Most online associate’s degree programs can be completed in two years, while bachelor’s degree programs generally take four years to complete. Master’s degree programs can take anywhere from one to three years to complete, depending on the program and the student’s schedule.
9. Can I transfer credits earned during my military service to an online degree program?
Yes, many online military-friendly colleges offer credit for military experience and training. This means that military personnel can transfer their military training and experience into academic credits that count towards their degree program. Some colleges also offer credit for certain military occupational specialties.
10. What kind of career opportunities are available with an online degree?
The career opportunities available to graduates of online degree programs are numerous and vary depending on the degree program and the industry. Some popular career paths for online degree graduates include business, healthcare, education, and technology. Graduates may also be eligible for military-specific jobs, such as government or defense contractor positions.