If you are a veteran or currently serving in the military, you might be looking to go back to school and earn your degree. However, you might be hesitant to commit to a traditional, on-campus program due to your military commitments or disability status. Fortunately, many colleges and universities offer online programs that cater specifically to the needs of military members. These schools are committed to providing flexible, affordable, and high-quality education to those who have served our country. Here are some of the top military-friendly online colleges to help you achieve your educational goals:
1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is a private, nonprofit university that offers more than 200 online programs, including many in-demand degrees in business, healthcare, IT, and more. The university has a proud history of serving military members, with more than 20,000 active-duty and veteran students enrolled. SNHU offers a dedicated military support team that provides personalized assistance in areas such as financial aid, transfer credits, and academic advising. The university also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps eligible veterans cover tuition costs that are not paid for by the GI Bill.
What Are Military Friendly Online Colleges?
Military friendly online colleges are educational institutions that offer support and resources to military personnel and veterans, such as flexible scheduling, credit for military training, and counseling services.
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Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
There are a variety of military friendly online colleges to choose from, including Penn State World Campus, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of Maryland Global Campus, which offer various degree programs and support services specifically for military personnel and veterans.
Top Military-Friendly Online Colleges
For military personnel looking to further their education while on active duty, online education is often the best option. It allows flexibility, convenience, and accessibility, which are crucial for those who are often on the move. In this article, we will be discussing the top military-friendly online colleges that cater to the needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families.
What Makes a College Military-Friendly?
A military-friendly college is an institution that provides various accommodations and resources for military personnel, veterans, and their families. These accommodations may include flexible scheduling, credit transfer, and financial aid programs that cater specifically to military personnel.
Also, military-friendly colleges offer a supportive environment for military students by providing services like veteran’s resource centers, counseling services, and network associations that help students connect with others who have similar experiences.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of top military-friendly online colleges.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a leader in online education, and it’s also recognized as one of the best institutions for military personnel and veterans. In fact, more than 50% of UMGC’s students are military-affiliated.
UMGC offers flexible scheduling, credit transfer programs, and generous financial aid options for military personnel. They also provide various resources and support services, such as the Veteran Student Support Services, Military Education Coordinators, and Military and Veteran Academic Advising.
2. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is another top institution that caters to military personnel. They offer over 150 online degrees and certificate programs in various fields, making it easy for military students to find a degree that fits their needs.
One of the significant benefits of Pennsylvania State University World Campus is their military support team, which helps students navigate the admissions, financial aid, credit transfer, and other related processes. They also offer a Military Grant-in-Aid program that helps eligible military personnel, veterans, and their families pay for their education.
3. University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus has been recognized by various publications as one of the most military-friendly colleges in the country. They offer over 50 online degree programs in a variety of fields, such as business, education, and healthcare.
One of the unique aspects of the University of Arizona Global Campus is their Military Division, which focuses specifically on supporting military personnel and veterans. They provide various resources and services, such as Military Admissions Representatives, Veteran Student Services, and Military and Veteran Support Services.
4. American Military University
American Military University (AMU) is a top institution that specializes in catering to the needs of military students. AMU offers over 200 online degree programs and certificates in various fields, including homeland security, intelligence studies, and business.
AMU has a Military and Veterans Affairs team that helps military personnel navigate the enrollment, financial aid, and credit transfer processes. They also offer various scholarships and grants for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
5. Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online is a well-known online institution that offers a variety of degree programs and certificates. They offer over 700 online programs, making it easy for military personnel to find a program that suits their needs.
Liberty University Online offers various military benefits, such as credit transfer programs, tuition discounts, and book vouchers. They also have a dedicated Military Affairs team that provides support services and resources for military personnel and their families.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task for anyone, but it’s even more critical when you’re a military personnel or veteran. Fortunately, there are various institutions that cater specifically to the needs of military students. And with the rise of online education, it’s easier than ever for military personnel to access quality education while on active duty.
The above-listed institutions are some of the best military-friendly online colleges that provide flexible scheduling, credit transfer, and financial aid programs for military personnel and their families. When considering enrolling in an online program, be sure to research universities’ military support and resources before making a decision.
FAQ: Top Military Friendly Online Colleges
1. What is a military-friendly online college?
A military-friendly online college is an academic institution that provides support, resources, and opportunities to military personnel who want to pursue higher education through distance learning. These schools offer flexible study options, transfer credit policies, and financial aid programs to military students, along with military-focused resources such as veteran services, academic advising, and career placement assistance.
2. What are the benefits of attending a military-friendly online college?
The benefits of attending a military-friendly online college are vast. These schools offer a range of support services and resources specific to military students, such as transfer credit policies, flexible course scheduling, and tuition assistance. The schools on our list have also been evaluated and certified by reputable organizations based on their commitment to supporting military students. In addition, online learning offers the convenience and flexibility for military personnel to balance their education with their military obligations.
3. What are the top military-friendly online colleges?
There are many military-friendly online colleges to choose from, but our list of the top 10 includes schools that have been evaluated and certified by reputable organizations such as Military Friendly®, the Department of Defense, and the Yellow Ribbon Program. These institutions have demonstrated high levels of commitment to supporting military students through financial aid programs, transfer credit policies, and veteran services. The schools on our list also offer a variety of degree programs and online learning options to suit the needs of military personnel.
4. How do I choose a military-friendly online college?
Choosing a military-friendly online college requires careful consideration of your educational goals, financial needs, and personal preferences. You should look for schools that offer flexible study options, transfer credit policies, and support services specific to military students. It is also important to consider the school’s accreditation status, faculty expertise, and reputation in your field of study. Finally, you may want to research the school’s graduation rates, job placement rates, and student satisfaction ratings to ensure that it is a good fit for you.
5. Do military-friendly online colleges offer financial aid?
Yes, military-friendly online colleges offer a range of financial aid programs to help military students finance their education. These may include federal and state financial aid, tuition assistance programs, and scholarships specific to military personnel. In addition, many schools offer a military tuition discount or waive certain fees for military students. It is important to research each school’s financial aid options and eligibility requirements to find the best fit for your needs.
6. Can I transfer my military experience to credits at a military-friendly online college?
Yes, many military-friendly online colleges offer transfer credit policies that allow you to translate your military training and experience into college credit. This can help you save time and money on your education and give you a head start on completing your degree. To find out if a school accepts military experience as transfer credit, you should contact the school’s admissions office or review its transfer credit policy online.
7. What types of degree programs are offered by military-friendly online colleges?
Military-friendly online colleges offer a wide variety of degree programs, ranging from associate’s to doctoral degrees. Some common fields of study include business, healthcare, education, technology, and social sciences. Many schools also offer certificate programs and professional development courses to help military personnel enhance their skills and advance their careers.
8. Can I access support services as a military student in an online program?
Yes, many military-friendly online colleges offer a range of support services specifically tailored to the needs of military students. These may include academic advising, career placement assistance, veteran services, and counseling. In addition, many schools have online resources such as virtual libraries, tutoring, and technical support to ensure that military students have access to the same resources as their on-campus counterparts.
9. Are military-friendly online colleges respected by employers?
Yes, military-friendly online colleges are respected by employers in a variety of industries. Employers value the skills and qualities that military personnel bring to the workforce, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork. In addition, online learning has become more accepted and respected in recent years, as many employers recognize the versatility and convenience of online education for working professionals. It is important to research the accreditation and reputation of a school before enrolling to ensure that it meets employer standards.
10. How do I apply to a military-friendly online college?
The application process for a military-friendly online college may vary depending on the school and your program of study. Generally, you will need to fill out an online application and submit official transcripts from your previous schools, as well as other supporting documents such as your military service record, resumes, and letters of reference. Some schools may require additional admission requirements or placement exams. You should review each school’s admission requirements and deadlines carefully and contact their admissions office if you have any questions or concerns.