Military-friendly online colleges are a great choice for veterans and military service members who want flexibility while furthering their careers. An online certificate or degree can significantly broaden your professional and education options beyond just military service.
Veterans and current military personnel are eligible for financial assistance and scholarships to help cover the costs of college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 43% of military undergraduates and 36% of military graduates received education benefits in 2015-2016.
The best military-friendly online colleges offer resources to support those deployed overseas, in addition to boasting strong student outcomes and quality academics.
10 Best Online Colleges for Veterans
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#1 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023
Prairie View A&M University
- Prairie View, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can earn affordable online degrees at Prairie View A&M University. One of Texas' historically Black colleges and universities, this public institution offers a robust catalog of programs for undergraduate and graduate students, including four online master's programs. Learners can enroll full time or part time. Enrollees prepare for entry-level jobs and career advancement.
The school's flexible online programs typically run asynchronously. Some programs blend in-person and online sessions. Smaller classes encourage student participation. The institution's generous financial aid can help enrollees pay for their degrees. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Prairie View A&M University Fast Facts:
Status of School: Public
Students Pursuing Online Degrees: 8,819
Available Online Degrees: 4
Students Awarded Aid: 97%
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023
Hardin-Simmons University
- Abilene, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Abilene, Texas-based Hardin-Simmons University allows learners to complete one of 96 programs, including several online options. Distance education often attracts students seeking flexible scheduling. This private Baptist university provides the adaptability degree-seekers need without sacrificing rigorous academics. Undergraduates can complete a bachelor’s degree in less than four years with transfer credits. Graduate learners can pursue master’s programs in a variety of fields. Students develop practical skills during community field experience in some graduate programs.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hardin-Simmons University Facts:
Number of Programs: 96
Bachelor’s Available Online: 1
Total Master’s Degrees Available Online: 3
Cost of In-State Tuition for Undergraduates: $29,526
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
- Texarkana, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prioritizing affordable tuition, Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers 38 online and on-campus degrees. The public university welcomes nontraditional and transfer students to its flexible, academically challenging graduate and undergraduate programs. Bachelor's candidates with sufficient transferable credits can graduate in under four years. Graduate programs may require students to complete local practicum or field experiences.
Prospective students must submit school transcripts. The admissions office can provide information on further requirements. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University-Texarkana Numbers:
Total Programs: 38
Master’s Available Online: 1
Average In-State Tuition for Undergraduates: $5,925
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Stephenville, Texas, Tarleton State University is a public institution offering on-campus and online programs in fields such as business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Students can earn their college degrees entirely online through many programs. Virtual enrollees complete class assignments from home or anywhere with an internet connection, saving them from commuting to campus. This accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students.
Online degree-seekers interact with their peers and professors in a remote classroom space. They can participate in experiential learning opportunities that help students transition into the workforce. The school provides distance learners with academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services to support their academic journeys.
Tarleton State University Fast Facts:
Number of Online Learners: 14,016
Number of Available Online Master's Programs: 7
Percentage of Learners Awarded Aid: 92%
Percentage of Students Awarded Loans: 53%
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Belton, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private Baptist-affiliated institution, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers degrees on its Belton, Texas, campus and serves students across the country through its online programs. Popular majors include healthcare, STEM, and business, meeting the needs of degree-seekers pursuing diverse career paths.
Virtual learners can enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. General education classes impart foundational knowledge to undergraduate degree-seekers, who also pursue advanced coursework in their majors. Graduate learners gain higher-level skills by taking online classes and attending seminars.
Prospective students can contact the school to learn about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. Learners at this accredited institution can apply for federal financial aid. The university's financial aid office can connect enrollees with opportunities for additional funding.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor At a Glance:
Total Online Students: 816
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Rate of Graduation: 51%
Applies Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Is a Military-Friendly College?
A military-friendly college helps you balance your education with your military obligations. These schools often provide additional support services designed specifically for veterans, active military personnel, and their families.
A military-friendly college might also offer additional discounts and credit for military experience.
No matter which military-friendly college you choose, confirm that the school is accredited. Accreditation makes you eligible for federal financial aid and ensures that the school you choose offers a high-quality education and a widely recognized degree.
Benefits of Online College for Military Service Members and Veterans
- The best online colleges for veterans let you balance school with military obligations, a full-time job, or other responsibilities.
- Military-friendly online colleges offer many resources to help you readapt to civilian life, such as assistance with transitioning to civilian life and mental health support.
- Many military-friendly colleges offer clubs and organizations for student veterans.
- Getting an online degree as a veteran or active military service member can expand your job opportunities and may lead to professional advancement and salary increases.
Price Check
Undergraduate military students received an average of $15,100 in education benefits (including housing costs) in 2015-2016, according to NCES.
How to Pay for Military-Friendly Online Colleges
The GI Bill® can help veterans pay for online programs. Note that you can use only one of these programs, even if you qualify for more than one.
Montgomery GI Bill
You may qualify for one of two Montgomery GI Bill programs depending on your military status.
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program provides military service members with up to three years of education and training benefits. After their release from active duty, veterans can receive these benefits for 10 years. You must have served for at least two years to qualify.
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program provides up to three years of education benefits to current members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard, and Coast Guard Reserve.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers education benefits to military personnel who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. This bill also offers benefits to children of military personnel who died in the line of duty after that date.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition and fees coverage at public in-state colleges (partial coverage at private and foreign schools)
- A monthly housing allowance
- Money for books and supplies
The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional financial support to help you cover the cost of out-of-state, private, and graduate schools.
Scholarships for Veterans and Military Service Members
Veterans and military personnel can apply for scholarships to help them pay for college. Some scholarships even help veterans pay for their children's college education.
- Eligibility: Active-duty service members and veterans who served in one of the Overseas Contingency Operations may apply. You must be a sophomore or junior in a C4I-related field — many undergraduate STEM programs fall under this category. You must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Amount: $2,500
- Eligibility: AMVETS offers several scholarships for military personnel and veterans. You must demonstrate financial need and submit proof of enrollment or acceptance to an approved program.
- Amount: $4,000
- Eligibility: Retired and active-duty women soldiers in the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, as well as their direct descendants, may apply. Applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements depending on their level of study and demonstrate financial need.
- Amount: $1,000-$3,000
Resources for Veterans and Military Personnel
This government resource helps you better understand your GI Bill benefits. Students can compare how they can use their benefits at different schools and for different employers.
This Department of Defense-funded website provides resources and support for tax services, relocation, deployment, and spouse employment, in addition to offering webinars and online training.
This site connects active-duty service members and veterans with corporate jobs and recruiters.
This organization offers scholarships, grants, and fellowships for veterans, as well as providing advocacy and mental health resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College for Military Personnel and Veterans
Can you do online college in the military?
Yes, military-friendly online colleges and degree programs are designed to suit the unique schedules of active military personnel. Even those who are deployed can work toward their certificates or degrees through online classes that fit their lifestyles and everyday commitments.
What is the best online college for veterans and service members?
The best online college for you will depend on your schedule and goals. When choosing a military-friendly online college, take into account your desired degree and course of study, the program cost, any available financial benefits, and the flexibility of the program based on your military obligations. You can also consider programs that award credits for military service.
What college costs will the military pay for?
The GI Bill can cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies. It also offers a monthly housing allowance. Note that the exact amounts and coverage will depend on which GI Bill you qualify for. You can only receive the benefits of one GI Bill, even if you qualify for several.
Are there any free online colleges for veterans?
No, there are no free online colleges for veterans. But with the help of military education benefits, the cost to attend online college may be free or very little, depending on the school you choose and your military experience.
In addition, some states — such as Florida, Alabama, New York — also offer college tuition waivers and scholarships for veterans. Some of these colleges have online degree programs.
Where do most veterans go to college?
Though veterans can attend college anywhere, most veterans who receive education benefits attend traditional on-campus programs, according to NCES. Additionally, a higher percentage of veterans attend for-profit schools than non-military students.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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