Top 11 Best Online Colleges for Military 2023
Best Online colleges for military 2023 Top11
Military personnel pursue a variety of degrees. Most active duty service members have already completed high school and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. These can help them advance in the military if they choose to stay, or they can help them find a civilian job once they retire or end their service. Soldiers typically pursue degrees in business, criminal justice, or psychology, depending on their areas of interest.
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Those who serve in our armed forces frequently consider going to school while serving and obtaining an education from one of the best online colleges for the military. It can be difficult to attend college while serving in the often stressful and unpredictable armed forces. As a result, many military members prefer to pursue higher education through an online programme rather than traditional classroom-based courses. This allows them to prioritise their military service while also allowing them to study and take tests when it is convenient for their schedules.
Many college programmes offer assistance to service members who want to pursue a higher degree but are unsure of which subject they want to study. Personalized counsellors can assist soldiers in determining what skills they learned during military service and how they translate to a civilian career. Counselors can also assist them in determining which areas of service were the most rewarding and how they can continue these pursuits after leaving the military. Individual assistance is frequently provided by the best online colleges for military students in determining their ideal career path.
Members who have completed college credit hours are eligible for pay grade increases in most branches of the military. The rate of increase is determined by the number of hours worked. Unless the service member is attempting to advance in his or her chosen branch of service, the type of degree they pursue usually has no bearing on their pay grade increase.
Online college provides the flexibility that military personnel require. Most colleges are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so students can work on their degrees whenever it is convenient for them. They also provide students with the option of accelerating their degree or taking fewer classes to accommodate rigors military demands. Because of this flexibility, there is a wide range of time for completing a degree. Accelerated bachelor’s degree programmes can be completed in three years or less. In comparison, an undergraduate degree that is interrupted by deployments or is pursued at a slower pace may take longer than the traditional four years.
Admission to online colleges for military students is typically the same as for civilian students. Students must apply online and provide proof of a high school diploma as well as relevant SAT or ACT scores. Some colleges also require a written essay in which the student explains why they want to attend the school and what they hope to achieve with their chosen degree.
Those in the military may be required to submit documentation of their military service. Leave and earnings statements, as well as military orders, may be included. Proper documentation should also be submitted to the college’s financial department to ensure that the student receives appropriate government aid.
There are numerous advantages to attending college online rather than on-campus for military members. Traditional classroom coursework does not normally fit into their lifestyle due to their rigors schedules and the possibility of deployment at any time. Online colleges can be accessed from any location where a computer and a network connection are available. This allows them to complete their degree even if they are transferred, on leave, or otherwise out of the area. Military personnel can also pause their online degrees while deployed.
Active duty military members who earn a higher degree can advance their careers by applying for pay grade promotions or officer schools. Officers in the army, for example, typically earn salaries comparable to mid-level executives in the civilian sector. A college degree can mean the difference between a $30,000 per year job and a $60,000 per year career for service members who plan to pursue civilian careers after leaving the armed forces.
This list of colleges was compiled by consulting major directories such as Online Schools Center, Guide to Online Schools, and Reviews.com. Editors examined school rankings and how frequently they were mentioned in various lists and publications. Those chosen for this list were frequently mentioned and ranked high for top active duty military colleges online.
List of Best Accredited Online College For Military
1. Southern New Hampshire University
For more than 80 years, Southern New Hampshire University has been a military-friendly institution. The school is in charge of over 200 online programmes. Active military personnel and their spouses can also receive tuition discounts of up to 30% at SNHU.
For admission, prospective undergraduate students only need a high school diploma or the equivalent. For job training or professional military education, military students may receive up to 90 transfer credits. In addition, they may be eligible for active-duty tuition assistance, Veteran Readiness and Employment services, GI Bill benefits, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $320
Undergrad, out of state | $320
Graduate, in-state | $627
Graduate, out of state | $627
School Information
LocationManchester, New Hampshire
Admission Rate 88%
Graduation Rate 44%
Instituation Type
PrivateAccreditation Yes
Percent Online Enrollment 94%?
2. Liberty University
Liberty University is in charge of over 100 online bachelor’s programmes and over 300 online master’s programmes. The military-friendly college provides military degree plans that include tuition discounts and tuition assistance, technology fee waivers, and assistance during deployment and return.
For undergraduate admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Transfer credit is available for approved military training and education. Benefits are also available through GI Bill programmes, the Yellow Ribbon Program, Veteran Readiness and Employment services, and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $390-$455
Undergrad, out of state | $390-$455
Graduate, in-state | $565-$615
Graduate, out of state | $565-$615
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lynchburg, Virginia |
| Admission Rate | 51% |
| Graduation Rate | 47% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 92%? |
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3. University of Central Florida
Online military students at the University of Central Florida have access to over 100 degree programmes. Military benefits are available at the military-friendly college through GI Bill programmes, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Veteran Readiness and Employment services. Tuition assistance, military scholarships, and free tuition for Florida National Guard members are also available at UCF.
For admission, prospective undergraduate students must have a high school diploma (or the equivalent) and SAT or ACT scores. Upon entry, military students are given a specialised transition plan, academic advising, and career support.
Undergrad, in-state | $179
Undergrad, out of state | $716
Graduate, in-state | $327
Graduate, out of state | $1,152
School Information
LocationOrlando, Florida
Admission Rate 44%
Graduation Rate 72%
Accreditation Yes
Percent Online Enrollment 59%?
4. Averett University
Averett University’s Graduate and Professional Studies division offers online programmes in seven major fields, including business, education, and nursing. This military-friendly college offers 25-50 percent military tuition discounts, military scholarships, and benefits such as GI Bill benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment services, and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Military students may be eligible for up to 90 transfer credits based on their experience and training.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Danville, Virginia |
| Admission Rate | 24% |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 97%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $480
Undergrad, out of state | $480
Graduate, in-state | $530-$695
Graduate, out of state | $530-$695
5. Arizona State University
Arizona State University, one of the top military-friendly colleges, enrols over 6,000 military personnel. Nearly 300 online programmes and certificates are available from the school. Military students are eligible for GI Bill benefits, tuition assistance, the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, and benefits for spouses and dependents.
ASU also houses the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, which offers specialised student services to veterans and active-duty military personnel. For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or a GED. Transfer credits for military training and education may be available to enrolled students.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Admission Rate | 64% |
| Graduation Rate | 4% |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 98%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $561-$661
Undergrad, out of state | $561-$661
Graduate, in-state | $543-$1,343
Graduate, out of state | $543-$1,343
Best Online colleges for military 2023 Top11
6.University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts Global, formerly known as Brandman University, is a military-friendly college with over 90 online programmes. Military personnel can take advantage of military transition programmes, tuition assistance programmes, and tuition discounts of up to 50%.
UMass Global also offers GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program benefits, as well as assistance to military spouses and dependents and educational assistance programmes. For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.0.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Irvine, California |
| Admission Rate | 89% |
| Graduation Rate | 60% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 96%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $500
Undergrad, out of state | $500
Graduate, in-state | $680
Graduate, out of state | $680
Best Online colleges for military 2023 Top11
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus is a military-friendly college that offers reduced tuition and tuition assistance programmes to active-duty and veteran personnel. Military benefits are also provided by the school through GI Bill programmes, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and military scholarships. Learners can select from over 90 online programmes.
For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or (or the equivalent). Transfer credits for military experience and training may be available to admitted students.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Adelphi, Maryland |
| Graduation Rate | 15% |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 90%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $306
Undergrad, out of state | $499
Graduate, in-state | $504
Graduate, out of state | $659
8. Syracuse University
Syracuse University, one of the top military-friendly colleges, offers nearly 60 online programmes. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits, tuition assistance programmes, and the Yellow Ribbon Program are all available to Syracuse students. GI Bill benefits are also available; Syracuse was instrumental in the creation of the original bill in 1944.
For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as standardised test scores. Students in the military may be eligible for experiential transfer credits.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Syracuse, New York |
| Admission Rate | 44% |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 15%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $1,864
Undergrad, out of state | $1,864
Graduate, in-state | $1,734
Graduate, out of state | $1,734
9. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is a military-friendly university that offers over 100 online programmes and certificates. The school provides military personnel with discounted tuition rates, tuition assistance programmes, and scholarships. TESU also offers GI Bill and Veterans Affairs benefits, as well as assistance to military spouses and dependents.
For admission, prospective students must have a high school diploma or a GED. Once accepted, military students are assigned to a military-specific advisor. They may be able to transfer credits based on their experience and training.
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Accreditation | Yes? |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 100%? |
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in-state | $399
Undergrad, out of state | $519
Graduate, in-state | $668-$905
Graduate, out of state | $668-$905
10 Eastern Kentucky University
EKU is consistently ranked as one of the top providers of online education to military personnel. For over 75 years, the University has worked with military personnel. The school is known for its accommodation and flexibility in providing courses across 40 degree options, demonstrating a strong commitment to educating our troops.
Undergraduate applicants will not be charged an application fee, and the EKU Veterans Affairs office will be available to assist you every step of the way. Students can select from a wide range of online programmes that complement military service, such as Police Studies, Homeland Security, Corrections, Psychology, and others.
Drexel University
Drexel University has all bases covered when it comes to providing a comprehensive education to service members, with reduced tuition rates, experience portfolio and skills translator services, and personalised support from their one-on-one dedicated military enrolment counsellor. Drexel assists students in transferring credits, utilising G.I. Bill benefits, and charting an educational path that will lead them to their ideal post-military career.
U.S. military members and their families can also get one-on-one help from a live tutor with coursework, test-taking, studying, and questions. The college’s supportive environment and additional services make it the best online college for military students.
Soldiers who want to further their education while serving in the military have numerous options. Choosing one of the best online colleges for military students will assist them in embarking on an educational journey that will enhance their service and provide a smooth transition to civilian life.
Important Factors for Military Students Choosing a College for military 2023
1.
Major and Degree Programs: Because not all colleges and universities offer the same programmes, make sure your prospective schools offer the major and degree you seek. Many military and veteran students major in fields that match the skills they learned while serving. Criminal justice, education, and business are all popular options. Others are drawn to careers in aviation, skilled trades, or health care.
2.
Accreditation: Check your prospective schools’ accreditation status and performance measures before choosing where to apply. Regional accrediting organisations accredit the top military colleges’ institutional accreditation. To compare the performance metrics of military-friendly colleges, consult the Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
3.
Veteran and Military Programs and Services: Some online colleges assist veteran students by participating in programmes such as the Eight Keys to Veterans Success and the Principles of Excellence. Veteran resource centres, student veteran associations, and student veterans’ lounges are examples of military-friendly features. Tuition discounts, Yellow Ribbon Program funding, and transfer credit are available at some military-friendly colleges.
4.
Cost: Most military students are eligible for significant financial assistance through various programmes such as the GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance Top-Up. Many colleges, however, charge exorbitant tuition, room and board, and university fees. Students who want to avoid student loan debt should still pay attention to tuition costs. Degrees are most affordable at in-state public institutions, but costs vary greatly by state.
5.
Transfer Credits: When choosing an online college, military students should also consider whether their previous college credits will transfer. “Often military-affiliated students move around a lot,” says Elaine Gargiulo, director of military and veterans services at New Jersey City University, “so if a university is willing to recognise what they’ve done elsewhere and help them graduate in a timely fashion, navigating them through the process, they’ll not only attend the college, but they’ll also recruit other soldiers on your behalf.”
Best Online colleges for military 2023 Top11
What Are Some Other Advantages of Online College for Military Members?
Students must be able to focus, manage their time, and be disciplined in order to be successful in online learning. Most personnel have an advantage in this department because they have already acquired many of these characteristics while performing their duties. As a result, they are particularly well-suited to online learning.
Many service members find it difficult to attend traditional classes due to restation and deployments. Remote learning enables these students to access their lectures and courses whenever it is convenient for them, regardless of the time of day or night. Online classes are adaptable enough for soldiers to fit them into their already hectic schedules and responsibilities.
Prospective students who have recently returned from stressful deployments or combat situations may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Because most on-campus courses would expose these students to crowds, noises, and high levels of activity, some military students may feel more at ease in a remote setting where they can control the level of stress they are exposed to.
The best online colleges for military members will provide students with personalised resources, programmes, and assistance to help them transition into civilian life with all the social and academic support they require.
