2023 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges
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Overview Financial Aid Military Families FAQsA military-friendly school is one that actively seeks to support current service members and their families. These online colleges and universities offer a variety of benefits and provide specific services, such as health services and counseling, that speak to the unique needs of military personnel. Military-friendly schools also provide financial assistance to military service members and offer supplemental types of aid. These schools may also grant college credit for previous work and military experience. Whether active duty, veteran, or spouse, these benefits allow individuals to prepare for their careers with a support system that understands their lifestyle and military responsibilities. Students that aren't actively enrolled can still find the best schools for military veterans that offer support in similar ways.
View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU.
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Arizona State University
Annual Tuition: $19,398 - $29,428
Salary Score: 69
Southern New Hampshire University Online
Annual Tuition: $9,600
Salary Score: 79
ECPI University Online
Annual Tuition: $16,639 - $17,479
Salary Score: 29List Of Accredited Online Schools
School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|
Southern New Hampshire University Online | ||
American Public University System | 37,335 | $7,324 |
University of Maryland Global Campus | 35,971 | $12,336 |
Liberty University | 34,092 | $11,700 |
Arizona State University | 33,410 | $24,413 |
Columbia Southern University | 14,364 | $6,600 |
University of Massachusetts Global | 10,090 | $12,440 |
Saint Leo University Online | 8,242 | $23,750 |
Keiser University | 7,362 | $21,008 |
Park University | 5,473 | $11,190 |
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester, New Hampshire. The virtual branch of the school features nearly 100 online degrees at the bachelor's level. Subjects range from cybersecurity to nursing and include a wide range of degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Military students and their spouses are financially supported through a 30% reduction in their tuition costs. SNHU also accepts tuition assistance through the GI Bill. In addition, military students with disabilities have access to the Online Accessibility Center, where they can receive help with their remote coursework or online forms. Each online program is flexible, and students may finish at home or abroad.
American Public University System
- Annual Tuition: $7,324
- Locations: Charles Town (WV)
- Accreditation: HLC
The American Public University System (APUS) is a private online university system with its headquarters in Charles Town, West Virginia. Over 50 fully online bachelor's degrees are available through APUS, including a Bachelor of Arts in Transportation and Logistics Management, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management. Plus, they feature a wide range of security and public safety programs that may be more familiar to military students.
The American Military University (AMU) is an affiliate institution within APUS, where military students are supported in a variety of ways through online resources. APUS already waives application and transfer fees, but for active-duty students, veterans, and their spouses, credit costs can be reduced to $250 per credit. Additional financial support can be found through the eight military-friendly scholarships through APUS and the APU Military Grant, which reduces book costs and technology fees to zero.
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Annual Tuition: $12,336
- Locations: Adelphi (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university in Adelphi, Maryland that specializes in online programs and offers over 30 at the bachelor's level. Some examples include a Bachelor of Science in Web and Digital Design, Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, and Bachelor of Arts in English. Each degree is available to students around the world except for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which requires a state nursing license.
For military students, UMGC features a wealth of benefits to help them succeed academically. For example, credit for previous military experience and training is available and the flexible online format of the programs allow students to study online, no matter where they're stationed abroad. Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force service members may also receive a reduced tuition rate and financial assistance. Finally, UMGC employs online military advisors and additional advisors who are stationed in military bases around the country for nearby, in–person assistance.
Liberty University
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Locations: Lynchburg (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Liberty University (LU) is a private, Baptist university in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are over 100 bachelor's degrees available for students, which are delivered 100% online. They're available in the fields of art and science, education, government, aeronautics, law, music, and more. Some examples include a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, Bachelor of Science in Special Education, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. There are also several faith-based degree programs in the areas of religion, bible studies, and theology.
Military students at LU can take advantage of discounted tuition rates of $250 per credit. Veterans who are also first responders may receive a discount as well. Further savings is available through the GI Bill's tuition assistance program. Military training may be translated into college credits as well. The flexibility of LU's online programs is designed to fit the on-demand lifestyle of a service member by offering eight different start dates throughout the year.
Arizona State University
- Annual Tuition: $24,413
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Phoenix, Arizona. There are nearly 150 online bachelor's programs to choose from, including those in engineering, nutrition, education, and criminal justice. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management. Minors are also available for undergraduate students.
As a research institute and military supporter, ASU has conducted studies in collaboration with the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ASU military students and their families may seek financial assistance through the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, and by using the help of the school's online academic counselors. There are other programs, such as The Veterans Upward Bound, which helps low-income or first-generation ASU students improve their skills, as well as a wealth of military scholarship programs to assist with tuition and other costs.
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