2026 Most Affordable Military-Friendly jmcomics
Every school on our list meets strict criteria that matter to military students: they award credit for your military experience, serve over 1,000 students currently using GI Bill® benefits, provide dedicated military support staff, maintain transparent tuition policies, and offer online programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Our research process was thorough — we evaluated more than 2,600 Yellow Ribbon-designated schools using to make sure each one is also a , according to the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool. This means you can trust that every school listed has committed to transparent practices and ethical standards when serving military students.
These institutions understand deployment schedules, PCS moves, and the realities of military life. They've invested in flexible policies, trained their staff to work with service members, and developed resources specifically designed for military students and their families.
2026 Most Affordable Military-Friendly jmcomics
| Rank | School | GI Bill Enrollment | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 1,494 | $3,357 | $15,000 | |
| University of Central Florida | 2,671 | $5,018 | $21,882 | |
| The University of West Florida | 1,810 | $6,569 | $19,451 | |
| Texas A&M University - Central Texas | 1,020 | $7,591 | $17,383 | |
| Old Dominion University | 3,954 | $8,040 | $13,320 | |
| University of Arkansas | 2,538 | $8,092 | $8,092 | |
| Columbia Southern University | 3,560 | $8,340 | $8,340 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 14,147 | $9,900 | $14,970 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 18,729 | $10,260 | $10,260 | |
| Capella University | 2,425 | $10,680 | $10,680 | |
| National University | 4,776 | $11,100 | $11,100 | |
| Columbia College | 1,314 | $11,250 | $11,250 | |
| Oregon State University | 2,006 | $11,520 | $11,520 | |
| Liberty University | 15,331 | $11,700 | $11,700 | |
| Regent University Online | 1,378 | $11,850 | $11,850 |
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- Military students can risk running out of benefit eligibility before finishing, but UF helps solve that. The low $3,357 tuition is the starting point, but the real differentiator is how that price interacts with military funding rules. Between in-state tuition eligibility pathways, out-of-state fee waivers, and Yellow Ribbon participation, UF is designed so that many military students can cover nearly the full cost of attendance with existing benefits.
- UF has policies like military withdrawal protections and flexible application rollovers, and the system is clearly built around continuing your higher education despite disruptions.
- A 97% retention rate and 92% graduation rate (both top ~2% nationally) indicate that once students start, they overwhelmingly stay and complete their program.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 91%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,517 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- With 13,856 online students (top ~2% nationally), UCF could easily become impersonal. Instead, it layers in proactive support through the Online Connect Center, where success coaches guide you from enrollment through graduation. For military students, administrative friction is one of the biggest risks in college. UCF’s model reduces the need to navigate those systems alone.
- The outcomes suggest this approach is working. A 92% retention rate (top ~5%) and 75% graduation rate (top ~7%) are unusually high for a school this large. (This is also the case for the school below, but UCF beats them on every stat.)
- All that said, we've collected ~850 student reviews that do raise concerns about inadequate minority support, bureaucratic hassles, outdated facilities in specific departments, and weak responsiveness from administrative offices.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 93%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Undergraduate Online: 8,871 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- With 7,077 online students (top ~11% nationally), UWF operates at real scale — but its 88% retention rate (top ~8%) and 62% graduation rate (top ~21%) suggest students aren’t getting lost in that scale. Large online systems often struggle to keep students moving, while smaller schools often lack the infrastructure to support them consistently. UWF sits in between.
- The nearly 100 reviews we've collected for this online school consistently point to accessible professors and smaller class environments, even for online programs. That’s also not typical for institutions with this level of enrollment.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 85%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Undergraduate Online: 3,073 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- Most online universities are designed to start your degree. Texas A&M is designed to help you finish it. As an upper-division institution, Texas A&M primarily serves juniors, seniors, and graduate students. In practice, that means the school assumes you’re arriving with prior credits, whether from community college, military training, or earlier enrollment elsewhere.
- Median earnings of $53,478 (around the 27th percentile nationally) are more modest, but the 89% recommendation rate suggests students aren’t evaluating their experience on raw salary numbers. They’re valuing the ability to actually finish a degree that might have otherwise been stalled for years.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 89%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Undergraduate Online: 1,216 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- ODU is shifting to fully asynchronous, 8-week courses across nearly all programs. This standardizes the entire experience so there's no required login times, shorter terms, and a repeatable structure that makes it easier to plan around deployments, TDYs, or sudden schedule changes.
- Based on the hundreds of student reviews we've collected for ODU, professors are frequently described as knowledgeable, caring, responsive, and willing to provide one-on-one support across all bachelor's programs.
- The Military Connection Center provides general advising and it also handles issues around benefits, transitions, and military-specific constraints. This is a valuable resource for military students because it shows that the system is designed to assume you might not always be in a stable, connected environment.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 88%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Undergraduate Online: 5,614 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- Approved online programs charge in-state tuition for everyone, which keeps tuition low for active-duty students and military families who relocate frequently.
- The Online Student Liaison Office functions as a single point of contact from application through graduation. This is most important for military learners navigating deployments, benefits, and stop/start enrollment patterns. The Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center and tuition assistance pathways both show how the system is designed to reduce friction.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 93%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Undergraduate Online: 1,760 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- CSU includes textbooks at $0 cost, which seems small but compounds across a full program and removes one of the most common hidden expenses. Combined with flat per-credit pricing and compatibility with military tuition assistance, this means you can forecast costs with budget clarity.
- The LifePace-style format (self-paced, course-by-course progression) mirrors deployment cycles, shift work, and irregular availability. You can pause/resume without academic penalty, which is huge.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 79%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Undergraduate Online: 12,213 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- A big differentiator is its 175+ worldwide locations, including UMGC Asia and UMGC Europe. Military learners need a school that can follow them through overseas assignments, TDY, and changing time zones. UMGC is designed around that reality.
- Its military advising team, base-connected advisors, online booking tools, and worldwide footprint create a support system that understands PCS moves, Tuition Assistance, GI Bill timing, and deployment interruptions.
- UMGC has the highest median earnings in this set at about $80,146, placing it in the 82nd percentile nationwide. That gives its military-friendly model more weight because the school actively demonstrates that students collectively have strong post-graduation outcomes.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 70%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Undergraduate Online: 46,379 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- SNHU is partnered with organizations like the United Service Organizations (USO), which is a nonprofit that supports active-duty service members and military families through airport lounges, care packages, entertainment, transition help, and programs that keep military communities connected.
- They are also connected with Operation Homefront, which helps military families with financial assistance, housing support, caregiver support, school supplies, holiday meals, and other family-stability programs.
- With 177,807 online students, SNHU operates the largest online student body in the country.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 69%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Undergraduate Online: 160,747 enrolled
What Sets This Military-Friendly School Apart:
- At $10,680 annually, the price point is still competitive at #10 on this list, but the bigger story is outcomes. Median earnings of $78,942 place Capella in roughly the top 20% nationally among peers for post-graduation salary. That signals a clear ROI path, especially if you’re using Tuition Assistance or GI Bill benefits and want to convert them into meaningful post-service income.
- Capella provides tuition discounts (up to 15% for bachelor’s programs), accepts military training for credit, and offers a formal military leave policy aligned with deployment realities. It also participates in Department of Defense education frameworks and maintains partnerships with programs like ArmyIgnitED and DANTES, which helps students make the most of their military benefits.
Beyond Tuition:
- Recommend Rate: 76%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 23%
- Undergraduate Online: 18,366 enrolled
Stories Behind the Rankings: An Editorial Analysis
Best for Speed If You Can Handle Self-Pacing
Capella University's FlexPath competency-based model allows faster completion, and salary outcomes support it with median earnings of $78,942 (top ~20% nationwide). However, the 23% retention rate and 33% graduation rate suggest that many students struggle with the independence required to succeed in that model. It really comes down to the kind of student you are.
Largest Online University That Still Feels Structured
With 177,807 online students (essentially unmatched scale), SNHU could feel chaotic, but its standardized weekly format and 8-week terms create consistency. While student reviews confirm this structure helps many finish, the 60% retention rate and 45% graduation rate do show mixed follow-through.
Highest Earnings Despite Middling Completion Rates
The University of Maryland Global Campus reports the highest median earnings in the group at $80,146 (top ~18% nationally), but pairs that with a 30% graduation rate and 53% retention rate. Those are not great averages. Student reviews we've collected express frequent complaints about advising, billing, and self-directed learning demands, which may be a contributing factor.
How To Identify Affordable Military-Friendly jmcomics That Truly Support Service Members
To understand what works for military students looking at online education, we gathered insights from two professionals who deeply understand the military experience from different angles. Together, these experts shed light on the practical realities of military-friendly education as well as the psychological considerations that can make or break a service member's academic success in college.
Veteran Workforce Developer, Military Liaison
What makes an online college truly military-friendly?
"For my journey and that of my clients (I provided career guidance for service members and military spouses), a military-friendly online college is one that truly supports my service and transitions.
I only had one difficult situation during my Master's program when the professor did not understand the challenges of missing class due to military training. After speaking with the school's Dean (who happened to be a Veteran), everything was resolved, and I was allowed to submit my homework within the 30-day period (as stated by California law) and my grade was reinstated.
Service members appreciate that type of flexibility and open-mindedness from professors and schools. That was the only issue I encountered. After speaking with the Dean, I had no other hiccups."
How can a military student evaluate whether an online college will actually support them?
-
"Attend an orientation or two and ask those questions about accommodation for service members.
-
Take notes of the conversations that are being held at these virtual orientations.
-
Check online reviews and ask other Veterans about their experience with the school.
-
Speak with someone from the school and have questions ready about their program and flexibility.
-
Look for graduates of that school online and see where they are at professionally. (It will be very telling whether the school is supportive or not of their students.)
If a school cannot support regular civilian students with basic commitments such as work, kids or health issues, I cannot expect that they will accommodate the unpredictable lives of service members."
Which fields of study tend to offer the strongest ROI for veterans or those transitioning into civilian careers?
"I'd say one that the service member truly wants to pursue. It doesn't always have to relate to their military occupation. It has to be one that they understand and are comfortable with, and one where they see a high need in their area.
Healthcare and IT are fields that usually have high demand, but if a service member lives in a remote area where the nearest hospital is hours away or internet service is scarce, perhaps those two would not be the wisest choices. Other careers can be considered based on the community's needs."
What's the biggest myth about using military benefits like GI Bill or tuition assistance to pay for an online degree?
"One of the biggest myths is that National Guard and Reserve members do not qualify for such benefits."
Mental Health Trauma Specialist
"In my experience working with veterans over the last 25 years, I firmly believe that the single greatest determining factor in a veteran's perception of their own psychological safety will come from the final days of active duty and the resultant loss of a structured work environment.
I highly recommend that all service members who are actively transitioning to civilian life consider enrolling in a college or university that has programs in place that provide a high level of control and purpose in the service member's career path.
As a result of this lack of structure, many veterans become extremely vigilant, and nearly all will develop debilitating transition anxiety. For a successful reintroduction into civilian society for veterans to occur, it is necessary to fully understand all facets of the reintroduction process and design the reintroduction process to create an environment where the veteran can grow productively and rewardingly, without developing obsessive/compulsive coping behaviors.
When the underlying reason for a disorder is removed, the veteran can then use his self-discipline to grow as an individual, as opposed to merely surviving.
I highly recommend that all service members who are actively transitioning to civilian life consider enrolling in a college or university that has programs in place that provide a high level of control and purpose in the service member's career path."
Overview of Military-Friendly jmcomics
A from Veterans Affairs showed that military students received $10.8 billion in payments to support their college financial needs. Over 860,000 service members, veterans, reservists, and their families applied for tuition assistance through seven VA programs, including the following:
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill
Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Despite having access to some of the most generous education benefits in the world, the vast majority of veterans are still enrolling in colleges where their chances of actually finishing a degree are disappointingly low.
The numbers tell a concerning story: only choose four-year institutions with graduation rates of 70% or higher. And that's a figure that's barely budged in years. This stagnation suggests that veterans aren't getting the guidance they need to identify schools where students actually succeed.
Online colleges may offer the sweet spot. They have the flexibility for students to take off during deployments, maintain enrollment through PCS moves, and transition into civilian careers. The challenge is to connect veterans with the right online programs.
The most successful online colleges for military students combine the flexibility military students need with strong support systems, proactive academic advising, and comprehensive services designed specifically for military learners. Veterans who do their homework to identify these high-performing institutions position themselves for graduation success.
Support From jmcomics for Military-Affiliated Online Students
Because of the unique demands of their careers, military service members and their families need special support from their colleges. This includes employees who understand the intricacies of short- and long-term deployments, the complexities of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and the roles of Educational Services Officers (ESOs).
In fact, one of our ranking considerations is the presence of dedicated staff who are available to answer questions and provide academic support to military students. Schools that provide this kind of support typically make it easy for military students to get in touch with these employees through easy-to-find contact information.
One of our ranking considerations is the presence of dedicated staff who are available to answer questions and provide academic support to military students.
Military-friendly colleges also have policies to help students navigate unexpected situations, such as sudden temporary additional duty orders (TDYs). Many schools waive penalties for late assignments or discussion posts that a student misses while on a TDY. Colleges earn greater Military-Friendly Scores if their staff and faculty are experienced at working with students' ESOs to schedule make-up work.
Another consideration is a school's prior-learning and transfer policies. Many service members accrue valuable knowledge and skills through non-academic training, and colleges often recognize this by applying these military experiences toward academic credits. Advisers may work with the student to receive and evaluate their official service transcript. All of these factors — dedicated staff, caring leave policies, and generous credit transfers — are crucial to calculating a college's Military Friendly Score.
Financial Assistance at Military-Friendly jmcomics
The cost of a college degree can be a considerable investment for students, and may deter some from pursuing higher education.
Of the military-friendly online colleges on our 2026 list, the median annual tuition rate is $9,900. (That's down from two years ago when the median on this list was over ten grand per year.)
For our companion page featuring the overall best online military-friendly schools, sorted by GI Bill enrollment, the median annual tuition for the list is $26,306 per year. That's a stark difference! A big difference is that it's a comprehensive list of 48 accredited online military-friendly schools, but if budget is your main concern, you're in the right place.
Online programs can cost less than comparable in-person versions, so it makes sense for cost-conscious applicants to consider distance learning. Even so, military students may wonder whether they will be eligible for financial assistance that can further reduce these costs.
The large majority of college students to help them attend school. Below we detail some financial considerations for military students, including college discounts, the possibility of free degrees, and the GI Bill®.
Do Colleges Give Military Discounts for Online Students?
While most financial aid for military students comes from the government, some colleges also offer discounts for online military students. Schools may provide reduced tuition rates for service members, military spouses, and dependent children, or they may waive certain fees for these same students. The most common tuition discount is a per-credit cap of $250 for active-duty service members, much lower than the median per-credit cost of $449 for online bachelor's degrees. Columbia Southern University is an example of a college from our list that offers a tuition cap and also waives application and library fees for military students and their family members.
Other schools offer military scholarships intended to cover any gaps left by military aid programs. These colleges usually consider military students for these scholarships automatically as part of their financial aid applications. Students will generally need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enroll in the federal program to provide their service history.
Are There Free jmcomics for Military Students and Veterans?
Veteran students may be able to earn a tuition-free online degree if they enroll in schools that participate in the program or in public schools in select states. Yellow Ribbon schools agree to cover funding gaps left by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® for a prescribed number of service members and veterans each year. These students may receive a complete tuition waiver, and some schools also cover some or all fees.
Yellow Ribbon Qualifications
Veterans can qualify for Yellow Ribbon benefits if they either served for three years in the period after September 11, 2001 or served at least 30 days during this period and received an honorary disability-related discharge. The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) maintains a of participating colleges.
Some states also offer discounts to veterans through their public university systems, which may allow them to attend college without paying tuition. States usually detail such waivers on the websites for their state departments of veterans affairs. Prospective students should review each state they're interested in, because eligibility rules vary. For example, Illinois offers the to veterans who lived in the state before enlisting and who returned there within six months after discharge, whereas only requires that the student maintain a fixed and permanent home in the state while attending college.
GI Bill®
Since 1944, the federal government has provided education benefits to active-duty service members and honorably discharged veterans. Currently, students may be covered under the or the , which both allow for at least some coverage for college tuition, books, and fees for 36 months.
In general, military personnel can qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill® if they've served at least two years and can qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® if they've served at least three years after September 11, 2001. Students who qualify for maximum coverage can get in-state public college tuition completely covered, or up to about $25,000 at private schools. The eligibility requirements and coverage options for each bill are complex and full of exceptions, so it's best to check with a qualified ESO or DVA benefits advisor to determine the best path.
Which College Majors Does the GI Bill Commonly Cover?
Below, this chart (with data collected by the ) highlights the most common degree fields funded by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It shows the degree paths many veterans choose when transitioning to civilian careers.
Reviewing these trends can help students identify degree paths that align with both workforce needs and military-to-civilian skill transfer. Career-focused majors like business, health professions, computer science, and homeland security appear frequently, suggesting that many veterans prioritize programs with clear job pathways and strong earning potential.
Perhaps one of the popular fields of study listed above is exactly what you were looking at as well. Many GI Bill recipients prioritize degrees with clear careers. Perhaps this is because nearly are first generation college students, so they understand the privilege that the situation presents.
Below are some of these popular degrees for military learners, with links to where you can study online to achieve these goals:
Business, management, and marketing: An affordable online business degree may be a strong fit for veterans interested in leadership, marketing, project management, or entrepreneurship. Many military roles develop organizational and leadership skills that transfer naturally into business careers, which is why this is such a popular choice for military students to pursue.
Health professions: A health sciences online degree or even an affordable online nursing degree may appeal to students interested in stable, mission-driven careers that support community wellbeing. Some veterans also build on prior medical or emergency response training received during service.
Liberal arts and sciences: A online liberal studies degree offers flexibility and broad skill development in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This pathway can work well for students planning to later specialize or pursue graduate study.
Homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting: An affordable online criminal justice degree aligns closely with many military occupational specialties, making it a natural transition for students interested in public safety, emergency management, or protective services.
Computer and information sciences: An affordable online computer science degree may be appealing for veterans interested in tech, with subfields like cybersecurity, IT management, or data analysis — fields with strong projected job growth.
Public administration and social service: An affordable online public administration degree can support careers in government, nonprofit leadership, or community services, which may resonate with students motivated by public service.
Social sciences: An online social science degree helps students better understand human behavior, institutions, and policy, which can support careers in research, public policy, or human services.
Education: An affordable online education degree may be a good option for veterans who want to mentor others, teach, or work in training and development roles, building on leadership and instructional experience gained in the military.
Is an Online Degree Worth It for Military Personnel?
An accredited online degree is worth the cost and effort for many service members and veterans, because these students receive special financial incentives to attend college and can enjoy great career benefits. A civilian degree might help active-duty military personnel climb the ranks; each service looks favorably on civilian degrees during promotion reviews, and service members can pitch their education as a strength when pursuing special assignments. A degree is also required for enlisted personnel who are seeking an officer's commission.
A civilian degree might help active-duty military personnel climb the ranks.
About 250,000 military personnel leave the service each year, and a college education is just as useful for their post-military career as it is for civilians. About have a bachelor's degree or higher.
A bachelor's degree usually leads to making approximately more each year than professionals earn with a high school diploma or its equivalent. College graduates also enjoy an unemployment rate that's 1.5% lower. Military students can choose a major with an eye on some of the most promising career paths for veterans, which include fast-growing fields such as healthcare administration and information technology.
Online degrees provide flexibility for military students who can't be sure that they'll be living in the same area for more than two years at a time. Service members studying on campus may be forced to transfer credits if they receive new duty orders, which can be disruptive to their education. Online learning provides continuity by allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection.
Online degrees carry potential downsides as well. The greater flexibility comes at the cost of human interaction, and students forego potential networking opportunities they might experience on campus. Further, military-affiliated students should be wary of aggressive courting from for-profit schools, who have historically been able to earn more money from the government if they accept a certain number of students using the GI Bill®. Although Congress in 2021, it's always helpful to research real student experiences at a given school and review GPAs and graduation rates of military students where available. Ultimately, prospective students must decide for themselves whether the online format is right for them, but it's an option worth considering.
FAQs About Affordable Military-Friendly jmcomics
What Are the Best Colleges for Active Duty Military?
The best colleges for active duty military are online colleges that participate in the Yellow Ribbon designation and have dedicates support services, like the schools on our list.
Online schools for active service military students offer flexible learning environments that allow them to stay on top of their responsibilities. Degree completion programs are among the most flexible options thanks to the Community College of the Air Force's (CCAF) partnership with universities nationwide. Known as General Education Mobile (GEM), this program allows students to quickly and conveniently complete their lower-level general education requirements online before moving on to a bachelor's degree.
Some military friendly online schools even offer credit refunds to students deployed on short notice. They'll also work with active duty students to adjust their course schedules to meet their military responsibilities.
What Are the Best Online Schools for Military Tuition Assistance?
Affordability is critical when pursuing an online education as a service member. We recommend military-friendly online colleges that are part of the Tuition Assistance (TA) program, allowing military students to save thousands of dollars on costly tuition through federal subsidies. As long as a school's credits cost $250 or less, students can get up to $4,500 worth of tuition covered each year.
The most affordable online colleges for military students employ benefits assistance liaisons that help navigate the various forms and requirements needed to receive financial help.
Does the VA Pay for Online Degrees?
Online students are eligible to receive benefits from Veteran Affairs. Those receiving benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill can also get a housing allowance based on half the national rental averages. Depending on which program is being applied for, there are different eligibility requirements, with rates ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month. The best veteran-friendly online colleges have VA specialists or counselors to answer questions and walk students through the process of applying.
Can You Do jmcomic While in the Military?
Many active duty military members are enrolled in online programs. The best online degrees for military students can be earned on their schedules through remote learning management systems like Canva and Blackboard. The flexibility of these degrees allows them to meet the demands of their service roles without sacrificing a quality education. Often, these credentials lead to higher-ranking positions and larger salaries.
Can I Do College Online While in the Air Force?
Air Force members can jump-start their college education through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). As the only military-exclusive postsecondary institution, the CCAF can help Airmen meet their general education requirements while studying entirely online. Tuition assistance is available for Air Force members through federal grants that do not have to be paid back. Airmen can qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill after two years of service.
How Long Do You Have To Be in the Military To Get Free College?
Whether you can attend college for free depends on what program you're eligible for. Tuition Assistance is among the most common ways for military students to pay for college. To qualify, service members must have served for at least one year after their initial training. After 30 days, students and their families qualify for in-state tuition rates.
For the Montgomery GI Bill, which offers $2,360 per month during full-time college enrollment, active duty students must have served for at least two years to receive benefits. Reservists, on the other hand, must have six years of service under their belts.
What Degrees Will the Military Pay For?
The military offers tuition assistance for several degree types, including online degrees for military students. Bachelor's and associate degrees are the most common. Other eligible degrees include vocational, technical, and non-college degrees. Military students can also pursue online degrees from 2-year community colleges or graduate schools that offer master's and doctoral degrees.
In a nutshell, veterans can attend public universities, private colleges, or online schools . The VA's website says, "If you’re using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, we’ll pay for tuition and fees at the same rate as regular courses at an institution of higher learning in the U.S. We may also pay you a stipend for books and supplies."
Plus, if you know that online school is the way you're going, you are even eligible for a monthly housing allowance, despite being a 100% remote learner. You'll receive a monthly housing allowance at 50% of the national average. If you add just a single in-person course in your schedule, you get the full standard housing allowance.
The VA maintains the WEAMS Institution Search, which is a database of approved schools and programs. This can you help you figure out what schools are covered.
What Is the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program?
(TA) program offers educational funding through the Department of Defense (DoD) that helps eligible Soldiers pay for civilian college courses taken voluntarily during their off-duty time, including courses taken fully online.
Who's eligible? Active duty Soldiers (e.g., officers, warrant officers, and enlisted) as well as National Guard and Reserve Soldiers on active duty.
What does it cover? The Army will pay up to 100% of tuition costs (up to a per-semester-hour limit) for courses taken online through accredited colleges and universities. It does not cover fees charged by the institution.
Your online courses must be offered by a college accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency and must be signatory to the current DoD MOU. Also, importantly, all TA requests require supervisor or commander approval.
Can I Get College Credit for Military Experience?
Yes, many online universities for military students often give college credit for their service, understanding what the intense training entails, and it can make a significant dent in your overall total costs to make a degree even more affordable. Many schools, especially online schools, have favorable transfer policies that make it easy to use these experiences to reduce a program's overall credit requirements.
The process typically consists of military branches submitting a Joint Services Transcript (JST) to universities on behalf of the student. The JST is a document that captures all the aspects of military training, from education to occupational experience, which colleges can then take a look at and evaluate.
So, depending on the school in question, credit may be awarded for the following:
- Military occupational training and job experience
- Professional military education (PME) courses
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
- DSST exams (formerly known as DANTES exams)
- Leadership and technical training completed during service
The affiliated military branch submits the JST on the student's behalf, and the university's admissions/registrar team then reviews it to determine how many credits to award exactly. This amount varies by school as well as the student's military background and chosen major, so it's impossible to say how much would be awarded to any given student. Some soldiers, however, find that they have enough military credit to shave off a year or more.
It doesn't hurt to check! It's just one form. This step can save you a lot of time in the long-run.
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at
Student Reviews of Online Bachelor's Programs
I would like to give the University of Virginia a great deal of praise for the grace it shows its adult students. Every professor I have encountered at this school has been phenomenal, and there is not a day that goes by that I forget how lucky I am to be a part of the Wahoos!!
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Phoenix shown me a part of me I never knew was in me far as a career being in online school has showed me that I can go after any career I desire My opportunity is limitless. Thanks to the University of Phoenix I showcase my accomplishments to family and friends and got a family member to join the University of Phoenix.
Review Date: 9/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Baker College has been a solid choice for me as a working adult. The online classes are flexible and designed with busy schedules in mind, and most of my instructors were supportive, organized, and quick to respond to emails. The course content was practical and tied to real-world careers, not just theory. Advising and financial aid can be a little slow at times, so you have to advocate for yourself and stay on top of deadlines, but overall I feel like I’m getting a good education for the cost and... Read More
Review Date: 12/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As a returning older adult to college the experience with Phoenix has exceeded any expectations I had. The program and learning online has made balancing work, life, and school possible. Even as a new student, I've been able to incorporate what I'm learning in my current job and can see the benefits of continuing my education already. I highly recommend Phoenix to anyone who has the desire to obtain their degree but no time to sit in a classroom.
Review Date: 4/21/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Let me begin with the positives; The professors in general are topnotch with impressive backgrounds. Out of 26 instructors, thus far, I've only had minor complaints against two of them. Now, on with the negative. The financial aid/academic advisors are poorly-trained on financial aid and its application and disbursement. For instance, I've had a financial aid issue that I originally pointed out in July 2023, and to date, not one staff member has been able to effectively pinpoint its origin or resolve... Read More
Review Date: 11/27/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I enjoyed attending this institution and especially like how the instructors were able to integrate their real time work experiences into the classroom.
They were able to provide students with the opportunity to learn about their work experiences and how to develop their own solutions while following the safety standards and regulations.
Review Date: 7/16/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I just started the East Asian Studies bachelor program and the quality of education is fairly good in one class and excellent in another. I am taking two classes at a time. One class has decent lectures and materials, and I can take quizzes twice. In another class, the material is incredibly difficult and time-consuming and quizzes are tough. This particular class reminds me of when I was in graduate school (I'm working on a second bachelor's in order to pivot into a new field). My classmates are... Read More
Review Date: 4/5/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My journey at Chamberlain University, from enrollment to graduation, has been incredibly supportive and transformative. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and guided, especially as I navigated the challenges of balancing work, motherhood, and online classes. The university’s library has been an invaluable resource, offering access to academic tools and research materials that enhanced my learning experience. The professors were approachable, supportive, and readily available, always willing to answer... Read More
Review Date: 4/15/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Northcentral is an online school that seems to be trying to improve its academic reputation by bearing down on students, most of whom are working adults and single parents, by imposing unreasonable rules and showing zero support even when you have a legitimate issue. For one, they allow NO late assignments, and no make-up work (their reasoning is you don't get extensions in the real legal world -- but everyone who works in the legal field knows that extensions are the norm.) And by no late/makeup... Read More
Review Date: 3/2/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Largely the experience has been positive and a journey that I have enjoyed. There were pockets that were challenging to manuever such as paying or obtaining reimbursement of a fee paid, CS212 Professor presented many opportunities that drove unnecessary hurdles for the whole class, and the advisor team were not as knowledgable at times to address questions. Again, these were corner cases that can not be leveraged to generalize overall experience.
Review Date: 2/12/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Purdue University Global shines as a beacon for adult learners seeking accessible, high-quality online education. Its dedication to flexibility and personalized support makes it stand out. Whether juggling work, family, or other commitments, students can tailor their studies to fit their lives.
Purdue Global's online platform offers a diverse range of programs, from associate to doctoral degrees, covering in-demand fields. The curriculum emphasizes career-relevant skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared... Read More
Review Date: 9/13/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
FSCJ will scam you. Avoid at all costs - especially if you have financial aid needs. I originally attended another state University and I thought I knew what my major was going to be right out of high school. That changed drastically due to financial hardship, family issues, and the economy's collapse. Because I was in such a regimented career path, I was taking 15-18 credit hours per semester and most of those credits would not count for anything other than electives if I switched programs. I transferred... Read More
Review Date: 10/19/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I’m 25% done earning my bachelors degree in Business Management and I’m happy with the school so far. You have to remember that this is an online school with an independent learning model, meaning you basically teach yourself. They give you all the resources you need to be successful but it is 100% your responsibility to use them effectively. I have weekly phone calls with my academic advisor who helps keep me on track and lets me know how I’m doing. It is true that trying to get an appointment with... Read More
Review Date: 4/21/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently an online student studying audio production and studio engineering. The class assignments have broken links to necessary videos and examples... Assignments might not upload... Tech support is only able to help with software issues- they have little to no experience with hardware- interface, mics, keyboards- etc... The instructors are as helpful as possible and professional but they are extremely limited with assisting with many problems. I have had major issues trying to attend live... Read More
Review Date: 1/5/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
As a recent graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production, I can say that Full Sail is a unique and immersive experience that thrives on creativity, discipline, and industry focus. The curriculum is fast-paced and hands-on, which mirrors the real-world environments you’ll be working in after graduation.
What stood out most to me was the dedication of the instructors and the collaborative atmosphere. You’re surrounded by like-minded creatives who are serious about... Read More
For prospective students: this isn’t a traditional college experience. It’s intense, it’s specialized, and you get out what you put in. If you’re passionate, self-motivated, and ready to hustle, Full Sail will give you the tools and support to start your journey in the creative industry.
Review Date: 4/16/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am reading quite a lot of bad reviews for my school. I want to start off by saying I did receive a refund for my first term. Now why everyone else is saying that the financial aid department lacks communication, confuses me. Every time I had a question I was able to get in contact with my Financial Aid advisor over the phone. In order for you to get a refund you need to be a full time student and active in your courses. Now as far as communication goes, I get fast responses from my instructors... Read More
Review Date: 7/7/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Don't let you take 4 classes your first semester. Throws your plan off if you need increments of 4. Then when you want to take a few extra classes for fun tell you that you can't use financial aid for them. Then question why you would want to keep full time status with 4 classes. Waited until a few weeks before classes start to tell you this information. Take forever to dispurse your financial aid to your account to help cover costs like books and supplies. Some classes felt rushed and didn't learn... Read More
Review Date: 8/3/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The school overall is amazing from the adviser. When I first began class to each teacher. I had interaction with nothing but good things to say about the school and the program. I am a Stern advocate and have convince my current manager to go back to school and obtain his. Bixby subscriners and business administration degree. He's literally twenty weeks to graduating!
Review Date: 6/16/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm not sure why people are complaining that tests are not proctored or that you don't learn anything. If you're an honest person it wont matter if tests are not proctored. You are paying for an education, why would you cheat? If you're not learning anything then you are skimming the pages and just looking for what you need to get a right answer. I have had a great experience with SNHU. I have been able to contact the professors of many of my classes late at night or on the weekends and I get replies... Read More
Review Date: 1/7/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am highly satisfied with the RN to BSN online program at Galen College. My company paid for my entire degree minus book rentals, so I can not comment on the financial aspect. That being said, I would pay out-of-pocket for this degree at this college. I feel the instructors are very engaged in the online courses. They give constant and constructive feedback. My student support liaison has been very helpful and responsive as well. I like that the courses are 8 weeks. I do stay pretty busy but I like... Read More
Review Date: 8/19/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No