Top Military Friendly Colleges & Online Schools 2024

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Military Friendly Colleges

What Does Military Friendly School Mean?

Military friendly colleges or schools do more than take part in government benefits programs. They commit time, people and resources to the needs of military members and student Vets.

A key feature of military friendly colleges are the programs and policies they have. Like helping you turn military training and experience into credit. Or through tuition savings, flexible class formats and relevant programs.

Such schools often dedicate teams to help you stay on academic track. Some even hire staff who have a military background. So, they know the challenges you may face. Many have Veteran centers and dedicated workshops to help you too. n the 2022 there was a significant amount of funding awarded to these schools to support military members.

 2023 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits2023 DOD Tuition Assistance Program Benefits
Total # Who Received Aid595,777232,330
Total Dollars Awarded$4.4 Trillion – 81% Undergrad$455 Million – 85% Undergrad
Average Amount Awarded$9,801$2,169
Average Undergrad Award$9,754$2,192
Average Grad Award$10,212$2,295

Key Features of Military Friendly Colleges

One reason to look for a military friendly college is they work to boost success metrics. Many such colleges guide students with every step of their transition. From military to college life and into civilian endeavors.

As such, Veteran friendly colleges share certain features and standards. These measure a school’s commitment, effort and success in helping their military students. To figure out if a college is military friendly there are a few key qualities to look for. We’ll unpack 8 points to help you assess the colleges on your list.

1. Dedicated Military Support

Military friendly colleges offer help to students during key admissions processes. These workers should be well versed in school policies as well as VA, DoD and federal aid. They should explain how and when to file paperwork. Make sure you understand timelines and deadlines. And, answer questions you have housing. 

Many colleges also go a step further through workshops or special military classes. Some offer mentoring, tutoring, counseling and career services.

Apart from personalized support, there may be broader campus services too. Like veteran associations, clubs and career placement services. How important are student veteran organizations

Student veteran organizations often help to build trust through hands on, in person help. Many veterans value having such points of contact. They suggest it helps them navigate their college experience.

Such organizations furnish a safe, shared place for veterans and military service members. Many also advocate for the needs of the military student community. This often translates into higher veteran retention and graduation rates.

2. Accept Transfer Credits for Military Experience

Many accredited colleges accept transfer credits from other accredited schools. Top military friendly colleges may go a step further.

Usually, this means they assess your Joint Service Transcript (JST) for transfer credit. Such credit may be for earlier military school training and/or military experience.

These schools often go by the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. ACE’s Military Guide looks at formal courses and jobs offered by all branches of the military. Then translates them into college credit recommendations.

About 2,9000 schools also allow the use of CLEP testing for college credit. Often, the U.S. government funds these through DANTES. So, exams may be free to take for some military members.

Having fewer credits to do helps in two ways. One, it reduces the number of credits you pay for. Two, it may help you graduate faster.

3. Accreditation and VA Approval

When a school is military friendly it has national or regional accreditation. This means its programs are credible and eligible students may pursue federal aid.

Many colleges also have U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs approval. At VA approved schools, you may use your GI benefits to help pay for college.

Some of these VA approved schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program pays costs not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

4. Financial Aid Options

Military friendly schools offer tuition savings to military and veterans. There are at least 3 layers to this process.

At the basic level, colleges must provide Service members access to a financial aid advisor. Before they enroll. This person outlines all aid programs in a clear way that does not mislead.

A second part may come in the form of tuition savings and fee waivers. This part is up to the school. Among the things to look for are:

  • Waive admission fee
  • Waive registration fee
  • Discount tuition/cost per credit
  • Support financial aid in the form of Federal Student Aid (grants and loans)
  • Tuition caps for military students
  • Offer military scholarships
  • Enable employer benefits
  • School military grants
  • Extend savings to military and Veteran spouses and dependents

Third, military friendly universities also take part in VA and DoD benefits programs. These benefits may pay for education and training. They often cover money for tuition, books and supplies, and housing.

Military Programs
  • GI Bill®. For qualifying Veterans and their family members. It helps with money that covers all or some of the costs for school or training
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit
  • The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD. May help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, you may be eligible for this benefit
  • The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). This program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. If you’re a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, you may be eligible for this benefit
  • Yellow Ribbon Programs. Most public colleges charge higher tuition to non-residents than to residents. But a school may opt to take part in the Yellow Ribbon program for non-residents. This program requires the school to provide you a tuition waiver which the VA will match
  • Survivors and Dependents Assistance. If you are the child or spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits
  • Tuition Assistance (TA). Some schools take part in the Department of Defense TA Program. These institutions sign an agreement with the DoD. TA benefits extend to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. In some cases they cover 100% of tuition costs

Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard/Reservists and their dependents can use the GI Bill Comparison tool. This feature allows students to log in and compare education benefits.

5. Follow the Principles of the VA

In 2012, President Obama signed executive order 13607, The Principles of Excellence. It is for all schools that serve Service members, Veterans, Spouses, and their families.

Schools that are part of this program must give each student a written summary that outlines:

  • Cost covered by your benefits
  • The financial aid you may qualify for
  • Your expected student-loan debt after you graduate
  • An education plan with a timeline that shows how to fulfill everything you need to graduate
  • Set a point of contact to provide academic and financial advice
  • Allows you to be absent due to your service obligations (for active duty members and Reservists)

The VA lists schools that comply on their website.

6. Flexible Programs and Policies

For me, the online schooling was better than the traditional line because I suffer from severe insomnia and there are times I can go three or four days without sleep and for a normal school, that wouldn’t work. I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the work whereas with the online schooling, I can do it all on my own time and when I can.

Military friendly colleges also have flexible programs and policies.

Some of these speak to the needs of Reserve and National Guard members. Many deploy or must be absent from school due to military service conflicts. Flexible policies allow students to remain in and return to school with no penalty.

Other criteria include things such as:

  • Online program options
  • Programs that provide marketable skills for civilian jobs
  • Policies that help veterans connect and succeed
  • Foster communication between veterans and teachers
  • Have tutoring programs
  • Include veteran-only classes to help these students feel they “fit in”
  • May have family-friendly housing for veterans
  • Provide extra guidance during the admission process

7. Military Retention and Grad Rates

Two measures of student success are retention rates and graduation rates.

Retention rates show how many students return to the same college for another year. Nationwide, the average is about 61.1%. Looking for rates above the norm, you’ll find schools where students may stay on track.

Graduation rates show how many students finish their degree. Studies show it is often harder for military students to complete their degree. Many are older, facing health issues and juggling a family life.

Research suggests that veterans who feel supported on campus tend to have:

  • Increased GPAs
  • Higher retention and graduation rates

8. Take Part in the Eight Keys to Veteran Success

The “8 Keys to Veterans’ Success” is a voluntary initiative. It exists through the Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs, and Defense.

The program outlines things that colleges can take to be friendly to the military. Both to promote well-being and success for veterans. Things like:

  • Create a culture of trust across the campus community to promote well being and success for veterans.
  • Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership.
  • Implement an early alert system to ensure all veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming.
  • Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them (even if limited in size).
  • Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for veterans.
  • Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on veterans, including demographics, retention, and degree completion.
  • Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to veterans.
  • Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for veterans.

 

2024 Military Friendly Colleges in the US

These military friendly colleges in the US are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2022 / 2023 school year. All data is reported by NCES and Department of Defense. Most of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1 University of Phoenix – AZ
4035 South Riverpoint Parkway | Phoenix, AZ 85040


UOP stands out as our top military-friendly college, having awarded just over $90 million in Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits during the 2022/23 school year. UOP’s military-friendly policies encompass two methods for utilizing transfer credits: one through an accredited associate degree and the other via a Prior Learning Assessment. In cases where individuals don’t qualify for either, there’s an opportunity to earn credit through an Experiential Essay. Additionally, UOP provides military tuition rates and facilitates the use of VA benefits for eligible students.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer (ESO): Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: No
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $9,552
Grad: $16,215

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,610
Grad: $7,380

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 6,352
Grad: 1,127

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 76%
Part Time: 63%

2 University of Maryland – Global
1616 McCormick Drive | Largo, MD 20774


UMGC offers an extensive selection of majors and has garnered numerous awards. For instance, they achieved a top 5 ranking for their cyber security programs in both 2016 and 2017.

Similarly, UMUC provides a broad spectrum of military-friendly options. It’s possible to expedite your degree through credits earned from military experience and training. They also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel along with comprehensive Tuition Assistance, covering up to 100% of undergraduate tuition expenses. Furthermore, UMUC is staffed with dedicated individuals who comprehend the challenges associated with transitioning to civilian life.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer (ESO): Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $12,336
Grad: $12,132

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,994
Grad: $6,157

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 7,849
Grad: 1,793

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 60%

 

3 American Public University System
111 W. Congress Street | Charles Town, WV 25414


APUS operates as a private for-profit school system consisting of two main branches: the American Military University (AMU) and the American Public University (APU). The primary objective of AMU is to provide flexible and relevant online programs tailored to those in service, offering a wide array of over 200 programs across all degree levels.

AMU stands out for its numerous veterans on staff and the range of military-friendly services it offers. Among these is a tuition grant that limits the cost per credit. Students utilizing TA benefits may also qualify for complimentary books and e-books. Additionally, the institution waives course technology fees and grants credits for military education and training courses.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer (ESO): Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $8,400
Grad: $7,660

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,216
Grad: $3,664

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 12088
Grad: 3,497

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 74%

 

4 University of Phoenix – CA
3110 East Guasti Road | Ontario, CA 91761


UOP’s military-friendly policies provide two pathways to utilize transfer credits. One method involves utilizing credits from an accredited associate degree, while the other utilizes a Prior Learning Assessment. If eligibility for either isn’t met, individuals may have the opportunity to earn credit through an Experiential Essay. Additionally, UOP extends military tuition rates and facilitates the use of VA benefits for eligible students.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer (ESO): Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: No
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $9,552
Grad: $16,263

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,286
Grad: $4,411

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 180
Grad: 25

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 82%

 

5 Full Sail University
3300 University Boulevard | Winter Park, FL 32792


Some of their popular majors at Full Sale are in areas like digital marketing, film and TV, music and recording.

Full Sail accepts most military and national tuition benefit programs. They also review your transcripts and have military reps to answer questions. There are a few Active Duty Tracks and a Courage and Creativity Scholarship award.

  • Military Tuition Rate: No
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: No
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2022/23 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $26,307
Grad: $16,912

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,820
Grad: $16,887

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 3,495
Grad: 155

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 91%

 

6 Keiser University – Ft Lauderdale
1500 NW 49th St. | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309


Military friendly policies include rolling admissions and flexible online programs. Keiser also offers scholarships for qualified service members, veterans and military dependents. And, if eligible, you can use VA benefits and TA. They also consider military training, DANTES and CLEP for college credit. 

  • Military Tuition Rate: No
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $24,136
Grad: $33,390

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,732
Grad: $12,088

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 2,664
Grad: 152

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 69%
Part Time: 24%

 

7 Liberty University
1971 University Blvd. | Lynchburg, VA 24515


To meet military students needs, Liberty offers tuition caps and divinity block tuition rates. There’s also a Doctorate military rate for some EdD, EdS and Doctor of Ministry programs. It also waives application fees for service members, Veterans and First Responders. Students may also transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree. Apart from this, Liberty will assess your military experience and training for college credit.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad:$21,222
Grad: $8,340

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,406
Grad: $3,601

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 5,385
Grad: 3,864

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 73%

 

8 ECPI University
5555 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach | VA 23462


ECPI’s military-friendly policies encompass flexible scheduling and multiple start dates. Moreover, the institution collaborates with various military programs such as the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership, Navy College Program for Afloat College Education, Marine Corps Career College Program, ArmyEd, and Air Force General Education Mobile. ECPI assesses military credits in accordance with ACE guides.

  • Military Tuition Rate: No
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $18,484
Grad: $13,625

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $17,179
Grad: $14,898

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,883
Grad: 62

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 74%

 

9 Colorado Technical University
4435 N Chestnut Street | Colorado Springs, CO 80907


CTU offers a Military Leave of Absence as part of its military-friendly policies, which extends to online students and can span up to 5 years. Additionally, CTU evaluates military experience for potential transfer credits, allowing students to utilize their benefits. Moreover, active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members qualify for a reduced tuition rate.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $12,696
Grad: $14,597

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,551
Grad: $13,127

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,257
Grad: 268

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 82%

 

10 Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road | Manchester, NH 03106


SNHU caters to the needs of military students by providing up to 30% savings on online programs. The university also accepts Tuition Assistance and VA benefits. Additionally, SNHU facilitates the transfer of credits, allowing eligible individuals to transfer up to 45 credits towards an associate degree and up to 90 credits for a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, students can receive credit for military service, certified by JST and ACE, as well as exams such as DSST and CLEP.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $15,380
Grad: $19,470

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,552
Grad: $5,610

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 9,293
Grad: 1,898

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 80%

 

11 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
1 Aerospace Blvd. | Daytona Beach, FL 32114


Military policies at Embry include special tuition rates ($250 per credit) and credit for military training. They also have six degrees that are part of the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative category.  Plus, they partner with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) through the General Education Mobile (GEM) Program. There are campuses located at more than 90 military installations across the globe too.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: No
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $40,564
Grad: $21,076

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $28,212
Grad: $15,603

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 5,515
Grad: 754

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 88%
Part Time: 79%

 

12 National University
11255 North Torrey Pines Road | La Jolla, CA 92037


Military friendly policies include tuition discounts for military members and their dependents. They also provide credit for military experience through CLEP, Regents and DANTES. You can use your benefits too. There’s also a Veteran Center that provides guidance and support.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: No
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $13,320
Grad: $15,912

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,107
Grad: $8,269

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 3,017
Grad: 800

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 74%

 

13 Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Blvd. | Norfolk, VA 23529


Military friendly policies at ODU include special tuition rates and fee waivers. They also review your JST/SMART Summary. And have a military connection center.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $31,170
Grad: $33,456

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,075
Grad: $13,288

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,791
Grad: 259

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 85%

 

14 Grand Canyon University
3300 W Camelback Rd. | Phoenix, AZ 85017


GCU provides several military-friendly features, including ROTC scholarships and acceptance of Tuition Assistance. The university also extends a dedicated military rate per credit hour along with specialized scholarship awards specifically allocated for Veterans, their spouses, and employees of NOAA, PHS, and DoD. Furthermore, a military university counselor assists students in determining whether their experiences qualify for college credits.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $17,800
Grad: $11,638

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,489
Grad: $5,151

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 3,247
Grad: 1,419

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 79%

 

15 Purdue Global University
1801 East Kimberly Road, Suite 1 | Davenport, IA 52807


One of PGU’s military friendly features is reduced tuition rates. Undergrad and current service members may get a 55% savings. Another is their PME2 Degree program. This turns professional military education (PME) and training into college credit. They also accept CLEP, DANTE and DSST. They also take part in the Air Force University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC). This assists airmen who want to transfer associate credits into a bachelor’s program

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: No
  • Principles of Excellence: No
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: No
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $14,445
Grad: $11,493

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,639
Grad: $5,607

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 3,347
Grad: 815

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

 

16 Saint Leo University
33701 State Road 52 | Saint Leo, FL 33574


Military friendly policies at Saint Leo include access to many VA benefits. Some are TA assistance, vocational rehab, Veterans Upward Bound. The school also looks at military training for college credit and offers reduced tuition rates.

  • Military Tuition Rate: Yes
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $27,050
Grad: $18,436

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,980
Grad: $6,386

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 973
Grad: 415

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 73%

 

17 George Washington University
1918 F Street, NW | Washington DC 20052


Military friendly policies at GWU include access to benefits. There are also several scholarships set aside for military affiliated students. You can also look for dedicated support staff to walk you through admissions.

  • Military Tuition Rate: No
  • Credit for Military Training: NA
  • Educational Services Officer: Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $62,200
Grad: $33,984

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $23,071
Grad: $17,301

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 286
Grad: 662

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 74%
Part Time: 58%

 

18 University of Southern California
University Park | Los Angeles, CA 90089


While being the last Military Friendly College on our list, USC boasts the highest average awards for undergraduates among all the schools listed. USC’s military-friendly policies encompass fee waivers, access to VA benefits, and merit scholarships. Additionally, the university offers Air Force, Army, and Naval ROTC programs along with scholarship opportunities. During the application process, applicants have the option to upload their JST and DD-214 for review.

  • Military Tuition Rate: No
  • Credit for Military Training: Yes
  • Educational Services Officer (ESO): Yes
  • Student Veteran Organization: Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes
  • Principles of Excellence: Yes
  • 8 Keys to Veteran Success: Yes
  • DoD Memo of Understanding: Yes

2023/24 Tuition and Fees

Undergrad: $64,726
Grad: $64,666

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $36,890
Grad: $25,637

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 189
Grad: 600

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: NA

 

Scholarships for Military Scholarship for Veterans, Active Duty and Military Spouses

Education Connection is offering a scholarship worth $1,000. We hope to help offset the costs of earning a degree and pursuing those next steps in your civilian career path. When awarded, the recipient can use the $1,000 tuition voucher for any cost associated with his or her school bursar’s office (some restrictions may apply based on the school).

In order to apply to our Military Scholarship, you must submit a 250 word response to this essay question:

How has your military service prepared you to enhance your education?

The deadline to submit your application is September 30, 2024. Apply for the scholarship now!

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be military active duty, honorably discharged, veteran, or a spouse from any branch of the military. This contest is open only to those legal residents of the 50 United States and DC who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application. And, who are currently enrolled, or will be enrolled no later than the fall of 2023.  Students must be going to an accredited school such as a college, university, or trade school. Please refer to our Official Scholarship Rules for more info.

You can also find more military scholarships from our sister site Unigo.

This is a private website that is not affiliated with the U.S. government, U.S. Armed Forces or Department of Veteran Affairs. U.S. government agencies have not reviewed this information. This site is not connected with any government agency. If you would like to find more information about benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, please visit the official U.S. government web site for veterans’ benefits at http://www.va.gov.

The sponsored schools featured on this site do not include all schools that accept GI Bill® funding or VA Benefits. For more information on how to choose a school, visit. For more information on Education Connection, visit our FAQ page or follow the About Us link found below. Contact us here or email us.

© Education Connection 2024. All Rights Reserved.

*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”).  So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking.  Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study.  By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.

This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The financial aid information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

1 You must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students with a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan in the 2018/19 school year who were approved when they returned in 2019/20. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2019/20.

2 This promotional benefit is provided at no cost to borrowers with new loans that disburse between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. Borrowers are not eligible to activate the benefit until July 1, 2021. Borrowers who reside in, attend school in, or borrow for a student attending school in Maine are not eligible for this benefit. Chegg Study® offers expert Q&A where students can submit up to 20 questions per month. No cash value. Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit http://www.chegg.com/legal/smtermsandconditions for complete details. This offer expires one year after issuance.