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Military Friendly Colleges
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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 2017 there was a significant amount of funding awarded to these schools to support military members.
| 2017 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits | 2017 DOD Tuition Assistance Program Benefits | |
|---|---|---|
| Total # Who Received Aid | 595,777 | 232,330 |
| 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 |
Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Online Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
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Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- For bachelor’s and associate’s degrees or a certificate at a degree granting school
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Loan Options Include:
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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.
Military Friendly Colleges by State
2020 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 2017 / 2018 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.
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, 2021. 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 2022. 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.