15 Military Friendly Colleges in Arkansas

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Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Arkansas

There are many military friendly colleges in Arkansas. According to the VA, in 2017, 118 AK schools received Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 416 students totaling over $2 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most-used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Arkansas colleges, 85% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2022 veterans eaRNING aid at Arkansas colleges
Post 9 / 112,827
MGIB – AD94
MIGB – SR808
REAP0
DEA2,354
VEAP0
TOTAL6,083

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Arkansas in 2024

These 15 military friendly colleges in Arkansas are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2022 / 2023 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many 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 Arkansas
640 N. Garland Avenue | Fayetteville, AR 72701

University of AK is the first military friendly college in Arkansas on our list. They are a is proud of its support for the military and offers many groups for support while at school and after graduation. The Veterans Resource and Information Center (VRIC) is the central point of contact for prospective or current University of Arkansas student veterans. Razorback Student Veterans is a registered student organization in which students who are veterans or supporters of veterans can join. There is also an organization for alumni.

UA offers many military and veteran scholarships and credit for military training is available. More funds to pay tuition and mandatory fees are available through the Yellow Ribbon program. The school offers up to 40 students each year with a maximum annual school contribution of $2,000.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,804
Grad: $5,810

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 308
Grad: 72

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 63%

2 University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S University Ave | Little Rock, AR 72204

UA at Little Rock has the honor or being a Purple Heart University. The UA Little Rock Military Student Success Center serves as a place where military students can socialize, study, and get information about available resources. It has a computer area, a lounge area, and a break room. Graduation honors for active military and veterans include red, white, and blue Military Honor Cords and Trojan Troop Coins.

UA Little Rock accepts military credit for academic credit whenever possible. The school is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,562
Grad: $4,830

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 133
Grad: 45

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 64%

 

3 University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Ave | Conway, AR 72035

UCA Veteran Services Office’s mission is to help veterans, current service members, and dependents utilize their VA Benefits. The Student Veteran Resource Center brings service members together to help them transition to student and civilian life. There are special programs available for female active duty members and veterans.

In addition to several military and veteran scholarships, military training can be used for credit.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,049
Grad: $4,319

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 184
Grad: 30

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 50%

4 Arkansas Tech University
1509 N Boulder | Russellville, AR 72801

The Arkansas Tech Office of Veteran Services assists veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and their dependents in transitioning to student life. Arkansas Tech is a member of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) and this program is individually tailored to the needs of each veteran. Military training can be used for credit.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,789
Grad: $4,878

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 114
Grad: 9

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 29%

5 Harding University
915 E. Market Ave | Searcy, AR 72149

Harding is approved by the Arkansas State Approving agency for Veterans, allowing veterans and their beneficiaries to utilize military educational benefits to fund their studies. There is a Veteran’s Association on campus to help military members and veterans.

Harding is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers an unlimited number of undergrad students per year an unlimited school contribution each year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,709
Grad: $8,870

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 49
Grad: 2

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 100%

6 Arkansas State University-Main Campus
2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401

Arkansas State University is designated a Military Friendly® School with bronze status by VIQTORY media for 2020-21. As a military friendly university, A-State offers online programs which may be ideal for active military, Reservists and National Guard members.

Apart from program choices, the school offers a Military and Family Scholarship. It caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour. Plus, spouse and dependents could receive up to 50% in tuition savings. 

To help you navigate VA benefits, you could speak with the Veteran Affairs representative in the Office of the Registrar.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,091
Grad: $2,749

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 127
Grad: 75

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 55%
Part Time: 50%

7 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913-3649

University of Arkansas, Fort Smith offers graduate and undergraduate degrees, technical certificates and certificates of proficiency in over 50 programs.

Student veterans could expect priority registration, a Veteran Resource Center and a Student Veterans of America Chapter – Student Veterans Organization (SVO) on campus. Also on campus is a full time VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, special student veteran advising and SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.

UAFS has been designated a 2017 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, and programs are approved by the Arkansas State Approving Agency and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,995
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 77
Grad: 2

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 93%
Part Time: N/A

8 University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
3000 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College is an approved training facility for veterans and a military friendly institution. Depending on your specific needs, two campus offices provide services to veterans.

The Veterans Services office assists veterans with all aspects of the college experience. Admission to the college, using educational benefits, academic advising, job search help and referral to other campus and community resources.

The TRiO Veterans Upward Bound program is a pre-college program. It aims to provide qualifying veterans with the skills and incentive needed to enter, or reenter, college in a successful way. Services include academic and skills assessments, college preparation and refresher courses, tutoring, career exploration, and study skills and financial literacy workshops.


Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,214
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 165
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 69%
Part Time: 57%

9 NorthWest Arkansas Community College
One College Drive, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712-5091

NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers a military friendly culture, resource center and scholarships.

NWACC’s Veteran Resources Center offers veteran advisors and counselor. They are there to guide you through class registration, GI Bill® benefits, scholarships and financial aid, as well as tutoring, employment, disability and more. 

The college also offers in-state tuition rates to all veterans, which can typically be covered by the GI Bill®. At times, veterans may need extra funds to cover their college expenses and are encouraged to apply for NWACC’s two veteran scholarships and other non-profit offerings.

One is the Josh McCandless Veteran’s Scholarship. It is a $500 scholarship awarded to veterans in the Fall and Spring to use towards their educational needs. It was named after an NWACC student who started the scholarship through a service learning project.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,891
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 99
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 68%
Part Time: 38%

10 Arkansas State University-Beebe
1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, Arkansas 72012

ASU-Beebe is committed to assisting active-duty military, veterans and their families with educational funding. You could expect to find a Veterans Services office on campus as well as several online resources. For e.g., a Veterans Crisis Line, Military Crisis Line and GI Bill® Education Information Line.

Veteran, military members and their dependents receive in-state tuition regardless of where they live or whether the program is online. You could also have your transcripts assessed for transfer credits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,644
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 61
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 43%

11 Henderson State University
1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999-0001

Henderson State University offers ROTC training programs and military science courses. They also offer a program called Veterans Upward Bound. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a college preparation program. It could help veterans who are first-generation, low income or at a high risk for academic failure. The program provides services such as advising, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,954
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 33
Grad: 4

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: N/A

12 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N University Mail Slot 4789, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.22M

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers an Army ROTC program. There may be two,  three, and four year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree. The program is available through the Department of Military Science.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,497
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 20
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

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

13 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
100 E. University | Magnolia, AR 71753

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus waives out of State tuition for veterans and active-duty service members. Veterans may be eligible for transfer credit for Basic Training and Military Education Courses.

Southern Arkansas University offers the Yellow Ribbon Program offers an unlimited number of students an unlimited school contribution each year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,374
Grad: $4,341

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 19
Grad: 7

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: N/A

14 National Park College
101 College Dr, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913

National Park College (NPC) earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation. The school accepts previous military experience for reliable college credit. There are also a number of Veterans services in place like a crisis hotline.

As a prospective student, you could contact the VA representative in the Financial Aid Office. The NPC Veterans services also offer scholarship applications, benefit support, and referrals to State Rehabilitation Assistance.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,757
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 40
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 85%
Part Time: 50%

15 Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
1600 South College Street, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

Arkansas State University – Mountain Home helps eligible veterans and dependents of veterans apply for educational benefits offered by the Veterans Administration.  Active duty military may also receive educational benefits to attend the university. To answer questions, you could contact the school’s Veterans Administration Certifying Official.

Another feature of the university is they may provide college credit for military training and experience. You could request your JST from the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy: Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans for them to assess.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,835
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 25
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 57%
Part Time: 17%

What does it mean to be a military-friendly college?

A Military Friendly School is one that actively supports not just active military members but also veterans and military spouses. The list encompasses various school types, and it clearly identifies institutions with programs suitable for Active Duty personnel.

Is joining the military worthwhile for college?

Absolutely. Military service grants access to valuable education benefits, including programs like the post 9-11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill. This makes pursuing education both accessible and affordable.

What GPA is needed for admission to a military college?

Most candidates admitted to service academies boast GPAs well above the national average. A strong GPA, typically in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, is a common benchmark for competitive applicants. Class rank is also a crucial consideration in the admission process.

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*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.

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