What makes an online college military-friendly?

Hi everyone, quick question. I'm looking into online college options that are military-friendly, but I'm unsure what that really means. Could anybody clarify what characteristics make a college 'military-friendly'? Are there any specific programs or support systems I should be looking for?

When we talk about a college being 'military-friendly', it refers to the institution's level of support and consideration for the unique needs of military-affiliated students. There are several factors that contribute to a college’s military-friendly status.First, the college may be a participant in the Department of Defense's Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. This program provides financial assistance to service members for tuition costs, and each branch of the military has its own TA program. Universities that participate are directly billed by the military, which lessens the workload for military students.

Colleges may also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed the maximum cap for the private school or out-of-state tuition at a public school. In other words, a military-friendly college might cover a portion of the tuition costs that aren't covered by the GI Bill, and the VA matches the college's contribution.

A military-friendly online college would likely offer flexible scheduling, understanding that military members' schedules can be unpredictable and demanding. They may also provide credit for military training and experience, which can help service members earn their degree more quickly.In addition, it's important to consider resources and services that are tailored to military members, such as dedicated counselors who are familiar with military benefits and the challenges that military students may face. Mental health services, career counseling services emphasizing on civilian career transition, and a vibrant community of other military-affiliated students are all valuable.

Lastly, you should consider taking a look at the college's reputation among military members. They may have a military friendly recognition from organizations such as Military Friendly Schools, GI Jobs, and Military Advanced Education & Transition that evaluate and list colleges based on their military friendliness.Remember, each service member's needs can be different, so it's worthwhile to reach out to the colleges you're considering to understand how they can support you as a military-affiliated student.