I'm joining the military soon but have been contemplating pursuing a degree during my service. Anyone have any recommendations for solid online colleges that suit us military members?
Absolutely! It's commendable that you're interested in furthering your education while serving. There are a number of online colleges that are particularly well-suited for military members, as they offer flexibility, affordability, and are adept at dealing with the specific circumstances that those in military service might encounter.
Penn State's World Campus is a good starting point. This online campus has a long-established program that offers a wide variety of degrees and certificates. They are recognized for their military-friendly practices, like providing military grant-in-aid to reduce tuition costs, and they have a dedicated team of advisers familiar with the unique needs of military students.
Arizona State University also has a robust online program with multiple start dates per year for flexibility. They offer a reduced tuition rate for active military and their dependents, too.
University of Maryland Global Campus is another choice to consider. They have long catered to military members, offering online courses since the1990s. UMGC also has a number of alliances with community colleges around the country, so if you started your education somewhere else, you might be able to transfer credits.
Finally, Southern New Hampshire University has gained a good reputation for serving military members with their online programs. They provide reduced tuition for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses. Plus, they have business, healthcare, education, and STEM programs among others.
Regardless of where you choose to study, make sure to fully understand the transferability of credits, tuition, and fees, as well as the school's accreditation status. Remember also to take advantage of the education benefits available to you, such as Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill. Best of luck with your educational journey!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.