Soon-to-be high school grad here, exploring all my options. I am aware of service academies but curious if there are other colleges or universities that cater particularly to military members? Any inside info would be appreciated!
Absolutely! Besides military academies, there are several other educational institutions that are well-equipped to accommodate the unique needs of military members and veterans. One type of institution to explore is the Military Friendly® schools. This designation is awarded to top colleges, universities, and trade schools in the country that do the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.
For instance, Arizona State University, Excelsior College, and Colorado State University-Global Campus are all known for having extensive systems in place to support military members. They offer benefits such as tuition assistance, flexible scheduling options, and dedicated support services for military students.
Alabama's Troy University, known as "Alabama’s International University," has a strong reputation for serving military, veterans, and their families. They even have an office dedicated to military affairs.
Many community colleges also offer strong support for military students. For example, the Los Angeles Community College District in California has a Veterans Services Office at each of its nine colleges.
Most of these institutions recognize the value of military experience and provide college credit for military training and experiences, often through the Joint Services Transcript system.
Another important aspect to consider is whether the school is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This program can make many more institutions affordable for veterans by covering any tuition costs that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition in your state.
In addition, many online educational platforms cater to military members, offering flexible schedules that can accommodate the demands of military service.
Remember, each institution will have a unique set of benefits and student support systems in place, so it's important to contact the schools directly to find out what resources they offer for military students. This will ensure you find a school that not only supports your academic goals, but also appreciates and accommodates your military service.
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