Hey folks, I'm a military veteran interested in resuming my studies. Are there any online colleges you would recommend specifically for veterans? I'm a little worried about the transition and would appreciate colleges that have supportive infrastructure in place for people like me. Do some colleges provide extra support for veterans?
Consider colleges that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program — a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It can make private institutions and out-of-state tuition at public institutions more affordable for veterans. Schools that participate in this program agree to contribute a certain amount towards your tuition and fees, which the Department of Veterans Affairs then matches.
When it comes to online colleges specifically, I'd recommend Arizona State University (ASU). ASU Online has a robust military-affiliated student community and offers dedicated support in the form of its Pat Tillman Veterans Center and Veterans Upward Bound program. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center can aid you in transitioning to the academic setting, leveraging your military experience, accessing services, and connecting to the wider community.
Another online option to look into is Penn State World Campus. They have dedicated military support specialists to help veterans navigate their academic path, deal with financial aid, and apply military benefits. Penn State also encourages veterans to join their Student Veterans of America chapter, a network designed to provide peer-to-peer mentorship and support to student veterans.
For a more personalized support and a smaller online setting, you might also consider Excelsior College. They offer credit for military training, have an active community of military students and alumni, and provide personalized career services for veterans.It's important to note that each of these schools welcomes military veterans and has systems in place to help you transition from military to academic life. Remember to contact veterans services at any school you're considering to make sure you're aware of all their available resources and support systems!
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.