Hi everyone, I'm thinking about joining the military after I graduate from high school, but I also want to get my degree. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations on quality online colleges suitable for military members? Are there specific programs that cater to active/retired service members?
Certainly, pursuing your education while in service is a commendable goal and I'm glad you're exploring your options. Many online colleges offer programs specifically tailored for military members due to their unique lifestyle and commitments. Here are a few that have been recognized for their military-friendly practices.
1. Arizona State University (ASU Online): ASU Online is known for its quality education and its dedication to helping military students succeed. They offer more than 200 highly ranked degree programs and provide a dedicated military advocacy team to support service members, veterans, and dependents.
2. Penn State World Campus: Penn State World Campus was one of the first major accredited institutions to offer online degrees. They offer over 150 online programs and have a strong record of supporting military students, with financial assistance and academic counseling services tailored to military life.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): UMGC was specifically designed to cater to the military and offer a wide range of degree programs. They also provide scholarships and tuition assistance to military members and have been a long-time partner of the Department of Defense.
Before you make a decision, be sure to check if the college has a dedicated military support center and investigate their policies for transfer credits (especially from military training and experience). Furthermore, you should ensure the online college is regionally accredited, as this is typically a requirement for tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits.
As a military member, you will have access to education benefits such as the Tuition Assistance Program and the GI Bill, both of which can significant cover costs—so it would be wise to look into these as well.
Best of luck with your decision, and thank you for your future service!
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