Hey everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows about colleges that have programs or discounts for students coming from military backgrounds. Ideally, it'd be great to find places that not only offer financial support, but are also accommodating in terms of an understanding community and flexible schedules for those active duty. Any info is much appreciated!
Certainly, there are a number of colleges that provide incentives to students with military backgrounds.
Let's start with the mention of Syracuse University. Syracuse has a dedicated Office of Veteran Success which provides a number of services to military students, including academic advising, career services, and benefits assistance. Syracuse is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can provide additional funding on top of the GI Bill benefits.
Columbia University's School of General Studies also has a large community of veteran students. It too participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and has a dedicated Military and Veterans Affairs office offering similar supports as Syracuse.
Another option is Arizona State University which is known for their Pat Tillman Veterans Center that provides a variety of support services and resources for military students. ASU also generously reduces tuition to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate programs for active-duty military and reservist students.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is another prime option particularly for those active duty, as it offers discounted tuition rates and maximum credit for military education and training.
Taking a step further are colleges like Colorado State University's Global Campus and Western Governors University. These institutions offer tuition discounts specifically for military students. Additionally, they have online degree programs, which might be a more flexible option if you're concerned about schedule flexibility while on active duty.
Remember to also be on the lookout for the availability of a Veterans Resource Center or similar services at the college. These centers can offer additional support for your transition into college life, having a team that understands military backgrounds. Do note though, that when it comes to financial aspects, eligibility for certain benefits and the amount of discounts will vary depending on factors like your service status, length of service, etc.
Lastly, make sure to research opportunities like the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can provide additional funding at participating universities on top of the federal GI Bill. You will want to look for colleges/universities that are 'Yellow Ribbon' schools to get the most out of your educational benefits.
Hope you find this information helpful and best of luck!
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.