Hi all, I'm a military spouse with some inquiries about continuing my education online while my partner is enlisted. What's the best way to go about researching online colleges and degrees that are military-friendly, or specifically designed for military spouses?
Starting off, it's really commendable that you're looking to further your education while managing the demands of being a military spouse! Your determination will definitely serve you well in your academic journey.
An initial step to locating military-friendly online colleges could involve considering universities that are part of the Department of Defense's Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement ensures that these institutions have committed to abide by standards that protect military-related students. Some recognized names include Arizona State University, Ohio State University, University of Florida, and many more. Each of these schools provide a variety of online programs that are flexible and suited to the needs of non-traditional students, like military family members.
Looking at institutions that participate in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program is another good start. MyCAA provides financial assistance specifically for military spouses who are pursuing licenses or credentials leading to employment in high demand, high growth Portable Career Fields. This can help you save on your education costs.
However, do take note that not all online degrees are created equal, so you'd want to ensure the program you choose is regionally accredited. This means that the school's educational programs meet acceptable levels of quality and that credits earned there can be transferred to other accredited institutions. This factor is crucial, especially considering the mobility of military life.
Lastly, check out the specific military-related benefits offered by each college. These benefits might include discounted tuition rates, access to special scholarships, free tutoring, or dedicated military support staff. Military Friendly®, a pioneer for setting the standards for military friendly institutions, might also be a resourceful site for you.
Hope this helps get you started on your search! Best of luck to you with your educational journey.
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