I'm considering serving in the military after high school and I'd like to continue my education online. What are some of the top military-friendly online colleges? Are there any well-ranked, accredited programs?
Absolutely, there are many respected institutions that offer robust online degree programs with specific benefits for military personnel. Here are a few options you might consider:
1. Penn State World Campus: Known for having one of the largest online offerings in the U.S., they provide military grant-in-aid for active duty military service members and reduced tuition rates for military spouses and dependents.
2. University of Arizona Global Campus: They offer a generous transfer credit acceptance policy and significant military tuition discounts, alongside an expansive list of online bachelor's degrees and master's degree programs.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): SNHU has been recognized as one of the top military-friendly schools in the country. They offer lower online tuition rates for active duty military and their spouses, along with 24/7 online access to coursework.
4. Excelsior College: This institution has been working with military students for over 4 decades. They offer accelerated 8-week online classes and generous credit transfer policies, acknowledging the unique skills and training that military personnel bring to their studies.
5. American Military University (AMU): AMU offers 200+ online degree and certificate programs designed specifically for military personnel, along with competitive tuition rates and book grants for undergraduates.
While selecting your institution, keep in mind to find a school that offers flexibility and understands the unique challenges faced by military students. Also, you might want to check if the school is part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) network, which ensures that military students can easily transfer credits and successfully complete their degrees, even with the frequent moves that are common to military life.
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