Hey, I'm considering serving in the military after high school. I was curious, are there accredited online college courses that'll work well with the unpredictable nature of military life?
Absolutely, there are many accredited universities that offer online courses and degrees tailored specifically for current members of the military. These programs are designed to accommodate the unique challenges of military life, such as irregular schedules and frequent relocations.
One example is American Public University (APU). APU has been ranked among the best online bachelor's degree programs for veterans by U.S. News and World Report. They offer more than 200 online degree and certificate programs, with classes starting monthly and running 8-16 weeks. option is Penn State World Campus, the online division of Pennsylvania State University. Their Military Grant-in-Aid program can reduce undergraduate tuition for military students, making it more affordable.
Another great option is the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), which has a history of working with military personnel dating back to the 1940s. They offer a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs and even have staff at military installations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia.
Don't forget about the military's Tuition Assistance (TA) program, which covers up to 100% of tuition expenses for eligible service members. In addition, the GI Bill can help cover further education costs after your military service concludes.
It's important to choose a program that not only meets your academic and career goals, but also one that provides flexibility and understands the unique needs of service members. I recommend reaching out to the military education office at the base or installation where you’re stationed for further guidance. They can be a resource to you as you start this journey.
Note that while a number of for-profit institutions target the military community with their advertising, it's crucial to verify their eligibility for the TA program and regional accreditation status before enrolling.
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