Online Colleges for Military Dependents

Hey guys, my mom serves in the military and I was wondering if there are specific online colleges that provide benefits or special programs for military dependents like me?

Certainly, several online colleges offer benefits and special programs for military dependents. These benefits are often part of the initiatives to support service members and their families. Do be aware that some of the perks may not be for military children specifically, but it's also worth knowing about schools that are simply known for being military friendly in general.

Here are a few examples:

1. American Military University (AMU): This online school, part of the accredited American Public University System, prides itself on being military-friendly. About 56% of the students are military-affiliated (which includes dependents). They offer tuition grants, book grants, and transfer credit for military training.

2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): This well-known online school provides a tuition discount of up to 30% for U.S. service members and their spouses. They also assign a dedicated military advisor to help students navigate admissions, financial aid, and academic support.

3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): UMGC has a long list of programs and resources tailored to military students. They offer tuition discounts, free textbooks of undergraduate courses, and they're prominent for their transfer-friendly policies, letting you leverage your experience towards degree credits.

4. Bellevue University: This Nebraska-based university offers a Military Veterans Services Center to help service members and their families. They offer tuition discounts and potential course credits for military training, and have a strong record of serving military students.

Also look for schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program can offer additional funds beyond the basic GI Bill. Moreover, do consider reaching out to military support services, as they can provide comprehensive information about benefits and opportunities for your education.

However, with online schools, you always want to ensure the school is regionally accredited, to ensure your degree will be widely recognized by employers and future graduate programs.

You also want to think carefully about your specific needs and wants in a school (like specific degree program, instructional style, student support services) and use those factors in addition to the military benefits in choosing a school. Remember, it's crucial that the college is a good fit for your overall goals, not just financially.

Happy college hunting!