I'm on active duty right now and I want to look into college programs designed for people like me. Does anyone know of any specific colleges or programs that cater to active duty military personnel? And how are they different from the usual college programs?
Certainly, many colleges and universities have established programs that specifically cater to active duty military members. These can be somewhat different from traditional college programs because they often offer flexible class schedules (including evening and online classes), credit for military training and experiences, and often have dedicated advising staff familiar with military benefits and lifestyle. Here are a few examples:
1. Penn State World Campus: Penn State University's online campus is a strong choice for active duty military. They accept military training and experience for credit, have a dedicated military support team, and offer a variety of online degree programs.
2. Troy University: Based in Alabama, Troy University has long been a favorite for military members due to its extensive online program and history of military support. They have a dedicated military admissions team and several scholarship opportunities for active duty military.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus: UMGC was created specifically to cater to military and non-traditional learners. Its wide array of online programs and its dedication to accepting military training for credit make it a solid option.
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: If you're interested in aviation, engineering, or similar fields, ERAU's Worldwide & Online campus offers an array of programs ideal for military personnel.
While these are just a few examples, many other institutions offer support to military members, so it's worth researching individual universities. Be sure to ask about specific resources for military members, any potential credit for military training, and any benefits that could help you cover tuition costs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance program being key ones. Additionally, check out the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) program, which is a consortium of schools committed to helping servicemembers and their families gain college degrees.
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