Active Duty and Thinking about Online Colleges

Hey everyone, I'm considering going to college online while I'm on active duty in the military. Does anyone have any information or suggestions about schools that could be a good fit? Or any do's and don'ts about this process?

Hello! That's an excellent endeavor, and kudos to you for pursuing your education alongside active duty. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Accreditation - Make sure the school you are considering is regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures that your degree is widely respected and recognized by employers and other institutions of higher education.

2. Military-Friendly - Many online colleges offer special benefits to military students. This could include tuition discounts, dedicated staff to assist with military benefits and paperwork, and flexibility to accommodate for service interruptions. Schools like American Military University or Columbia Southern University are known for catering specifically to military students.

3. Service Transference - See if the school provides academic credit for military training and experience, as defined by the American Council on Education (ACE).

4. Flexibility - Look for online colleges with asynchronous classes, which means they don't have a set meeting time. This can provide maximum flexibility for your unpredictable schedule. The course deadlines should be manageable with your service commitments.

5. Reviews & Reputation - Check out the school's graduation and retention rates, along with reviews from other military students. This can give you a sense of the overall student satisfaction.

6. Explore Tuition Assistance Program - The Department of Defense (DoD) offers a Tuition Assistance program that can cover up to $250 per semester credit hour, and a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year. Each branch of the military has its own application process and criteria for Tuition Assistance.

7. Check out the Yellow Ribbon Program - This is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can help cover the cost for programs not fully funded by the bill. To qualify, the school must take part in the program and you must be eligible for the fullest benefit level under the Post-9/11 Bill.

Finally, try to keep in regular contact with your college's academic advisor or counselors. They can offer great assistance in your transition to student life and help you navigate any challenges along the way. Good luck with your educational journey!