10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

The best online colleges for veterans and military personnel offer flexibility, convenience, and financial benefits, in addition to resources for vets.
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Updated June 6, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Military-friendly online colleges are a great choice for veterans and military service members who want flexibility while furthering their careers. An online certificate or degree can significantly broaden your professional and education options beyond just military service.

Veterans and current military personnel are eligible for financial assistance and scholarships to help cover the costs of college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 43% of military undergraduates and 36% of military graduates received education benefits in 2015-2016.

The best military-friendly online colleges offer resources to support those deployed overseas, in addition to boasting strong student outcomes and quality academics.


10 Best Online Colleges for Veterans

Read About Our Methodology Here

#1 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Prairie View A&M University

  • Prairie View, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students can earn affordable online degrees at Prairie View A&M University. One of Texas' historically Black colleges and universities, this public institution offers a robust catalog of programs for undergraduate and graduate students, including four online master's programs. Learners can enroll full time or part time. Enrollees prepare for entry-level jobs and career advancement. 

The school's flexible online programs typically run asynchronously. Some programs blend in-person and online sessions. Smaller classes encourage student participation. The institution's generous financial aid can help enrollees pay for their degrees. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Prairie View A&M University Fast Facts:

Status of School: Public

Students Pursuing Online Degrees: 8,819

Available Online Degrees: 4

Students Awarded Aid: 97%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,253
Out-of-state
$22,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,096
Out-of-state
$14,316
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
9,248
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Hardin-Simmons University

  • Abilene, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Abilene, Texas-based Hardin-Simmons University allows learners to complete one of 96 programs, including several online options. Distance education often attracts students seeking flexible scheduling. This private Baptist university provides the adaptability degree-seekers need without sacrificing rigorous academics. Undergraduates can complete a bachelor’s degree in less than four years with transfer credits. Graduate learners can pursue master’s programs in a variety of fields. Students develop practical skills during community field experience in some graduate programs.

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Hardin-Simmons University Facts:

Number of Programs: 96

Bachelor’s Available Online: 1

Total Master’s Degrees Available Online: 3

Cost of In-State Tuition for Undergraduates: $29,526

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,526
Out-of-state
$29,526
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,870
Out-of-state
$12,870
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
2,128
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

  • Texarkana, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Prioritizing affordable tuition, Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers 38 online and on-campus degrees. The public university welcomes nontraditional and transfer students to its flexible, academically challenging graduate and undergraduate programs. Bachelor's candidates with sufficient transferable credits can graduate in under four years. Graduate programs may require students to complete local practicum or field experiences.

Prospective students must submit school transcripts. The admissions office can provide information on further requirements. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana Numbers:

Total Programs: 38

Master’s Available Online: 1

Average In-State Tuition for Undergraduates: $5,925

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,925
Out-of-state
$18,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,350
Out-of-state
$13,481
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
2,171
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Tarleton State University

  • Stephenville, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Stephenville, Texas, Tarleton State University is a public institution offering on-campus and online programs in fields such as business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Students can earn their college degrees entirely online through many programs. Virtual enrollees complete class assignments from home or anywhere with an internet connection, saving them from commuting to campus. This accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students.

Online degree-seekers interact with their peers and professors in a remote classroom space. They can participate in experiential learning opportunities that help students transition into the workforce. The school provides distance learners with academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services to support their academic journeys.

Tarleton State University Fast Facts:

Number of Online Learners: 14,016

Number of Available Online Master's Programs: 7

Percentage of Learners Awarded Aid: 92%

Percentage of Students Awarded Loans: 53%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,951
Out-of-state
$14,123
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,248
Out-of-state
$12,510
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
14,016
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

  • Belton, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private Baptist-affiliated institution, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers degrees on its Belton, Texas, campus and serves students across the country through its online programs. Popular majors  include healthcare, STEM, and business, meeting the needs of degree-seekers pursuing diverse career paths.

Virtual learners can enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. General education classes impart foundational knowledge to undergraduate degree-seekers, who also pursue advanced coursework in their majors. Graduate learners gain higher-level skills by taking online classes and attending seminars.

Prospective students can contact the school to learn about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. Learners at this accredited institution can apply for federal financial aid. The university's financial aid office can connect enrollees with opportunities for additional funding.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor At a Glance:

Total Online Students: 816

Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 2

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Rate of Graduation: 51%

Applies Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,600
Out-of-state
$26,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,460
Out-of-state
$17,460
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
3,876
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What Is a Military-Friendly College?

A military-friendly college helps you balance your education with your military obligations. These schools often provide additional support services designed specifically for veterans, active military personnel, and their families.

A military-friendly college might also offer additional discounts and credit for military experience.

No matter which military-friendly college you choose, confirm that the school is accredited. Accreditation makes you eligible for federal financial aid and ensures that the school you choose offers a high-quality education and a widely recognized degree.


Benefits of Online College for Military Service Members and Veterans


Price Check

Undergraduate military students received an average of $15,100 in education benefits (including housing costs) in 2015-2016, according to NCES.


How to Pay for Military-Friendly Online Colleges

The GI Bill® can help veterans pay for online programs. Note that you can use only one of these programs, even if you qualify for more than one.


Montgomery GI Bill

You may qualify for one of two Montgomery GI Bill programs depending on your military status.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program provides military service members with up to three years of education and training benefits. After their release from active duty, veterans can receive these benefits for 10 years. You must have served for at least two years to qualify.

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program provides up to three years of education benefits to current members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard, and Coast Guard Reserve.


Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers education benefits to military personnel who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. This bill also offers benefits to children of military personnel who died in the line of duty after that date.

Benefits include:

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional financial support to help you cover the cost of out-of-state, private, and graduate schools.


Scholarships for Veterans and Military Service Members

Veterans and military personnel can apply for scholarships to help them pay for college. Some scholarships even help veterans pay for their children's college education.

AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships

AMVETS Scholarships

Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program


Resources for Veterans and Military Personnel

GI Bill Comparison Tool

This government resource helps you better understand your GI Bill benefits. Students can compare how they can use their benefits at different schools and for different employers.

Military OneSource

This Department of Defense-funded website provides resources and support for tax services, relocation, deployment, and spouse employment, in addition to offering webinars and online training.

VetJobs

This site connects active-duty service members and veterans with corporate jobs and recruiters.

VFW Student Veteran Support

This organization offers scholarships, grants, and fellowships for veterans, as well as providing advocacy and mental health resources.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online College for Military Personnel and Veterans

Can you do online college in the military?

Yes, military-friendly online colleges and degree programs are designed to suit the unique schedules of active military personnel. Even those who are deployed can work toward their certificates or degrees through online classes that fit their lifestyles and everyday commitments.

What is the best online college for veterans and service members?

The best online college for you will depend on your schedule and goals. When choosing a military-friendly online college, take into account your desired degree and course of study, the program cost, any available financial benefits, and the flexibility of the program based on your military obligations. You can also consider programs that award credits for military service.

What college costs will the military pay for?

The GI Bill can cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies. It also offers a monthly housing allowance. Note that the exact amounts and coverage will depend on which GI Bill you qualify for. You can only receive the benefits of one GI Bill, even if you qualify for several.

Are there any free online colleges for veterans?

No, there are no free online colleges for veterans. But with the help of military education benefits, the cost to attend online college may be free or very little, depending on the school you choose and your military experience.

In addition, some states — such as Florida, Alabama, New York — also offer college tuition waivers and scholarships for veterans. Some of these colleges have online degree programs.

Where do most veterans go to college?

Though veterans can attend college anywhere, most veterans who receive education benefits attend traditional on-campus programs, according to NCES. Additionally, a higher percentage of veterans attend for-profit schools than non-military students.


All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.


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