10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Veterans and military personnel can attend online college with the help of military education benefits. Here, we outline what you need to know to get started.

Updated March 16, 2023

Reviewed by ACO Rankings Team
10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

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Military Friendly Online Colleges

Nearly half of all college students took at least one online class in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Online learning can especially benefit military personnel and service members. These learners can continue their education while on active duty.

Veterans face unique challenges entering the civilian job market. For example, veterans are 70% more likely to take a step back in seniority than civilians. They are also 36% less likely to advance in seniority. Online college for veterans can help them address these challenges by making them more competitive in the workforce.

This page provides information on the best colleges for military veterans. Read on for answers to common questions and to learn the benefits of online college for military personnel.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Is Online College the Right Choice for Military Personnel?

Can You Attend Online College While in the Military?

Yes. Online college for military personnel allows learners to earn a degree from anywhere with an internet connection. Active-duty service members can complete a degree while deployed.

What Is the Best Online College for Veterans?

Military-friendly colleges offer flexible, online programs with year-round admissions. The best colleges for military veterans also offer support for veteran-specific challenges. For example, these schools may provide dedicated veterans centers or peer mentoring.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a GI Bill® comparison tool to help veterans compare benefits at different schools.

Does the VA Pay for Online School?

The VA offers GI Bill benefits that can help veterans pay for college, graduate school, and training programs, including online college for veterans. Benefits vary depending on veterans' state of residency and their school's location. Veterans who use their GI Bill benefits wisely can possibly earn a degree online for free.

What Schools Accept Military Tuition Assistance?

Military personnel can use military tuition assistance to help pay for college, graduate school, and vocational programs. They can also use it to pay for independent study and online programs. Tuition assistance can fund up to 100% of college tuition and fees for active-duty service members. VA education benefits, on the other hand, provide tuition assistance to veterans.

Why Veterans Should Consider Online Degrees

Online learning provides flexibility. Veterans can balance school with full-time jobs or other responsibilities. Attending classes in person may be challenging for injured veterans.

When researching online degrees, veterans should look for accredited programs. Accreditation evaluates a school's credibility by determining whether it meets certain quality standards. Veterans should also look for military-friendly colleges with support resources for veterans. See below for benefits of online college for veterans.

  1. 1

    Highly Transportable

    Attending online college allows veterans and military personnel to earn their degree from anywhere with internet access. This flexibility makes online college the best college for military members.

  2. 2

    Transition to Civilian Life

    The best colleges for military veterans offer resources to help enrollees transition to civilian life. These resources may include special military transition teams and mental health resources. Some colleges also offer clubs or organizations for veteran students.

  3. 3

    More Secure Employment

    Getting an online degree can lead to more job opportunities for military veterans. Graduates gain the skills needed for jobs in a variety of fields.

  4. 4

    Improve Professional Options

    Earning an online degree can also help military personnel advance in their careers. Degree-holders may qualify for promotions and pay increases.

  5. 5

    Improve Education Options

    Military personnel who earn an online undergraduate degree may continue on to graduate school. A graduate degree can further improve veterans' professional options.

Do Online Schools Have Requirements for Veterans?

Veterans must meet the same application requirements as all other applicants. These may include high school credential requirements and testing requirements. Some schools waive the application fee for veterans.

The GI Bill can help veterans pay for online courses. The GI Bill also provides veteran students taking online classes exclusively with a housing allowance. This allowance is based on 50% of the national average.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill provides education benefits that can help learners pay for online college for military personnel. The bill includes two programs: Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program, also known as Chapter 30, provides military personnel with up to 36 months of education and training benefits. After their release from active duty, veterans can receive these benefits for 10 years.

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program, also known as Chapter 1606, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to current members of the Selected Reserve, such as the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers education benefits to military personnel who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This bill also offers benefits to children of military personnel who died in the line of duty after that date. Benefits include tuition and fee payments and a monthly housing allowance.

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional support to help students cover tuition at out-of-state or private schools. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may not cover these costs. However, the Post-9/11 GI Bill may cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree-granting schools for up to 36 months.

Additional Resources for Veterans and Military Personnel

This resource helps connect active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses with high-earning jobs. This resource helps students understand their GI Bill benefits. Students can compare how they can apply their benefits at different schools and employers. This organization offers scholarships, grants, and fellowships for veterans. The group also offers advocacy and mental health resources.

Scholarships for Veterans and Military Personnel

Veterans and military personnel can explore a variety of scholarships to pay for school. Some scholarships can also help veterans pay for their children's college education. See below for some scholarships for military students.

AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships

Amount: $2,500

Amount: Active-duty service members and military veterans who served in one of the Overseas Contingency Operations may apply. Applicants need sophomore or junior status in an undergraduate STEM program. They also need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

AMVETS Scholarships

Amount: $4,000

Amount: American Veterans offers several online scholarships for military personnel and veterans. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit proof of enrollment or acceptance to an approved program.

Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarships

Amount: $1,000-$3,000

Amount: Retired and active-duty women soldiers in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard may apply. Direct descendants can also apply. The program allots funds for degrees and certificate programs. Applicants must show academic promise and demonstrate financial need.

Top Online Colleges For Military Veterans

#1 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $320

Graduate | $627

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's

SNHU began supporting military service members after World War II. Today, the school continues that tradition by offering military discounts and college credit for military service. You can receive up to 90 bachelor's credits for military or job training and prior college credits. SNHU also offers a 30% military tuition discount.

You can choose from more than 200 online undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like accounting and finance, art and design, business, criminal justice, health, and technology.

The Military Initiatives Team evaluates military transcripts and helps you find local events and resources. SNHU does not require standardized test scores or application fees.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $129

Graduate | $350-$1,354

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

With more than 200 online programs, UF gives military students a free first online course through the Free Seat Program.

Online programs start three times a year. You can major in popular fields like business administration, computer science, criminology, and nursing. Online degrees at the graduate level include agriculture and biological engineering, computer science, pharmaceutical sciences, and gerontology.

Military service members and veterans can get support from the Office of Student Veteran Services, the Collegiate Veterans Success Center, and the Collegiate Veterans Society.

Admission requirements vary. Military students can qualify for in-state tuition rates. UF also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to reduce out-of-state fees for service members.

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
53,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% 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

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $250

Graduate | $275-$300

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

Liberty, which has offered a Christian education since 1971 and has provided distance learning for more than 30 years, supports first responders and military students with a 15% tuition discount and no application fee.

Online learners can choose from among eight start dates for more than 600 online undergraduate and graduate programs. Top programs at Liberty include business, counseling, criminal justice, education, and nursing. Each course takes eight weeks to complete.

Liberty accepts college credit for military training. You can transfer up to 75% of credits toward a bachelor's degree and 50% toward a master's degree.

Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% 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

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $105

Graduate | $341-$387

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

With a military population of about 1,600, USF offers a large catalog of 240 undergraduate and 150 graduate degrees. Additionally, the university's 50strong Employer Connect program provides career training and access to recruiters looking to hire military spouses, veterans, and service members.

Online degree completion program majors include criminology, environmental policy, information studies, public administration, public health, and urban studies. You can also earn a graduate degree in a field like business administration, cybersecurity, education, gerontology, health informatics, or public health.

Active-duty service members, veterans, and military dependents often qualify for out-of-state tuition waivers. Prospective graduate students need a bachelor's degree, and first-year applicants must submit standardized test scores. Transfer students need at least a 2.5 GPA.

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
50,626
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% 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

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

  • Baton Rouge, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $379

Graduate | $417-$1,110

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

LSU, which opened in 1860 as a military school, offers more than 100 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

Popular majors include accounting, business analytics, construction management, criminal justice, marketing, nursing, and religious studies. Online graduate students can major in subjects such as data analytics, civil engineering, health administration, and social work.

Enrollment coaches and LSU's Veterans Affairs office help military students use their benefits to earn a degree. What's more, the free Veterans Career Advantage career readiness course assists military students with preparing to enter the workforce.

LSU is a test-optional school, and first-year students do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students need an associate degree or at least 18 transferable credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Prospective graduate students must have an associate or bachelor's degree.

Average Tuition
In-state
$8,038
Out-of-state
$8,038
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
34,285
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $335

Graduate | $435

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

Mizzou is home to more than 375 online programs, which offer a flexible format and tuition discounts for military students and their spouses. Combat veterans only pay $50 per credit for degrees and certificates. In addition, Mizzou offers a 10% tuition discount for all veterans.

You can major in subjects such as agriculture, business, computer science, counseling, data science, education, nursing, public health, and social work.

The Veterans Center helps veterans get credits for each year of training experience. Eligible military students may transfer up to nine credits to fulfill general electives. To apply as a veteran transfer student, you need at least 12 transferable credits and a 2.5 GPA.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,330
Out-of-state
$27,612
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
31,089
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $500-$610

Graduate | $650-$1,332

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

Arizona Online offers more than 150 online undergraduate and graduate degrees, many of which may appeal to military service members and veterans.

The most popular degrees for undergraduate military students include cyber operations intelligence and information operations and nutritional sciences. Popular graduate programs include business administration, international security studies, and nursing.

Some online graduate degrees — such as the master's in education and the master's in computer science — only take 12-15 months to complete.

Active military students and veterans pay no application fee. You can graduate more quickly by getting credit for basic training. Active military students also qualify for a 50% tuition discount.

Average Tuition
In-state
$10,990
Out-of-state
$33,273
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
45,601
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $260

Graduate | $971

Online Programs Offered: Bachelor's, master's

With a campus in Salt Lake City right across the street from the regional Veterans Affairs office, UOnline features 18 colleges and schools and more than 200 majors, minors, and certificates.

Student veterans and military families often get priority seating for their courses. Online undergraduates can major in economics, environmental and sustainability studies, nursing, psychology, or social work. At the graduate level, you can earn an online degree in electrical and computer engineering, finance, healthcare administration, legal studies, nursing education, or teaching.

Through the Veterans Support Center, veterans have access to a lounge and student computers with free printing, work-study opportunities, veterans counseling, and benefits help. Admission requirements vary.

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,412
Out-of-state
$26,017
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
33,081
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#9 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $105

Graduate | $288

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

By enrolling in one of UCF's more than 100 online programs, military students and veterans can get a flexible pathway to a college degree.

More than 20 bachelor's programs at UCF are available 100% online, including criminal justice, English, hospitality management, legal studies, nursing, religion and cultural studies, and psychology. What's more, you can study one of 30 subjects at the graduate level, including civil engineering, criminal justice, educational leadership, hospitality and tourism management, and nursing.

You can seek help with receiving your benefit check through the Office of Military and Veteran Student success. UCF's transfer students need at least 12 transferable credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. Some graduate programs may require GMAT or GRE scores.

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
71,881
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 10 Best Military-Friendly Online Colleges of 2023

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:

Undergraduate | $385

Graduate | $440

Online Programs Offered: Certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate

UA has 90 online and hybrid degrees that may appeal to military students, who can qualify for tuition assistance from the school.

Sixteen-week online courses operate concurrently with the campus schedule. You can earn an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, communication, early childhood education, hospitality management, nursing, or social work. Some degrees use a hybrid format, such as UA's master's in educational psychology. Graduate nursing and social work degrees function mostly online, except for practicums.

Qualified Yellow Ribbon recipients can get waivers for out-of-state tuition. UA does not require standardized test scores. You'll need at least a 2.0 on any college-level coursework you've taken. Applicants with less than 24 college credits must send their high school transcripts for admission consideration.

Average Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
37,840
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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