Veteran’s Guide to Online College Success
On average, veterans with college degrees make more money than those without one. However, only one in three veterans has earned a four-year degree — less than the national average for people aged 25 and older.
If degrees are so valuable, why aren’t more veterans earning one?
Mental health issues like PTSD, uncertainty about a career, or even feeling out of place socially can prevent many veterans from going to college. But these challenges don’t have to stop you from getting the degree you want. Use our guide below to learn more about how to choose the right online college for veterans and succeed in your academic program.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Choose the Best Online College for Veterans
In a 2024 study by Sallie Mae and Ipsos, 36% of college students reported that they had considered quitting school, and 24% had “seriously” thought about it. These students began college with high hopes for improving their lives, but financial, social, personal, or mental health issues caught up. You can maximize your chances of success by choosing the right institution.
Consider the following guidelines:
- Select an Accredited College: Accreditation with a regional association means you can qualify for more financial aid, meet state licensure requirements, and apply for graduate school after earning your bachelor’s degree.
- Prioritize Career-Ready Majors: Don’t pick a major just because it was your favorite subject in high school. Majors like engineering, computer science, and nursing can lead to immediate career openings, while degrees in theology, humanities, or psychology might take longer to pay off. Also, consider vocational training as an option.
- Pick a College You Can Be Proud Of: If you like your school, you’re more likely to stick with it. Choose a school that appeals to you emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
- Consider the Merits of Online Education: Learning online no longer bears the stigma it used to, especially after everyone studied over the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online degrees are often more flexible, accessible, and affordable than traditional programs.
- Look for Accelerated or Fast-Track Degrees: Does your school offer a bachelor’s-to-master’s degree in five years? Can you get credit for non-academic prior learning experiences? These offerings can save you time and money.
Checklist for Veterans Choosing a College
Does this college…
Hold accreditation with an association approved to accredit higher education institutions by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Administration.- Offer a major that can lead to a job with a lucrative salary in a field with low unemployment rates. Look at recent data on employment by college major before making your choice.
- Provide a brand that reflects your identity and achievements, such as an affordable, military-friendly college. Does your college’s presence in the marketplace reflect who you are and the values you hold?
- Hold asynchronous classes that allow you take online courses on your own schedule. They may require you to complete assignments by set deadlines, but they don’t require you to show up to a virtual classroom at a particular time.
- Get you to graduation quickly and efficiently. Ask about how far you can take DANTES, CLEP, AP transfer, military credits, and credit for prior learning.
Keys to Veterans’ Success in College
The average veteran student’s GPA is 0.4 points higher than their civilian peer’s GPA. Whether due to maturity, financial security, or some other factor, veterans often just know what it takes to succeed in college. Mostly, it’s a matter of preparation and discipline, which most veterans are skilled at.
Consider these seven keys to success in college:
- 1
Know what military experiences will transfer for credit.
You can get college credit for military service, but it’s up to your school to decide how much credit they’ll give you and what experiences count. Schools generally follow the American Council on Education recommendations, which suggest awarding credits for military jobs, Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training, and military courses.
- 2
Work with your school’s assigned staff member for veterans.
Schools that accept the GI Bill assign a staff member specifically to handle military and veteran concerns. This person can help you take advantage of scholarships, navigate transferring your GI Bill benefits, and get the classes you need when you need them.
- 3
Connect with your campus’s veterans group.
Your campus veterans group can help you integrate into your college’s social and academic life. It may also provide job search assistance, help with internship placement, and one-on-one professional resume consultation. These benefits can be valuable to veterans, who are less likely than civilian students to complete internships, according to Sallie Mae. Online students usually have the same access to veterans groups that on-campus learners do.
- 4
Treat college like it’s your job.
Set aside time each day to work on your courses and commit to showing up for that time. Another good tip is to create a schedule for your assignments as soon as your semester starts. That way, you know what to do by what date to complete your most challenging tasks on time.
- 5
View yourself as a student first and a veteran second.
Your age and military experience set you apart from other students, so do your best to bridge the mental gap. Keep in mind that your current job is to complete the same coursework as everyone else. Resist the temptation to feel special, which can isolate you socially and even have corrosive effects on your mental health.
- 6
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with challenging subjects.
If it’s been a long time since you picked up a calculus textbook or wrote an essay, you might feel intimidated when you look at your syllabus. Fortunately, colleges offer free online tutors, writing centers, and academic support services for just about every class. Take advantage of these resources as often as you need them.
- 7
Pick a major you can stick with.
Switching majors can derail your career and academic schedule, so choose a major you think you’ll like that offers utility in the marketplace and can actually complete. Talk to your professors or your academic advisor about the course content, workload, and dropout rate before you declare a major in that field.
Resources for Veterans Attending College
Pat Tillman Foundation
This foundation helps veterans, military members, and their families become leaders committed to service in the public and private sectors. You can apply for scholarships or mini grants or attend conferences or other educational events hosted by the foundation. The average scholarship is $10,000 annually, and distance learners can qualify.
Academic Success for Student Veterans
A resource provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this page offers tips on study skills and remote learning along with apps to help you sleep better and manage your mental health. You can also learn more about locating military-specific resources on your campus or near your home.
Student Veterans of America
The SVA connects veterans and military-affiliated students in more than 1,600 chapters with opportunities to serve and succeed. It also provides educational experiences, fosters support for veterans on campuses, and advocates for legislation to help student veterans in higher education.
Call of Duty Endowment
This organization helps unemployed veterans find work. Since 2009, Call of Duty Endowment has placed more than 140,000 veterans in jobs, and the average annual starting salary for veterans placed with Call of Duty partners is $71,000. To find a partner organization near you, simply choose “U.S. veteran” on the website, type in your zip code, and see what’s available.
Warrior-Scholar Project
Affiliated with 19 college or university partners, the Warrior-Scholar Project has provided academic bootcamps and workshops to more than 2,500 veterans. One-week academic bootcamps help veterans prepare for college study in the humanities, STEM, or business. Workshops teach reading, studying, and college transition skills in specific disciplines. You can take these programs on-site or online.
Service to School
Service to School helps veterans apply to — and get accepted at — their college or graduate school of choice. The organization offers mentorship and support through the college research and application process, along with help evaluating admission offers and making the right school choice for you. The service is free to veterans and military members.
Veterans Crisis Line
If you or a veteran you care about is talking about death or suicide or is engaged in risky behavior, dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 to get help from the Veterans Crisis Line. The line is open 24-7, and everything is kept confidential. There is no cost, and you do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits to get help. Just call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College for Veterans
Around one-third of all veterans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to information published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2022. That percentage is a little lower than the national average for non-veterans. In 2020, around 72% of veterans who had enrolled in college had completed their degrees or were still in school, while 28% had dropped out.
Related articles that may interest you
How to Use Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation for College and Career Growth
Veterans and service members with service-related disabilities can apply for vocational rehabilitation to pay for college or vocational school.
by Holland Webb
Updated June 10, 2025
Guide to GI Bill Benefits
The GI Bill can pay for college without requiring that money to be paid back. See what credits you may have that can be applied toward a degree.
by Holland Webb
Updated April 7, 2025
Veteran Vocational Programs Overview
Vocational schools for veterans offer a path to a new career in as little as a few months. Learn about veterans’ vocational rehab benefits and resources.
by Alison Plaut
Updated April 8, 2025