Choosing the right school is an important decision for military members, veterans, and their families. Navigating the higher education landscape can be challenging, but military-friendly schools offer unique support and resources tailored to meet the needs of those who have served our country. This guide provides an in-depth look at institutions that go above and beyond to accommodate military students, from flexible scheduling and dedicated support services to financial benefits and campus communities that understand the military lifestyle. Whether you’re transitioning from active duty, seeking new skills, or advancing your career, this guide will help you find the best educational opportunities that honor and support your military experience.
Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities
1. University of Southern California (USC)
- Offers robust veteran support services, including the USC Veterans Certification Office and the Veterans Resource Center.
2. Arizona State University (ASU)
- Provides military and veteran support through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center, offering advising, mentoring, and career services.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
- Known for flexible online programs tailored for military personnel, with comprehensive support services.
4. University of Texas at Austin
- Offers a dedicated Student Veteran Services office to assist with admissions, benefits, and career counseling.
5. Syracuse University
- Home to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, offering a range of resources and programs for military students.
6. Penn State World Campus
- Provides extensive online degree programs with military-friendly policies and support services.
Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer college credit for military experience, thanks to partnerships with the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Department of Defense (DoD). These partnerships evaluate military training and experience, recommending appropriate credits to member schools. Here are some notable institutions that provide college credit for military experience:
- Liberty University
- University of South Florida
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Old Dominion University
- Northern Arizona University
- Texas A&M University
Additionally, several other universities like Syracuse University, Ohio State University, and Arizona State University are also known for their military-friendly policies and credit acceptance processes.
To maximize the transfer of military credits, it’s recommended to review your Joint Services Transcript (JST), choose a degree closely aligned with your military occupation, and consult with admissions counselors about their policies on accepting military credits
Military-Friendly Community Colleges
1. Central Texas College
- Offers on-base education at various military installations worldwide, with dedicated military student support.
2. Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Provides military and veteran support services, including a Military and Veterans Service Center.
3. San Diego Mesa College
- Hosts a Veterans Resource Center, providing counseling, benefits assistance, and academic support.
4. Tidewater Community College
- Located near several military installations, offering comprehensive support services for military students.
5. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
- Offers dedicated military and veterans services, including counseling, benefits assistance, and career planning.
Military-Friendly Technical and Vocational Schools
1. Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
- Specializes in automotive, diesel, and welding training, offering military scholarships and support services.
2. Lincoln Tech
- Provides hands-on training in various technical fields, with dedicated military and veteran services.
3. Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Offers programs in aviation maintenance and technology, with resources for military students.
4. ECPI University
- Provides career-focused programs in technology, health science, business, and criminal justice, with military-friendly policies.
5. New England Institute of Technology
- Offers technical and trade programs with dedicated support services for military students.
For more listings, check out out Top Military Friendly Trade Schools.
Military-Friendly Career Schools
1. Strayer University
- Offers flexible degree programs with military-friendly tuition rates and support services.
2. DeVry University
- Provides career-focused education with dedicated military and veteran services, including tuition assistance and career counseling.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Known for its online programs and military-friendly policies, offering support services for military students.
4. American Military University (AMU)
- Part of the American Public University System, offering online programs tailored for military personnel.
5. Colorado Technical University (CTU)
- Provides flexible online degrees and on-campus programs with military-friendly policies and dedicated support services.
6. Baker College
- Baker College offers college credit for military experience and provides accelerated learning options.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and resources to support military students in achieving their educational and career goals. Service members should verify each school’s specific military-friendly policies and support services to find the best fit for their needs.
Types of Colleges That Accept Military Tuition Assistance
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is accepted by a wide variety of colleges and universities across the United States. Here are the main types of institutions that typically accept Military TA:
1. Public Universities and Colleges
- State universities and colleges often participate in Military TA programs, providing a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
2. Private Universities and Colleges
- Many private institutions accept Military TA, including both non-profit and for-profit colleges.
3. Community Colleges
- Community colleges are popular among service members and veterans for their affordability and flexibility, and they commonly accept Military TA.
4. Technical and Vocational Schools
- Technical institutes and vocational schools that offer certifications and associate degrees in specialized fields also accept Military TA.
5. Online Colleges and Universities
- Online colleges and universities provide flexibility for active-duty service members, and many are approved to accept Military TA.
6. Graduate Schools
- Graduate programs, including those at universities and specialized graduate institutions, often accept Military TA for advanced degrees.
7. Professional Schools
- Professional schools offering degrees in fields such as law, medicine, and business often participate in Military TA programs.
8. Accredited Career Schools
- Accredited career and trade schools that offer short-term training programs and certifications are eligible for Military TA.
Service members have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a college or university that accepts Military Tuition Assistance. Service members should verify that their chosen institution is accredited and approved to accept Military TA by consulting with the school’s veterans’ affairs or financial aid office.
What Makes a College Military Friendly?
A military-friendly college goes above and beyond in providing services, resources, and a supportive environment tailored to the needs of military students, including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Here are key features that make a college military friendly:
1. Veterans Affairs Office
- Dedicated Staff: A team of advisors who specialize in military and veteran affairs.
- Benefit Assistance: Help with navigating and applying for GI Bill® benefits, Tuition Assistance (TA), and other military education benefits.
2. Flexible Learning Options
- Online Programs: Comprehensive online degree and certificate programs to accommodate the schedules of active-duty service members.
- Hybrid Programs: Combination of online and on-campus courses for greater flexibility.
3. Support Services
- Counseling: Academic, career, and personal counseling services specifically for military students.
- Tutoring: Access to tutoring services for academic support.
4. Financial Support
- Military Scholarships: Scholarships and grants specifically for military students and their families.
- In-State Tuition: Offering in-state tuition rates for out-of-state military students.
5. Credit for Military Experience
- Transfer Credits: Acceptance of ACE (American Council on Education) credits for military training and experience.
- PLA (Prior Learning Assessment): Evaluations to convert military experience into college credits.
6. Career Services
- Job Placement Assistance: Career counseling and job placement services tailored to veterans.
- Internships and Job Fairs: Hosting job fairs and providing internship opportunities for military students.
7. Military Student Organizations
- Veterans Clubs: Student organizations that provide a community and support network for military students.
- Peer Mentoring: Programs that connect new military students with experienced peers.
8. Campus Resources
- Veterans Centers: Dedicated spaces on campus where military students can study, relax, and connect with peers.
- Housing Assistance: Help with finding military-friendly housing options.
9. Policies and Practices
- Deployment Flexibility: Policies that accommodate students who are called to active duty, including options for leave of absence and re-enrollment.
- Family Support: Programs and resources that support military families, such as childcare and family counseling.
10. Accreditation and Recognition
- VA-Approved: Accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept GI Bill® benefits.
- Military-Friendly Designations: Recognition from organizations such as Military Friendly®, Best for Vets, and Military Times.
Colleges that prioritize the needs of military students through dedicated support services, flexible learning options, financial aid, and a welcoming campus environment are considered military-friendly. These institutions are committed to helping military students succeed academically and transition into civilian careers.