Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023

Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023

By James Barham

Published: Jul 6, 2021
Updated: May 30, 2023

Find top-ranked online military friendly colleges for former and active duty military members, veterans, and their families. We help you find the right online schools that maximize your military benefits.

Key Takeaways

Online colleges that offer military-friendly programs are an excellent choice for active duty service members and veterans who want to graduate with an associate, undergraduate, or master’s degree.
The best military-friendly online colleges and universities offer financial assistance to military personnel and their families.
Besides tuition assistance, the government may fund other expenses, providing full assistance for veterans and military members with their education.

Top 10 Online Military Friendly Programs

Purdue University

69%

Syracuse University

65%

Florida State University

62%

Arizona State University

61%

Fordham University

60%

Drexel University

53%

University of Central Florida

48%

Bowling Green State University

45%

Liberty University

40%

Webster University

38%

Liberty University

99%

Eastern Kentucky University

98%

University of Massachusetts Global

93%

Southern New Hampshire University

92%

Fort Hays State University

90%

Arizona State University

88%

Drexel University

83%

Bowling Green State University

79%

Columbus State University

79%

Lewis University

71%

University of Central Florida

31 to 1

University of Massachusetts Global

22 to 1

Florida State University

21 to 1

Southern New Hampshire University

21 to 1

Thomas Edison State University

20 to 1

Fort Hays State University

19 to 1

Bowling Green State University

19 to 1

University of Maryland Global Campus

19 to 1

Arizona State University

18 to 1

Liberty University

17 to 1

Syracuse University

$57,591

Drexel University

$57,136

Fordham University

$56,161

Averett University

$37,050

Lewis University

$35,472

Webster University

$28,700

Liberty University

$22,713

Southern New Hampshire University

$15,380

University of Massachusetts Global

$12,480

Bowling Green State University

$10,776

Syracuse University

$41,616

Drexel University

$36,234

Fordham University

$23,112

Southern New Hampshire University

$18,900

Lewis University

$14,760

Webster University

$13,500

University of Massachusetts Global

$12,240

Thomas Edison State University

$12,024

Averett University

$11,790

Arizona State University

$11,720

Averett University

15%

University of Massachusetts Global

17%

Columbus State University

22%

Lewis University

23%

Thomas Edison State University

24%

University of Maryland Global Campus

24%

Fort Hays State University

27%

Eastern Kentucky University

34%

Southern New Hampshire University

35%

Webster University

38%

University of Central Florida

36%

Florida State University

37%

Averett University

48%

Fordham University

58%

Webster University

59%

Syracuse University

59%

Purdue University

69%

Lewis University

71%

Columbus State University

79%

Bowling Green State University

79%

Drexel University

11 to 1

Averett University

12 to 1

Webster University

12 to 1

Fordham University

13 to 1

Purdue University

13 to 1

Lewis University

14 to 1

Eastern Kentucky University

15 to 1

Syracuse University

15 to 1

Liberty University

17 to 1

Columbus State University

17 to 1

Fort Hays State University

$4,140

Columbus State University

$4,371

University of Central Florida

$4,478

Florida State University

$4,640

Thomas Edison State University

$7,182

University of Maryland Global Campus

$7,344

Eastern Kentucky University

$9,452

Purdue University

$9,718

Arizona State University

$10,710

Bowling Green State University

$10,776

Fort Hays State University

$3,726

Columbus State University

$6,300

University of Central Florida

$6,916

Liberty University

$7,847

Bowling Green State University

$8,017

University of Maryland Global Campus

$9,072

Florida State University

$9,684

Purdue University

$9,718

Eastern Kentucky University

$9,900

Arizona State University

$11,720

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Online Military Friendly Colleges Are a Great Option for Military Students

Whether you are an active-duty member or a veteran of any of the branches of the military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, or the Reserves, the decision to transition from the military to college can be life-changing. You may also want to continue your military career and add a college education to it.

Online military friendly colleges can be a great choice for military service members because online learning gives students the opportunity to attend classes on their own terms, around their unique schedules, family commitments, and military career.

Attending online military friendly colleges also give students the opportunity to attend a school from anywhere, whether taking classes from a military base in Germany, or from a college close to home, online education opens up opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available.

You will find that there are numerous educational benefits available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The GI Bill was revised after the events of 9/11 and then further revised in 2017 to include more benefits.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will cover up to 100% of college tuition and fees, and include a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for textbooks and supplies. The benefit also allows students to pay in-state tuition rates no matter their state of residence and can even be transferred to family members.

For those service members, veterans, and family members who are not eligible for 100% coverage, there are scholarships, student loans, and possibly even additional funds through the Yellow Ribbon Program, discussed in further detail in this article.

Bottom Line: The right online military friendly colleges allow military students to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of an online learning format while still maximizing all of the GI Bill benefits.

Benefits of Military-Friendly Online Colleges

Military-friendly online colleges recognize and meet the unique needs of military students and their families. Below is information about the financial and educational benefits that active duty service members, veterans, and their families can expect from top military-friendly colleges.

Financial Aid Support

Online colleges that offer financial aid to military students offer assistance to both veterans and active duty service members of our armed forces. Military tuition discounts and veteran financial aid are among the strongest indicators of military-friendly colleges.

Supportive Veteran Community

Another perk for military students is that they can belong to a supportive and solid veteran community. Many of the online colleges in our ranking have strong veteran communities already in place. The National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University is a perfect example of a school that is dedicated to supporting veterans both in their education and in life.

Veteran and Military Programs or Services

It’s essential to verify that the online program you are considering is committed to providing guidance and networking opportunities for the military community. Dedicated offices or centers for veterans will be available at the best online schools. This is one factor that many military students should consider when selecting the best military-friendly college for them.

Resources Available After Graduation

Military students who transition from academia to the workplace may find it to be one of the most challenging aspects of the education journey. Fortunately, many online military friendly colleges have resources available even after graduation. Graduates will continue to have access to tools, networks, and online communities where they can seek help and support from each other.

Discounts for Family Members

Family members can also take advantage of military education benefits. Many military-friendly online colleges offer discounts to spouses and children of active duty service members in addition to helping you maximize your benefits.

Choosing A Military-Friendly Online Program

Tuition and Other Expenses

Online graduate, associate, or bachelor’s programs vary widely in terms of costs. Many determining factors can influence tuition fees at online schools.

For instance, private colleges tend to cost more than in-state public colleges. Aside from tuition costs, you need to factor in the platform fee, books, technology fees, and other related costs.

Accreditation

Accreditation plays a significant part when choosing the best online college to enroll in. Students who attend accredited institutions can be confident that they will receive a high-quality education.

Regional accreditation is also a requirement when applying for financial aid at online schools. For more information on applying for financial aid, check out the Federal Student Aid website.

Majors and Degree Programs

Military students often want to enroll in a program that matches their academic or professional goals. In choosing an online college, students should look for one that offers a strong program in the field they are interested in studying.

Most college students don’t know what they want to major in when they enter. If that’s the case, one of the best things about military-friendly online colleges is that they offer diverse majors that are available for any aspiring graduate.

Learning Formats at Online Schools

Military personnel who are pursuing online programs are expected to juggle school, family, and their military career. Flexibility can make a world of difference for busy students. Online learning for your chosen degree or program can be a real boon to busy working professionals. A self-paced option is definitely valuable to your busy military schedule.

Transfer Credit Program

Members of the armed forces gain more than just experience in their respective branches. Many military-friendly online colleges apply your military training towards academic credit that can shorten your time to graduation. You could significantly accelerate your career progression by attending a school that offers this option in their online programs.

Financial Aid Options for Military Students

GI Bill

The GI Bill is one financial aid benefit for military personnel who are interested in online programs. However, the amount of support you’ll be eligible for will be determined by the time and duration of your service.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you are eligible to receive benefits if you have served on active duty for at least three months since September 10, 2001. Students are also eligible for GI Bill benefits if they were discharged for a service-related disability, received a Purple Heart, or served for under three years.

Military Tuition Assistance

Most military and veteran students still have some remaining expenses after their financial aid benefits. Many online military friendly colleges offer additional educational benefits for military personnel and veterans including scholarships or loans.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is offered by many online colleges and universities. In addition to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, this program provides financial assistance to qualified veterans and active-duty service members. However, the amount of aid varies among online schools.

VA and school agreements determine the amount of financial support. Many participating online colleges limit the number of students who can receive the funding, so it is important to contact the school directly for more details.

Scholarships

College scholarships are available to veterans and military personnel. Scholarships are even available to veterans whose children are attending college through online programs. Here are some scholarships to explore:

Navy ROTC Scholarship Program: Scholarships are available for partial and four-year studies through the Navy ROTC (NROTC).
Army ROTC Scholarship Program: Applicants to ROTC can receive scholarships covering tuition and books, as well as personal expenses.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program: Scholarships are available to high school students, college students, and enlisted airmen through the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program.

Grants

There are many Veteran Affairs grants available to the military. Pell Grants and other service grants are among the federal grants available to qualified military family members of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

You may also be eligible for government assistance if you are the child of an American service member who was killed after 9/11. This program may have several additional requirements, such as being 23 years old or younger.

Federal Pell Grants are commonly offered to students in online programs in a military friendly school.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants provide up to $6,900 in federal assistance.
The FSEOG-Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant assists those who have demonstrated an “exceptional need.”

Other External Financial Aid

If you don’t qualify for any of the other sources of financial aid mentioned previously, don’t lose heart. Here are some other potential sources of financial aid at online schools:

The Military Spouse Career Advanced Account (MyCAA) program can provide assistance to military spouses seeking certifications or licenses that will lead to employment.
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. Dependents of veterans permanently disabled during active duty or who died from a service-related illness may qualify for assistance under this program.

Bottom Line: Your GI Bill benefits may not cover all of your college expenses, but there are numerous other sources of financial aid that can help to make earning a college degree a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Friendly Online Colleges

Current and former servicemen and women often do not fit the mold of traditional college students. They may be outside the standard age range, have different responsibilities, and bring additional life experience to online schools.

Online colleges that welcome military-affiliated students offer designated staff members to help navigate the financial aid and benefits associated with military students, recognize their contributions through special programs and organizations, and offer tailored support to keep military students enrolled and on track academically.

Military students can take advantage of prior learning assessment (PLA) credits in order to count their past military experience and training toward academic credits. Online colleges can also assist military students as they work to secure the financial benefits apportioned by the GI Bill and other federal legislation.

Military students are often uniquely suited to online programs. Students receive all the support and financial benefits of their on campus peers, without being tied to one specific location. This flexibility allows students to pick the best online schools for their field while studying from anywhere in the country or world. Actively serving students or those in the reserves can work toward their degree while still progressing in their military careers.

Best Online Military Friendly Degree Programs

How do we determine the best online military friendly degree programs?

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Military Friendly Degree Programs

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.