Best Online Colleges for Military
The Best Online Colleges for Military Personnel in 2025
For active-duty service members, veterans, and military families, pursuing higher education can be challenging due to deployments, frequent relocations, and demanding schedules. Fortunately, many online colleges cater specifically to the military community by offering flexible schedules, military tuition discounts, and credit for military training.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best online colleges for military personnel in 2025, considering factors like affordability, military-friendly policies, academic programs, and student support services.
Why Choose an Online College as a Military Student?
Online education offers significant advantages for military students, including:
Flexibility – Asynchronous (self-paced) classes allow students to learn at their convenience.
Portability – Online programs enable military students to continue their education from anywhere in the world.
Military Benefits – Many schools accept the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance (TA), and other military education benefits.
Credit for Military Training – Some institutions grant academic credit for military experience, reducing the time and cost to earn a degree.
Support Services – Dedicated military support teams help with admissions, financial aid, and career planning.
Now, let’s dive into the top online colleges for military students in 2025.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Why It Stands Out:
One of the most military-friendly universities
Accepts military transfer credits
Waives application fees for service members
Offers military tuition rates
Key Features:
Tuition: $250 per credit for active-duty military
Programs: 125+ degrees and certificates
Support: Dedicated military advisors, deployment flexibility
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
UMGC has a long history of serving military students worldwide. Its fully online programs cater to military schedules, and its strong support system ensures students receive the help they need.
2. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
Why It Stands Out:
Ranked among the best online programs in the U.S.
Offers a Veterans Center and strong military support
Accepts military training for college credit
Key Features:
Tuition: Competitive military rates and GI Bill benefits
Programs: 300+ online degrees
Support: Military enrollment specialists, veterans services
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
ASU Online offers a robust online learning experience with top-tier faculty. Military students benefit from personalized support and career counseling.
3. Liberty University
Why It Stands Out:
Deeply rooted in military education support
Generous tuition discounts for military students
Provides free electronic textbooks for undergraduate students
Key Features:
Tuition: $250 per credit for active-duty military
Programs: 600+ online degrees and certificates
Support: Military tuition discounts, spouse benefits
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges (SACSCOC) and Schools Commission on Colleges .
Liberty University is one of the largest online Christian universities and strongly supports military personnel and their families.
4. Purdue University Global
Why It Stands Out:
Part of the respected Purdue University system
Offers military-friendly policies, including reduced tuition
Provides college credit for military experience
Key Features:
Tuition: $165 per credit for active-duty military
Programs: 175+ online degrees
Support: Military education specialists, career services
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Purdue Global is ideal for military students seeking a respected degree at an affordable cost.
5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Why It Stands Out:
One of the most affordable and flexible online colleges
Offers a 30% military tuition discount
Provides dedicated support for military students
Key Features:
Tuition: $225 per credit for active-duty military
Programs: 200+ online degrees
Support: Deployment flexibility, spouse discounts
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
SNHU is a great choice for military students seeking an affordable and supportive online education.
6. University of Florida (UF Online)
Why It Stands Out:
Ranked among the top public universities
Offers reduced tuition for military members
Recognized for its veteran-friendly policies
Key Features:
Tuition: Competitive in-state rates for military members
Programs: 25+ online bachelor’s degrees
Support: Veteran Success Center, academic counseling
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges (SACSCOC) and Schools Commission on Colleges
UF Online is an excellent choice for military personnel seeking a top-tier public university education.
7. Penn State World Campus
Why It Stands Out:
Part of the prestigious Penn State University
Offers a dedicated Military Grant-in-Aid program
Provides personalized academic advising for service members
Key Features:
Tuition: $362 per credit (discounts for military students)
Programs: 150+ online degrees
Support: Military advisors, financial aid assistance
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn State World Campus provides military students with high-quality education and career-focused programs.
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) – Worldwide
Why It Stands Out:
Top choice for military students in aviation and engineering
Extensive military tuition assistance options
Offers credit for military training and experience
Key Features:
Tuition: $250 per credit for active-duty military
Programs: 100+ degrees, including aviation and cybersecurity
Support: Military-friendly staff, dedicated advisors
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges (SACSCOC) and Schools Commission on Colleges
ERAU is the best option for military students interested in aviation, engineering, or technical fields.
How to Choose the Best Online College for Military Students
When selecting an online college, consider the following:
Authorization: Ensure the school is authorized by a recognized agency.
Military Benefits – Check if the school accepts the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, or offers military discounts.
Credit Transfer – Look for schools that award credit for military training.
Program Availability – Choose a school that offers the degree you want.
Student Support – Seek out institutions with military support services, veteran career assistance, and counseling.
Final Thoughts
Military personnel, veterans, and their families have access to outstanding online colleges that provide flexible, affordable, and supportive educational experiences. Whether you’re looking for a degree in business, technology, healthcare, or aviation, there’s a military-friendly online college to fit your needs.
Each of the schools listed here offers unique benefits, so take the time to research and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and military lifestyle.
Are you prepared to advance your education? Explore these top military-friendly online colleges and start your journey toward a brighter future today!
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