Should I go to college before or after the military?

There are benefits to enrolling in college before joining the military or joining the military and then attending college. For example, enlistees who already hold a college degree may qualify for officer candidate school or higher ranks. Several programs exist to help military service members with college loans repay their debt. However, going to college after joining the military also offers major benefits. Service members and veterans qualify for education benefits like the GI Bill and military tuition assistance programs. They can also qualify for scholarships and grants based on their service.

Is military college free?

There are several military academies, including the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. These academies do not charge tuition for enlistees because the education students receive is part of their military training. However, students who enroll at these military academies must agree to a term of military service to cover the cost of their education, which ranges from 5-8 years, depending on the military academy.

Can you be in the military while going to college?

Yes, you can go to college while in the military on active duty or in the reserves. Many active duty personnel can qualify to use their education benefits. Roughly 236,992 active duty military members used their education benefits from October 2019 to September 2020, according to the Hechinger Report.

Do all colleges accept military tuition assistance?

For certain types of education benefits like the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges must contract with the Department of Veteran Affairs. However, most colleges accept military tuition benefits. These benefits provide $3,750-$4,500 per year in tuition support.

Best Online Military-Friendly Colleges of 2025

What’s a military-friendly college? Learn about the benefits of attending military-friendly online colleges and how they support military personnel, veterans, and family members.

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Updated December 2, 2024

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Navigating the landscape of college after the military can feel like no-man’s-land. Online military-friendly colleges understand that military students want the highest return on their investment when using their benefits.

The United States has some 16.2 million veterans as of 2022 and 1.31 million active duty military members at home and abroad as of 2024. Military-friendly online colleges offer services and resources dedicated to helping veteran students, military service members, and their families.

So, why go to a military-friendly college? We’ll walk you through the benefits of attending military-friendly online colleges, financial aid options for military students, and tuition estimates.

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In this Article

Best Online Colleges for Military Students

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,442

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,442

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$9,796

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,960

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,796

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,960

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,796

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,960

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,467

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$35,628

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,210

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,628

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

60%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,348

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,290

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

53,187

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$13,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,605

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,041

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,200

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,200

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,447

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,605

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,041

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,047

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$24,731

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,132

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,132

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

39,418

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,047

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,731

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,047

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,731

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

48%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,132

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,132

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

39,418

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$16,591

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,527

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,364

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,489

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,810

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,591

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,527

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,591

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,527

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,364

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,489

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

31,810

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$9,632

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,944

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,018

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

19,745

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,632

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,944

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,632

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,944

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,018

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

19,745

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online

$7,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,690

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,420

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

32,140

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,690

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,666

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,690

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

36%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,875

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,420

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

32,140

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

21,573

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,595

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,595

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,595

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,234

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,234

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

21,573

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

3 Benefits of a Military-Friendly College

Academic Credit for Military Experience. Military-friendly colleges accept Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force credits for military training and vocational specialties in accordance with the American Council on Education. They have experience evaluating Joint Service Transcripts and Community College of the Air Force transcripts.
Resources and Support Services for the Military. Transitioning from service to school can be difficult. You want to attend a college that offers a designated center or lounge for veterans. An online school may have a dedicated page of resources for veterans. A liaison to help active duty military and veteran students access resources or process fee waivers also makes the transition easier. In addition, look for student organizations for veterans and military personnel.
Discounts For Military Personnel and Veterans. Many colleges offer discounted tuition, application fee waivers, and scholarships to military members, their families, and veterans. This is important because the GI Bill may not cover the total cost of college.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Military Students

What’s the best way to pay for a military-friendly college? Fortunately, service members and veterans qualify for all kinds of financial aid and support.

Based on military service, you may qualify for the GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program, which can cover 100% of tuition and other education expenses. You may also qualify for financial aid through military tuition assistance programs and scholarship opportunities for service members and veterans. In addition, submitting the FAFSA will help connect you to college grants, scholarships, and loans.

When researching financial aid, check which schools accept veteran and military financial benefits.

GI Bill

Military students can take advantage of the GI Bill to cover education expenses. Eligible service members include those who served at least 90 days on active duty and dependent children of qualifying service members.

The GI Bill covers up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public universities. Recipients also qualify for up to $28,937 at private institutions. The GI Bill can also help cover housing, books, supplies, and relocation expenses.

Check out our guide to learn more about GI Bill benefits.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional financial support for expenses not covered by the GI Bill. Recipients must meet the GI Bill eligibility requirements. The program also covers active duty service members if they have already served 36 months.

The amount of financial support varies depending on the agreement between the VA and your school. Only participating schools offer Yellow Ribbon funding, and many set a maximum number of recipients, so reach out to your school for more information. The program is usually only applicable to for-profit or private schools.

Military Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the military offers a tuition assistance program. Tuition assistance may cover up to 100% of tuition expenses. However, recipients must meet eligibility requirements based on their branch of service.

For example, the Air Force and Coast Guard provide up to $4,500 per year for active duty and reserve members, while the Army covers up to $4,000 per year. The Navy, Marines, and Space Force also provide up to $4,500 per year, though the benefit only extends to active-duty members. Check with your school’s certifying official for information.

Scholarships

Military students qualify for multiple college scholarships. In addition to general scholarships, you can apply for military and veteran scholarships. Military students enrolled in online colleges also qualify for online student scholarships. Research scholarship opportunities to identify funding sources.

Grants

Like scholarships, college grants represent free money for school. Military students qualify for the Pell Grant, which offers up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 school year. Children of service members who died in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11 and who qualify for the Pell Grant may also qualify for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

How to Choose an Online Military-Friendly College

The best online colleges for military students offer affordability, online student resources, and veteran support. But how should you compare online schools for military service members and veterans? This section discusses the factors to consider when choosing an online college as a veteran or military student.

Cost

Undergraduate students at public four-year colleges in the 2022-2023 school year paid a national average of $9,750 for tuition and fees, compared to $35,248 at private four-year colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Many factors influence the real cost of college. Generally, private schools cost more than public schools, and out-of-state student are charged a higher rate.

That said, online students often pay a flat tuition rate or can often qualify for out-of-state discounts.

Veteran and Military Services and Programs

True military-friendly schools offer support services and programs even before enrollment. Colleges may offer an orientation specifically for veterans or serving military members.

Military-friendly online colleges also have dedicated services, programs, and advisors to help you get your military transcripts, obtain application fee waivers, and even get priority registration. You may also find career assistance and internships specifically for veterans.

Online Learning Format

Online learning can be an ideal format for active duty service members or busy military students who have jobs and/or families. Online degrees often use asynchronous coursework that lets you submit classwork and watch pre-recorded lectures on your own time.

Your college may also offer courses on base or at a nearby satellite campus. The availability of online courses depends on the school and your degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Military-Friendly Colleges

A military-friendly college caters to the specific needs of troops and their spouses. These colleges and universities have dedicated independent centers with advisors for veterans and military personnel. You’ll also find resources such as separate centers, lounges, or student organizations and clubs that offer a chance to connect with other military students.

Some colleges earn the Military Friendly Schools or Military Friendly Spouse School designation by completing an extensive survey provided by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

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