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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At This Site, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
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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 rank the best online military-friendly colleges below, in addition to walking you through the benefits of attending these colleges and what your financial aid options are.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges for Military Students
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
23%
57%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida makes the top spot for being one of the most military-friendly colleges. It offers an out-of-state tuition waiver and a 100% tuition waiver of up to $250 per credit and $4,500 per year.
Students with Veteran Affairs (VA) educational benefits receive priority class registration. For resources or advice, visit the Office of Student Veteran Services and the Collegiate Veterans Success Center.
While out-of-state tuition is $15,000, more than 70% of students receive financial aid. In-state students will only have to pay $3,358 before financial aid.
Pros
- 79% graduation rate
- 2-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 23 bachelor's degree programs
Cons
- One online associate program, no online graduate degrees
$10,770
$27,335
97%
54,442
Public
Yes
$4,477
$25,694
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
23%
57%
$10,770
$27,335
97%
54,442
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Florida makes the top spot for being one of the most military-friendly colleges. It offers an out-of-state tuition waiver and a 100% tuition waiver of up to $250 per credit and $4,500 per year.
Students with Veteran Affairs (VA) educational benefits receive priority class registration. For resources or advice, visit the Office of Student Veteran Services and the Collegiate Veterans Success Center.
While out-of-state tuition is $15,000, more than 70% of students receive financial aid. In-state students will only have to pay $3,358 before financial aid.
Pros
- 79% graduation rate
- 2-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 23 bachelor's degree programs
Cons
- One online associate program, no online graduate degrees
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,796
$33,960
89%
71%
Why We Chose This School
Right below the top is George Mason University, with a 69% graduation rate and over 15 bachelor's and over 25 master's degree programs.
GMU's Military Alliance Program also ensures that faculty and administration in different departments are trained to support military students, veterans, and their families.
George Mason also awards students tuition assistance, counseling, and survivor benefits. Veterans also have the option to attend a special veteran orientation.
Pros
- 16 bachelor's and 26 master's degree programs
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 69% graduation rate
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$13,426
$35,377
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
$9,796
$33,960
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,796
$33,960
89%
71%
$13,426
$35,377
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Right below the top is George Mason University, with a 69% graduation rate and over 15 bachelor's and over 25 master's degree programs.
GMU's Military Alliance Program also ensures that faculty and administration in different departments are trained to support military students, veterans, and their families.
George Mason also awards students tuition assistance, counseling, and survivor benefits. Veterans also have the option to attend a special veteran orientation.
Pros
- 16 bachelor's and 26 master's degree programs
- 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 69% graduation rate
Cons
- 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$22,467
43%
9%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Central Florida costs only $179 per credit hour for in-state tuition. If you're enrolling from out of state, check in with the university to see if your VA benefits qualify you for an out-of-state tuition waiver and access to special early class registration.
Even with low tuition, 81% of students are awarded some financial aid, and 57% of students graduate debt-free.
Pros
- 75% graduation rate
- 96% of students awarded financial aid
- 26 bachelor's, 42 master's, and four doctoral degree programs
Cons
- 29-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- $716 per credit hour for out-of-state students
$6,916
$25,759
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
$6,368
$22,467
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$6,368
$22,467
43%
9%
$6,916
$25,759
92%
68,842
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Central Florida costs only $179 per credit hour for in-state tuition. If you're enrolling from out of state, check in with the university to see if your VA benefits qualify you for an out-of-state tuition waiver and access to special early class registration.
Even with low tuition, 81% of students are awarded some financial aid, and 57% of students graduate debt-free.
Pros
- 75% graduation rate
- 96% of students awarded financial aid
- 26 bachelor's, 42 master's, and four doctoral degree programs
Cons
- 29-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- $716 per credit hour for out-of-state students
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$11,210
$35,628
86%
60%
Why We Chose This School
You can apply to the University of Arizona with nothing to lose — the university waives application fees for undergraduate active military and veterans. Once you enroll, you can enjoy a special tuition reduction of $250 per credit.
You can also earn college credit for basic training, foreign language, and other military skills. If you're looking to transition to a civilian career, the university offers supportive education for returning veterans and career transition services.
Pros
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- 46 bachelor's, 35 master's, and 3 doctorate degrees
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
$12,348
$32,290
88%
53,187
Public
Yes
$11,210
$35,628
Tucson, AZ4 yearCampus + Online
$11,210
$35,628
86%
60%
$12,348
$32,290
88%
53,187
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
You can apply to the University of Arizona with nothing to lose — the university waives application fees for undergraduate active military and veterans. Once you enroll, you can enjoy a special tuition reduction of $250 per credit.
You can also earn college credit for basic training, foreign language, and other military skills. If you're looking to transition to a civilian career, the university offers supportive education for returning veterans and career transition services.
Pros
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- 46 bachelor's, 35 master's, and 3 doctorate degrees
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers some of the cheapest tuition for eligible veterans. Missouri Online offers a 10 percent tuition discount for veterans pursuing one of its online degree programs.
Missouri is also dedicated to making education accessible for combat veterans. If you're eligible, you could qualify for the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act Grant, which caps tuition at $50 per credit hour for any class leading to a certificate or degree.
Check out the school's veterans center for more on eligibility requirements and other military benefits.
Pros
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- 18 bachelor's, 33 master's, and 4 doctoral degrees
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 76% graduation rate
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
$13,000
$33,200
Columbia, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$13,000
$33,200
77%
54%
$10,447
$28,605
91%
31,041
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers some of the cheapest tuition for eligible veterans. Missouri Online offers a 10 percent tuition discount for veterans pursuing one of its online degree programs.
Missouri is also dedicated to making education accessible for combat veterans. If you're eligible, you could qualify for the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act Grant, which caps tuition at $50 per credit hour for any class leading to a certificate or degree.
Check out the school's veterans center for more on eligibility requirements and other military benefits.
Pros
- 91% of students awarded financial aid
- 18 bachelor's, 33 master's, and 4 doctoral degrees
Cons
- 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 76% graduation rate
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,047
$24,731
74%
48%
Why We Chose This School
At Louisiana State University, you can turn your military training into college credit. The university is also designated as a Governor's Military and Veteran Friendly Campus and has no out-of-state tuition costs for students.
Veterans can also take a free course that focuses on career planning and skills development to prepare for post-college civilian careers.
You'll also have almost no trouble getting the financial aid you need to complete your education – 98% of students were awarded financial aid.
Pros
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- 12 bachelor's and 16 master's programs
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 71% graduation rate
- No associate degree programs
$9,132
$9,132
84%
39,418
Public
Yes
$8,047
$24,731
Baton Rouge, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,047
$24,731
74%
48%
$9,132
$9,132
84%
39,418
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
At Louisiana State University, you can turn your military training into college credit. The university is also designated as a Governor's Military and Veteran Friendly Campus and has no out-of-state tuition costs for students.
Veterans can also take a free course that focuses on career planning and skills development to prepare for post-college civilian careers.
You'll also have almost no trouble getting the financial aid you need to complete your education – 98% of students were awarded financial aid.
Pros
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- 12 bachelor's and 16 master's programs
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 71% graduation rate
- No associate degree programs
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,591
$38,527
58%
21%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Massachusetts Ahmerst online awarded 85% of its first-year students financial aid in 2024.
You might be eligible for college credit for your military experience, along with the typical benefits like Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Students can earn up to 30 residence credits for prior work experience. Military education counts towards this program.
Pros
- 83% graduation rate
- 85% of first-year students awarded financial aid
- One associate, 10 bachelor's, 11 master's, and one doctoral degree
Cons
- High student-to-faculty ratio
$14,364
$31,489
91%
31,810
Public
Yes
$16,591
$38,527
Amherst, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,591
$38,527
58%
21%
$14,364
$31,489
91%
31,810
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Massachusetts Ahmerst online awarded 85% of its first-year students financial aid in 2024.
You might be eligible for college credit for your military experience, along with the typical benefits like Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Students can earn up to 30 residence credits for prior work experience. Military education counts towards this program.
Pros
- 83% graduation rate
- 85% of first-year students awarded financial aid
- One associate, 10 bachelor's, 11 master's, and one doctoral degree
Cons
- High student-to-faculty ratio
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,632
$25,944
80%
49%
Why We Chose This School
Kansas State University has partnered with Fort Leavenworth to offer programs designed for military personnel.
The physical university is also 15 minutes from Fort Riley. However, all of the courses are 100% online and taught by on-campus professors. You won't have to worry about distance or paying out-of-state tuition.
Pros
- More than 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 22 bachelor's, 38 master's, 6 doctorate online degrees
Cons
- High student-to-faculty ratio
- 68% graduation rate
$10,294
$23,018
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
$9,632
$25,944
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,632
$25,944
80%
49%
$10,294
$23,018
87%
19,745
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Kansas State University has partnered with Fort Leavenworth to offer programs designed for military personnel.
The physical university is also 15 minutes from Fort Riley. However, all of the courses are 100% online and taught by on-campus professors. You won't have to worry about distance or paying out-of-state tuition.
Pros
- More than 80% of students awarded financial aid
- 22 bachelor's, 38 master's, 6 doctorate online degrees
Cons
- High student-to-faculty ratio
- 68% graduation rate
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
Why We Chose This School
The University of Arkansas is one of the few schools on our list to offer a single tuition rate of $263 per credit to all students, so there is no out-of-state tuition.
If you're considered a low-income, first-generation student and have 180 days of active-duty service or have been discharged because of a service-connected disability, you can also qualify for free remedial assistance through the university. You can find any support at the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center.
Pros
- 20 bachelor's, 28 master's, and 8 doctorate degree programs
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70% graduation rate
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
$7,666
$26,690
Fayetteville, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$7,666
$26,690
72%
36%
$7,875
$21,420
86%
32,140
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
The University of Arkansas is one of the few schools on our list to offer a single tuition rate of $263 per credit to all students, so there is no out-of-state tuition.
If you're considered a low-income, first-generation student and have 180 days of active-duty service or have been discharged because of a service-connected disability, you can also qualify for free remedial assistance through the university. You can find any support at the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center.
Pros
- 20 bachelor's, 28 master's, and 8 doctorate degree programs
- No out-of-state tuition
Cons
- 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70% graduation rate
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University in Pennsylvania is a designated military-friendly school that reduces tuition by 10%-40% for active military personnel, veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families. Drexel's website even has a dedicated guide for military students, and the school offers students specialized career support from a veteran liaison.
Drexel also has one of the best student-to-faculty ratios on our list and offers 24/7 course delivery over a 10-week period to best suit your schedule.
Pros
- 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- 11 bachelor's, 50 master's, 4 doctorate degrees
Cons
- 9% admission yield
- $42,342 net price
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
$56,595
$56,595
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$56,595
$56,595
78%
42%
$36,234
$36,234
90%
21,573
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University in Pennsylvania is a designated military-friendly school that reduces tuition by 10%-40% for active military personnel, veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families. Drexel's website even has a dedicated guide for military students, and the school offers students specialized career support from a veteran liaison.
Drexel also has one of the best student-to-faculty ratios on our list and offers 24/7 course delivery over a 10-week period to best suit your schedule.
Pros
- 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- 11 bachelor's, 50 master's, 4 doctorate degrees
Cons
- 9% admission yield
- $42,342 net price
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.
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
Undergraduates 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.
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.
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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