Are you a service member looking for an easy and convenient way to pursue higher education while on active duty or as a veteran? Online colleges offer flexible and accessible options, but with so many programs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Service members face unique challenges when pursuing higher education due to their rigorous schedules and frequent deployments. Online colleges offer a flexible and convenient option that allows them to earn a degree while on active duty or as a veteran. However, not all online colleges are created equal, and some are easier to navigate than others.
Here we’ll discuss the easiest online colleges for military service members, based on factors such as affordability, accreditation, and military-friendly policies.
Benefits of Online Education for Military Members
Online education offers several advantages to military service members, including:
- Flexibility: Online courses can be taken from anywhere, at any time, making it easier to fit coursework into a service member’s busy schedule.
- Affordability: Online courses are often less expensive than traditional on-campus courses, which can be especially beneficial for military members who may have limited funds.
- Transferability: Many online colleges offer credit for military training and experience, allowing service members to earn a degree faster and with fewer courses.
- Military-Friendly Policies: Some online colleges have policies in place specifically designed to support military members and their families, such as tuition discounts, academic counseling, and career services.
Criteria for Choosing an Online College
When considering an online college, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure that the college is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, which ensures that the institution meets certain academic standards.
- Affordability: Compare tuition costs, financial aid options, and any military-specific discounts or benefits.
- Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the program, including course offerings, scheduling, and support services.
- Military-Friendly Policies: Look for colleges that have policies in place to support military members and their families, such as credit for military experience and training, tuition discounts, and veteran services.
The Top 5 Easiest Online Colleges for Military
Based on the criteria above, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 easiest online colleges for military service members:
1. American Public University System
The American Public University System (APUS) is a regionally accredited online university that offers over 200 degree and certificate programs. APUS is military-friendly, with over 50% of its student population consisting of military-affiliated students. The university offers several benefits to military members, including discounted tuition, credit for military training and experience, and dedicated veteran support services.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a non-profit, regionally accredited university that offers over 200 online programs. SNHU has been recognized as a top military-friendly school by GI Jobs and Military Advanced Education & Transition. The university offers military-specific benefits such as tuition discounts, credit for military training and experience, and academic and career.
3. Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online is an evangelical Christian university that offers over 450 online programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university is regionally accredited and has been recognized as a top military-friendly school by Military Times and Military Advanced Education & Transition. Liberty University offers several benefits to military members, such as a reduced military tuition rate, transfer credit for military training, and a dedicated Office of Military Affairs to assist with VA benefits and other military-related issues.
4. Grantham University
Grantham University is a 100% online institution that offers over 50 degree and certificate programs. The university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and has been designated a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. Grantham University offers several benefits to military members, including tuition assistance, credit for military training, and a dedicated military admissions team to assist with the admissions process.
5. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a regionally accredited university that offers over 90 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. UMGC is designated as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media and offers several benefits to military members, such as tuition discounts, credit for military experience and training, and a dedicated Veterans Assistance Office to provide support with VA benefits and other military-related issues.
Comparison of Top Online Colleges for Military
| University | Accreditation | Military Benefits | Tuition (per credit hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University | Regional | Discounted tuition, credit for military training, veteran support | $270 |
| Southern New Hampshire | Regional | Tuition discounts, credit for military training, career services | $320 |
| Liberty University Online | Regional | Reduced military tuition rate, transfer credit for military | $250 |
| Grantham University | Distance Education | Tuition assistance, credit for military training, admissions team | $265 |
| University of Maryland | Regional | Tuition discounts, credit for military experience and training | $499 (undergrad), $659 (grad) |
FAQs
What is the easiest online college for military service members?
- The easiest online college for military service members will depend on individual needs and preferences. However, the five colleges listed in this article are among the easiest and most military-friendly options available.
How can military members pay for college?
- Military members can pay for college through a variety of ways, including tuition assistance programs, the GI Bill, scholarships, and grants.
Can military experience count towards college credit?
- Yes, many online colleges offer credit for military experience and training, which can help military members earn a degree faster and with fewer courses.
Are online degrees as valuable as traditional degrees?
- Yes, online degrees from accredited institutions are just as valuable as traditional degrees. Employers recognize the quality and rigor of online education and value the skills and knowledge gained through online courses.
How can military members balance online coursework with their military duties?
- Military members can balance online coursework with their military duties by taking advantage of the flexibility offered by online education. Online courses can be taken from anywhere, at any time, allowing military members to complete coursework around their schedule.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right online college can be a challenge for military service members, but with careful consideration of factors such as affordability, accreditation, and military-friendly policies, it is possible to find an easy and convenient option. The five colleges listed in this article are among the best online colleges for military service members, offering flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, and military-specific benefits. With the right support, military members can pursue