Finding the right online colleges for military personnel is more significant than ever, with 16.2 million veterans and 1.31 million active-duty members. The demand for flexible education options has grown substantially, as nearly half of all active-duty military students now take their courses exclusively online.
Military education benefits can be complex to navigate. Military tuition assistance provides $250 per credit hour (up to $4,500 yearly), yet many service members end up with an average student loan debt of $8,022.46. Military friendly online colleges now provide specialized support services and resources to address these challenges. We’ve identified the top 17 schools that deliver real value for service members in 2025, selected from over 1,900 institutions in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges network and numerous online colleges that accept military tuition assistance.
University of Florida Online
UF Online leads military education nationwide, ranking as Forbes’ best online college for military service members in 2024. The university’s commitment shows in its #1 ranking for veterans from U.S. News & World Report for two years running.
UF Online Military Benefits
Our Collegiate Veterans Success Center and Office of Student Veteran Success help military students thrive. Military students can earn academic credit for their service experience to graduate faster.
UF Online Program Options
Students can choose from 28 fully online bachelor’s degrees across 10 colleges. These programs give you complete flexibility with:
- One-on-one academic advising
- Learning opportunities in 50 states and 24 countries
- Dedicated support services for military students
UF Online Tuition & Financial Aid
Military students can use several financial aid options, including the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Active-duty members qualify for federal Tuition Assistance up to $250 per semester hour, with a $4,500 yearly cap. The Free Seat Program lets eligible military students skip tuition and fees for their first term. Students stationed outside Florida can get out-of-state fee waivers to reduce costs.
Arizona State University Online
Arizona State University Online proudly serves over 6,000 active service members working toward their degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranks us No. 2 for best online bachelor’s programs for veterans in 2024.
ASU Online Military Support
Our Pat Tillman Veterans Center gives dedicated support to military students and their families. The support continues after graduation with detailed career guidance and networking opportunities tailored for military-affiliated students.
ASU Online Degree Programs
Military-friendly programs at ASU Online include:
- More than 140 online bachelor’s degrees
- Over 100 online graduate programs
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Flexible study times
ASU Online Tuition Assistance
Service members can get education that’s available through our financial support. We accept military benefits of all types, including Military Tuition Assistance and VA GI Bill® chapters. Military Active Duty and Reservist Commitment Scholarship helps undergraduate military students using Tuition Assistance by covering remaining tuition costs. Credits earned through armed services educational experiences count toward total completion credits.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU has proudly served military personnel since 1941. Our extensive online education programs have made us one of the most available military friendly online colleges in the country.
SNHU Military Discounts
Active-duty service members, National Guard, Selected Reserve, and their spouses can get a 30% tuition discount. Undergraduate courses cost just $231 per credit hour, while graduate courses are $470 per credit hour. We welcome various military benefits like Tuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
SNHU Online Programs
Students can use military tuition assistance at SNHU to access:
- More than 200 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees
- Online coursework available 24/7
- Study times that fit your schedule
- No application fees
SNHU Support Services
Our military support team helps you from your first day until graduation. You can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. This includes credits for military service, JST, and ACE-certified training. Our mutually beneficial alliances with military organizations make education easier, especially with our role as the worldwide education partner of the USO.
University of Arizona Global
The University of Arizona Global Campus has a dedicated military advisory team that provides individual-specific support to military students. Our team knows the challenges service members face while pursuing higher education.
UA Global Military Benefits
The Military Grant program helps you save money on your education. Active-duty service members and their spouses can get reduced tuition rates of $250 per credit for undergraduate and $350 per credit for master’s programs. This grant covers education-related fees at all degree levels.
UA Global Program Flexibility
Students can access our flexible online learning platform that offers:
- 5-week undergraduate and 6-week graduate courses
- Weekly course start dates
- 24/7 access to digital materials
- Asynchronous learning environment
UA Global Financial Aid
The Yellow Ribbon Program lets eligible students get 100% of their tuition covered. Students using Tuition Assistance (TA) can receive up to $250 per semester credit hour through our direct coordination with the Department of Defense. Military Financial Services Advisors help students explore funding options, from federal grants to military-specific scholarships.
Liberty University Online
Liberty University stands out as a military-friendly online college through our Institute for Military Resilience (IMR). We provide faith-based curriculum designed specifically for service members and their families.
Liberty Military Support
Our support goes beyond traditional education. The IMR delivers specialized training to help service members both on and off-base. The courses address military service members’ mental, physical, social, and spiritual needs.
Liberty Online Programs
Military students can choose from our comprehensive program offerings:
- Over 600 online degrees from associate to doctoral level
- 8-week class format with no set login times
- Eight start dates annually
- 24/7 access to digital library and writing resources
Liberty Tuition & Aid
We’ve made education affordable with our military tuition rates:
- $250 per credit hour for undergraduate programs
- $275 per credit hour for graduate certificates and master’s degrees
- $300 per credit hour for select doctoral programs
Military spouses receive the same competitive rates with simple Tuition Assistance (TA) processing across service branches. Students using State TA reimbursement through the Virginia National Guard can benefit from our deferred payment plan option.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus stands as one of the best military-friendly schools in the nation. Our programs earned high rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs for Veterans:
- No. 2 in master’s engineering programs
- No. 4 in master’s computer information technology
- No. 8 in master’s education programs
- No. 9 in master’s business programs
- No. 20 in bachelor’s degree programs
Penn State Military Resources
Our military support team knows what service life means. Many of our admissions counselors and academic advisers have served in the military or are military spouses. Veterans and service members get priority registration to help them graduate on time.
Penn State Online Degrees
Students can choose from more than 175 online degree and certificate programs. Penn State’s quality education reaches military personnel around the globe. Our programs give students flexible schedules and detailed academic support that fits their military commitments.
Penn State Financial Support
The Military Grant-in-Aid program makes education affordable with undergraduate tuition reduced to $376 per credit. Students pay just $126 per credit for the 2024–25 academic year when they use military Tuition Assistance. Service members from all U.S. Armed Forces branches, including active-duty, guard, and reserve members, can take advantage of these lower rates.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global ranks fourth among military friendly online schools and serves around 10,000 military-affiliated students. Our 2-year old Office of Military Student Relations will give a welcoming, high-quality experience to veterans, active-duty, Guard and Reserve members, and their families.
Purdue Global Military Benefits
We offer significant tuition reductions with 55% per-credit cuts for undergraduate programs for active-duty servicemembers and 38% for veterans. Our PME2Degree® program helps you get the most from your military training credits to complete your degree faster.
Purdue Global Programs
Students can choose from over 175 online programs that include:
- Associate through doctoral degrees
- Flexible start dates
- Asynchronous learning options
- Credit for military training and experience
Purdue Global Tuition
Our tuition rates work naturally with military benefits. Active-duty undergraduate students pay only $165.00 per credit hour, which stays under the standard TA cap. We take part in several military education programs such as:
- MyCAA program
- AU-ABC program
- GEM program
Military spouses get a 10% per-credit reduction for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Our support goes beyond tuition – we help you at every step of your educational experience.
Colorado State University Global
CSU Global stands proud as a Top Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans in 2024 according to U.S. News & World Report. We know what military students go through and have built a reliable support system that helps active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families succeed.
CSU Global Military Support
Our military Student Success Counselors give detailed guidance about VA benefits and help students transition smoothly into academic life. Students get quick support through our task force’s early alert system that spots military-specific problems. Each instructor gets special training to support service members and their families’ unique needs.
CSU Global Degrees
Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward their bachelor’s degree programs. Military training and experience count as academic credits thanks to our flexible transfer policy. Our Tuition Guarantee keeps your costs fixed from day one until graduation.
CSU Global Financial Aid
Military-friendly rates we offer:
- Active-duty, guard, and reserves: $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $450 per credit hour for graduate programs
- Veterans and eligible dependents: $337.50 per credit hour for undergraduate and $607.50 per credit hour for graduate programs
The Yellow Ribbon Program and various military tuition assistance options are available here. Our steadfast dedication to military education makes us stand out as a fully accredited, public, nonprofit university within the Colorado State University System.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC serves more than 53,000 military servicemembers, veterans, and their families through 175+ worldwide locations. Military Times has ranked us as the #1 “Best for Vets” university for online education in 2024.
UMGC Military Services
Our military advising team helps service members at every step of their educational experience. Students can earn their degrees faster as we award college credit for military experience and training. The Vessey Virtual Student Union gives military students a comprehensive online platform for networking and advising.
UMGC Online Programs
Military students can choose from flexible programs that fit their needs:
- More than 135 degrees and certificates available entirely online
- Associate degrees for non-Maryland residents and military personnel
- Master’s in transformational leadership program
- Hybrid format options at global locations
UMGC Tuition Benefits
Active-duty military students, reserves, and their dependents save 30% per credit on most master’s programs. The Veterans Assistance Fund provides extra financial support to enrolled veterans. Students can use various military benefits, including VA education benefits, Montgomery GI Bill®, and Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
American Public University System
American Public University System, founded in 1991 by Major James P. Etter (USMC, retired), serves military personnel with dedication. Our institution has become the top choice for service members, and 56% of our students are active duty personnel at original enrollment.
APUS Military Focus
Our main goal focuses on delivering high-quality education to military and public service communities. We serve about 55,000 military students who receive tuition assistance. Our faculty members are military veterans who know the challenges of managing service duties alongside education.
APUS Program Options
We provide more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees tailored for military flexibility. Our programs offer:
- Monthly course starts with no set login times
- Online access from anywhere globally
- Specialized areas like counterterrorism and military intelligence
- Credit options for military training and experience
APUS Financial Benefits
We offer a Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit hour for both undergraduate and master’s-level courses. This rate benefits:
- Active-duty servicemembers
- National Guard members
- Reservists
- Military families (parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents)
Students receive $0 cost ebooks for all undergraduate, doctoral, and eligible master’s-level courses. Military spouses can get up to $4,000 in financial assistance through specialized scholarship programs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been a leader in military education for 53 years. We’ve become the top choice for service members who want to pursue aviation and aerospace education. Our support reaches military bases worldwide with specialized programs for active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
ERAU Military Support
Our Veterans Student Services office helps service members transition smoothly from military to academic life. The university’s faculty includes retired and active-duty military personnel who understand service members’ challenges firsthand.
ERAU Online Programs
Military personnel can balance their duties with education through our flexible learning platform that offers:
- Web Video conferencing in real time
- Easy access to online coursework
- Blended learning options
- Quick credit transfers between locations
ERAU Tuition Assistance
Active-duty military personnel get the best tuition rates for each program. Students eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program receive full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees. Service members who need to withdraw because of deployment don’t face any tuition penalties.
Military spouses can benefit from the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program, which provides up to $4,000 in financial aid for certification or associate degrees. Our dedication to military education has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Military Times, and Military Advanced Education.
George Mason University Online
George Mason University ranks among the top 20% of military-friendly colleges nationwide. Veterans from every branch of the armed forces work in our Office of Military Services. They help service members make a smooth transition to academic life.
GMU Military Services
Our military support team delivers tailored guidance to active-duty personnel and veterans. The core team includes counselors who have lived military life firsthand. The Office of Admissions helps service members transition from military service to university studies.
GMU Online Degrees
Military schedules and deployments shape our flexible distance learning programs. Our online programs feature:
- Telephone and video conferencing options
- Asynchronous learning platforms
- Email-based communication systems
- Flexible course scheduling
GMU Financial Aid
We accept all major VA education benefits, with a focus on the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill®. Out-of-state military students get special tuition rates through our Section 702 Out-of-State Tuition Exemption. We protect our military students from late fees when VA payments are delayed.
University of Central Florida
UCF stands proudly at No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. Our Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) helps active military, veteran, and military dependent students earn degrees that work with their schedules.
UCF Military Benefits
Student veterans get early course registration privileges to secure their needed classes. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports about 1,400 student-veterans from enrollment to graduation. UCF’s steadfast dedication has earned the prestigious Purple Heart Designation.
UCF Online Programs
Students can access these flexible online education options:
- One-on-one online coaching for military transitions
- Detailed academic advising
- Veteran-specific orientation sessions
- 24/7 access to digital resources
UCF Tuition Support
The Yellow Ribbon Program ensures eligible veterans get full financial support beyond their GI Bill® benefits. Florida residents with honorable discharge status qualify for out-of-state fee waivers. UCF’s commitment goes beyond financial aid and promotes a veteran-friendly campus culture that deepens their commitment to our military-affiliated students’ community.
Kansas State University Global
Kansas State University Global leads the state’s higher education institutions and serves the largest military student population in Kansas. Our Military Affairs Innovation Center creates clear paths for service members who want to earn their degrees.
KSU Military Resources
The Military Affiliated Resource Center (MARC) on the second floor of the K-State Student Union gives students detailed support services. A full-time military student services coordinator helps students apply for tuition assistance and GI Bill® benefits.
KSU Online Options
Students can choose from 150 different online degree options without paying out-of-state tuition. Our learning environment has:
- Programs built for full-time working professionals
- Study formats you can access worldwide
- Mutually beneficial alliances with Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth
- Credit options for military experience
KSU Financial Aid
Our offices at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley help students with tuition assistance questions. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs develops key policies for military-connected student education. We accept many types of military benefits and guide students through financial aid processes.
Louisiana State University Online
LSU’s expansive network of military resources helps service members through our Veterans Emergency Support Fund. We provide aid to students affected by storms, hurricanes, and other disasters.
LSU Military Support
Our team guides military students to make their transition from service to academics smooth. We provide complete support through our Veterans Career Advantage program that offers free courses in career planning and skills development.
LSU Online Programs
Students can choose from multiple education pathways:
- Credit opportunities from military training through Prior Learning Assessment
- Transfer credits from CCAF, CDET, and METC programs
- One-on-one support from enrollment to graduation
- Professional development courses and MicroCred programs
LSU Tuition Benefits
Service members who qualify can get Tuition Assistance up to $250 per credit hour with a yearly cap of $4,500. We follow Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act. This helps discharged veterans and their eligible family members avoid out-of-state charges. Our team works directly with the VA to process benefits within 30 days through our enrollment certification process.
University of Massachusetts Global
UMass Global started its journey in 1958 at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. We have managed to keep our steadfast dedication to military education for over six decades. Our status as a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system helps us provide detailed support to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families.
UMass Military Services
Military students at UMass receive 6 credits for their service and can earn up to 46 additional credits based on their training and military occupation. Our dedicated military support team helps service members navigate from admission to graduation to ensure an uninterrupted educational experience.
UMass Online Degrees
Students can choose from nearly 70 online degree and certificate options that include:
- MyPath self-paced, competency-based education model
- Flexible scheduling options
- Transfer credit opportunities
- Career-focused curriculum
UMass Financial Aid
Active-duty military members and their spouses can benefit from our reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit unit for undergraduate programs. Students save much more compared to the standard rate of $500 per credit unit. We take part in several assistance programs that include Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35), Troops to Teachers, and the MyCAA program for spouses.
Drexel University Online
Drexel University has been a leader in online education for working adults since 1996. We have invested over $20 million since 2009 to provide free education through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Our steadfast dedication to military education continues through comprehensive financial support.
Drexel Military Benefits
Active military personnel, veterans, National Guard, Reserve members, and their immediate families receive tuition discounts ranging from 10% to 40%. The Yellow Ribbon Program at Drexel welcomes veterans without enrollment caps.
Drexel Online Programs
Our comprehensive online platform features:
- More than 140 online degree and certificate programs
- 10-week terms with four annual start dates
- 24/7 online course access
- Flexible scheduling options
Drexel Tuition Support
Veterans or designated transferees who prove 100% eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® automatically enroll in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We welcome various education benefits like Montgomery GI Bill®, Federal Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA for military spouses. Our support goes beyond financial assistance with dedicated veteran liaisons at the Steinbright Career Development Center who provide specialized career development support.
Comparison Table
| Institution | Military Benefits/Discounts | Number of Online Programs | Military Tuition Rates | Notable Rankings/Recognition | Special Support Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Online | Free Seat Program for first term; Out-of-state fee waivers | 28 bachelor’s degrees | Up to $250/credit hour (TA) | #1 for veterans by U.S. News & World Report | Collegiate Veterans Success Center |
| Arizona State University Online | Military Active Duty and Reservist Scholarship | 140+ bachelor’s degrees, 100+ graduate programs | Covered by TA with scholarship | #2 for veterans by U.S. News & World Report | Pat Tillman Veterans Center |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 30% tuition discount | 200+ degrees | $231/credit (undergraduate), $470/credit (graduate) | Not mentioned | Military support team |
| University of Arizona Global | Military Grant program | Not specified | $250/credit (undergraduate), $350/credit (graduate) | Not mentioned | Military advisory team |
| Liberty University Online | Military rates for all programs | 600+ online degrees | $250/credit (undergraduate), $275/credit (graduate) | Not mentioned | Institute for Military Resilience |
| Penn State World Campus | Military Grant-in-Aid | 175+ programs | $376/credit (undergraduate) | Multiple top 10 rankings for veterans | Priority registration for veterans |
| Purdue University Global | 55% reduction for active duty, 38% for veterans | 175+ programs | $165/credit (undergraduate) | #4 among military friendly schools | Office of Military Student Relations |
| Colorado State University Global | Military tuition rates | Not specified | $250/credit (undergraduate), $450/credit (graduate) | Top Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans | Military Success Counselors |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 30% credit discount on master’s | 135+ degrees | Not specified | #1 “Best for Vets” by Military Times | Vessey Virtual Student Union |
| American Public University System | Military Rate | 200+ degrees | $250/credit (all levels) | Not mentioned | Free eBooks for undergraduate courses |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Yellow Ribbon Program participant | Not specified | Competitive rates | Multiple military recognition awards | Veterans Student Services office |
| George Mason University Online | Section 702 Out-of-State Tuition Exemption | Not specified | Not specified | Top 20% of military-friendly colleges | Office of Military Services |
| University of Central Florida | Yellow Ribbon Program participant | Not specified | Not specified | #5 Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans | Veterans Academic Resource Center |
| Kansas State University Global | No out-of-state tuition | 150+ degrees | Not specified | Not mentioned | Military Affairs Center |
| Louisiana State University Online | Veterans Emergency Fund | Not specified | Up to $250/credit hour (TA) | Not mentioned | Veterans Career Advantage program |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 6 credits for service + up to 46 for training | 70+ programs | $250/credit (undergraduate) | Not mentioned | Military support team |
| Drexel University Online | 10-40% tuition reduction | 140+ programs | Varies by program | Not mentioned | Yellow Ribbon Program with no cap |
Conclusion
Our thorough review of military-friendly online colleges found exceptional learning opportunities for service members. These 17 schools show steadfast dedication to military education. Students can access substantial tuition discounts from $165 to $450 per credit hour and get detailed support services.
These schools provide dedicated veteran success centers, specialized academic advisors, and flexible learning formats. Most schools also recognize military training and experience toward degree completion through generous credit transfer policies.
The financial perks are especially attractive when you have schools like Southern New Hampshire University offering 30% tuition discounts. Purdue Global provides up to 55% reductions for active-duty personnel. Many schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to ensure complete coverage beyond standard GI Bill® benefits.
Each school brings unique advantages, but top military-friendly institutions share these key features:
- Veteran personnel staff dedicated military support offices
- Online programs adapt to deployment schedules
- Simple tuition assistance processing
- Career services focus on transitioning service members
Your choice of online college depends on your needs, career goals, and learning style. We suggest you evaluate each school’s specific offerings, support services, and financial aid options to make this important decision.