Since September 11, 2001, enrollment and subsequent retirement of U.S. military has surged, producing millions of new veterans. Our nation is now home to a larger population of veterans than those on active duty, yet American military veterans and current service members alike face a number of challenges as they make plans to attend college and advance their career.
Our goal in highlighting the best colleges for veterans is to provide a resource for veterans, active service members, reservists and military dependents to find comprehensive support in the form of military-specific financial aid and student services on campus. With a number of obstacles affecting veterans’ abilities to pursue a college education and adjust to post-military life, the percentage of veterans graduating from college has been marginal, at best. Such statistics have led lawmakers and higher-learning institutions to adopt measures that not only enable veterans to attend college, but also aid their transition into the classroom and out into the world. In line with these methodologies, the following military-friendly colleges, both online and on campus, offer special counseling services, financial aid and veteran-oriented career consultation.
Accredited Online Degree Programs
| Rank | School Name | Ranking Score | Relative Cost | Graduation Rate | Location | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of La Verne | /5 | 58.59% | La Verne, CA |
For 45 years, the University of La Verne has provided comprehensive programming designed to meet the needs of the nation's active-duty military. La Verne's extensive military degree programs serve not only online students, but also military enrolled at the university's central campus in La Verne and the school's ten regional campuses. Online military students receive the same assistance as on-campus students from certified officials trained in addressing the unique academic, financial and personal needs of veterans and military personnel. Through its flexible online programs, La Verne active-duty military students are offered convenient scheduling and accelerated degree options to fit into their active lifestyles. Tuition Assistance and Top Up programs are available for financial assistance. Testimonial"The convenient course schedule is perfect fit for any military lifestyle." - Christina Marie Greenwood, B.S. Criminology 2013 Quick Facts
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| 2 | University of Alabama | /5 | 65.66% | Tuscaloosa, AL |
The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa developed its own extensive distance learning system with the needs of military personnel and other non-traditional students in-mind. Active-duty service members may complete a range of degrees in an online format designed to accommodate unpredictable deployment schedules. Through a partnership with GoArmyEd, the university offers special tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate military students enrolled in distance learning programs. In addition to federal benefits, the Leadership Scholar Program and the Fry Scholarship are also available, among other forms of financial aid specific to military students. Quick Facts
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| 3 | Liberty University | /5 | 50.41% | Lynchburg, VA |
Liberty University offers a variety of unique online courses specifically designed for active-duty military personnel, including Career and Community Transition and Military Mental and Behavioral Health. The university is home to over 70 associate and bachelor's degree programs that are included in a partnership with the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Degree Network System. Tuition Assistance is available for all men and women currently serving in every branch of the armed services, as well as military spousal support via the MyCAA program. Quick Facts
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| 4 | University of Oklahoma | /5 | 67.44% | Norman, OK |
The University of Oklahoma's UO Outreach division is dedicated to supporting the educational pursuits of active-duty military students and their families through comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs delivered completely online. UO's virtual campus offers coursework in Liberal Studies, certificate programs in career training, and select Advanced Programs. The university supports additional programming for military personnel through NCPACE and GoArmyEd programs, as well as for spouses through MyCAA. Financial aid is provided by both federally funded programs as well as UO's military-specific scholarships and grants. Quick Facts
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| 5 | Northwood University – Michigan | /5 | 56.29% | Midland, MI |
As a university consistently called "military-friendly" by national organizations, Northwood aims to drive excellence among online programs for military students. NU supports a variety of online resources to provide a comprehensive education for students serving our country, including convenient, virtual coursework that fits into a rigorous military lifestyle, and special tuition rates for military personnel with a policy designed to maximize the transfer of military-experience credits. In addition to digital resources centered on active-duty military students, including dedicated admissions advisors and counseling services available online, military students may be eligible for additional tuition discounts and reduction of fees for online tutoring, books and other supplies. Testimonial"Last year I had to leave, and they let me take all my exams early. I was gone for eight months and they let me keep my scholarships." - Mr. James Leiter Quick Facts
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| 6 | Regis University | /5 | 59.05% | Denver, CO | Regis University offers a variety of online programs catering to the military lifestyle. Online adult programs available at Regis include flexible degrees and certificates, ideal for military and other non-traditional students. Additional courses are also available through a partnership between Regis and the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities. Financial assistance specifically for military students includes the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill and the GoArmyEd. Tuition Assistance and preferred military tuition rates are provided to CPS active-duty members enrolled in one of seven select undergraduate programs, and both CPS graduate and MBA students in the military receive special tuition discounts toward their respective degrees. Quick Facts
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| 7 | Western Kentucky University | /5 | 43.55% | Bowling Green, KY | Western Kentucky University is committed to helping military personnel complete their education through a wealth of academic resources. Active-duty military enrolled in online programs at WKU may enjoy course credit for military experience and a special tuition rate for active service members in all branches of the armed services, as well as benefit from WKU's participation in Textbooks for Troops. The university also offers the services of a dedicated military programs counselor. WKU provides flexible online programs at every level to accommodate unpredictable military schedules, as well as programs that incorporate a combination of web, independent learning and Interactive Video Services courses. Quick Facts
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| 8 | Fort Hays State University | /5 | 43.01% | Hays, KS | The dedicated Military and Family Friendly Committee at Ft. Hays helps military students "...start or finish a degree program no matter where you're stationed or where you might be transferred." The university offers numerous financial aid options for active-duty military, including the Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, Fry Scholarship and Kansas Military Service Scholarship, as well as MyCAA, for military spouses. Ft. Hays' Virtual College offers individual courses, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees to military students in need of a flexible schedule and affordable tuition rates. Quick Facts
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| 9 | Wayland Baptist University | /5 | 31.98% | Plainview, TX | Active-duty military students are afforded a variety of academic options at Wayland Baptist University. Flexible online programs for military personnel at WBU are designed to enable excellence through a combination of academic training, vocational experience and career advancement. The university's Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative Program allows Air Force CCAF credit transfer, as well as the ability to obtain a bachelor's degree with only 60 additional semester credits. Military Education Online at WBU also offers general education core classes and a customizable Bachelor of Applied Science specifically for military students. WBU honors the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and special Reserves-oriented financial assistance. WBU offers both Military Education Counselors and online academic advisors to serve this student group. Testimonial"Since I am in the Navy, I travel quite a bit. It is difficult finding a quality school that has course schedules and programs that are conducive to my dynamically changing schedule. The short terms in-class, supplemented by a couple online classes and a couple of hybrid classes, enabled me to complete my degree with ensuring that I received quality face-to-face instruction and mentoring." - Charles Bering, HI Grad, MAM Quick Facts
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| 10 | Southwestern College – Kansas | /5 | 53.8% | Winfield, KS | Southwestern College offers convenient online degree programs designed to help military students complete their education from anywhere, at any time. Whether students are looking to transition into a civilian career, advance their military rank or pursue professional training, Southwestern allows for maximum transfer of credits accrued from military experience in every branch of the armed services. In addition to its support of programs like the Yellow Ribbon Program and other GI Bills, Southwestern offers the Alan Bradford Veteran Award, available to both active military personnel and veterans at Southwestern College's main campus in Winfield. Dedicated admissions counselors are available to address the specific needs of online military students. Accelerated degree programs are also available. Quick Facts
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| 11 | Saint Martin’s University | /5 | 47.72% | Lacey, WA | St. Martin's has proudly served veterans and military students on its campus for over 40 years, and continues its service through the DoD Voluntary Education Partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding that guarantees that high-quality postsecondary education programs are provided to all U.S. service members. As part of its Extended Learning Division, St. Martin's offers online programs in education, software development and teaching certification, among others, for active-duty military and their families. The university supports a variety of efforts to help military service members transition into academic life and/or a civilian career. In addition to a number of federal aid options, St. Martin's offers several scholarships specific to military students in online programs. Quick Facts
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| 12 | Saint Leo University | /5 | 44.89% | Saint Leo, FL | St. Leo University offers comprehensive online education programs designed to allow skill-building in both academic and vocational endeavors for military students. In addition to facilitating a wide variety of course options through partnerships with GoArmyEd and eArmyU, St. Leo supports consortiums specifically for students in the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Because St. Leo understands that deployment schedules can be unpredictable, military students are encouraged to complete their degree or certificate programs via the university's convenient distance learning system, which provides CD-ROM-based course work for military students in active-duty with no internet connection. Quick Facts
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| 13 | Hawaii Pacific University | /5 | 42.33% | Honolulu, HI | Hawaii Pacific University offers flexible course schedules and numerous financial aid options to help military students reach their goals. HPU offers a wide variety of associate and bachelor's degrees completely online, accommodating the unpredictable military lifestyle that often complicates traditional, on-campus program. In addition to offering Tuition Assistance for military students via several major federal programs, HPU offers the services of online learning specialists and academic advisors, fully online student orientation sessions and a special scholarship for military spouses to advance their education. Testimonial"HPU had a proven history of being a military friendly institution and they have a complete understanding of the need of our service members and their families. It was really helpful knowing that there was a Spouse Scholarship program." - Priscilla Lanuzo, Military Spouse, BSBA Quick Facts
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| 14 | Lamar University | /5 | 32.89% | Beaumont, TX | Tuition Assistance for active-duty military service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines is available in many forms at Lamar University. The school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, as well as numerous scholarships and grants for members of the military and their families. Military students at Lamar may choose from online bachelor's degrees in subjects including Criminal Justice, Applied Arts and Sciences, General Studies, Education and more. In addition to offering flexible course work through its innovative virtual classroom, Lamar's academic counselors and new student coordinators provide personalized academic and IT advice to help military students adjust to the online learning environment. QUICK FACTS
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| 15 | University of the Incarnate Word | /5 | 42.73% | San Antonio, TX | The University of the Incarnate Word supports numerous financial aid services as well as several non-traditional academic programs designed for its military student population. Incarnate Word offers a variety of 100% online, asynchronous degrees and certificates for active-duty military and their spouses. UIW online currently features nine undergraduate degrees and five graduate degrees. In addition to enjoying the convenience of fully online programs, special discounted tuition rates and free books for all course work, active-duty military service members in all branches and their spouses are not charged additional fees and have no out-of-pocket expenses while completing their degree. Quick Facts
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| 16 | Regent University | /5 | 50% | Virginia Beach, VA | At Regent University, military students are provided the resources needed to complete their education and transition into student life. In addition to non-Regent financial aid such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, active-duty military service members may be eligible for the Military Service Award, ROTC Award and NOAA/USPHS Awards. Tuition Assistance for spouses of active-duty military is also available through the MyCAA network. Regent caters to military students, offering fully online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as an online feedback forum specifically for military personnel at the university. Regent also offers military chaplaincy programs and the services of a dedicated Military Benefits Coordinator. Quick Facts
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| 17 | Brandman University | /5 | N/A | Irvine, CA | A variety of incentives are available at Brandman University for active-duty military students. The university staffs its military services division with specialists trained to assist active-duty military service members in navigating online programs and transitioning into student life. Military students may choose from a variety of bachelor's and master's degrees offered completely online to accommodate erratic deployment schedules. Brandman specializes in online active-duty programs for the Air Force and Navy through AU-ABC and GEM, and NCPDLP partnerships,, as well as participates in SOC and Troops to Teachers. The university also offers MyCAA coursework entirely online for spouses of active-duty military personnel. Quick Facts
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| 18 | National University | /5 | 40% | La Jolla, CA | National University - La Jolla offers versatile online programs for military students that can be completed from anywhere, at any time. Active-duty National students have the advantage of a one-course-per-month format with new classes starting each month. Online programs for military students are designed to help build the skills needed to complete a degree as well as enter the workforce, comprising majors like business, management, criminal justice, engineering, information technology and education. A dedicated military admissions advisor is available to assist military students in every aspect of their academic pursuits, including recommendations for career development support and tutoring services. Quick Facts
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| 19 | Granite State College | /5 | 13.51% | Concord, NH | Granite State College is committed to providing excellent academic resources to students currently serving in the armed forces. In addition to supporting Tuition Assistance, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program and select GI Bills, GSC employs a generous credit transfer program which honors previous military experience, as well as credits from CLEP, DSST and Excelsior Examination Programs. Numerous GSC associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as a post-baccalaureate teacher certification, are approved for the special needs of military students and may be completed online. Granite State College also supports the Air University program, which enables Air Force service members to complete an Associate in Applied Science toward a baccalaureate degree. Quick Facts
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| 20 | Bellevue University | /5 | 29.41% | Bellevue, NE | Active-duty military students at Bellevue University are afforded comprehensive services via the school's Military-Veterans Services Center and dedicated sub-site on the Web. Bellevue's online degrees are available to active-duty military at a special discounted rate, with bachelor's programs including Leadership, Criminal Justice, Investigations, IT Operations Management and Management. BU supports federal assistance programs including GI Bill Education Benefits and Military Tuition Assistance, as well as additional grants, scholarships and financial aid. The university welcomes students with experience or on active-duty in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, along with qualifying spouses and dependents. Quick Facts
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| 21 | Savannah Technical College | /5 | 29.43% | Savannah, GA | Savannah Technical College offers military students a variety of services and resources specific to their needs. Students on active-duty who are unable to complete their degree on campus may participate in one of STC's unique fully online degree or certificate programs, in majors including Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services and Logistics Management, among others. In addition to its support of federal benefits programs such as the Yellow Ribbon Program and Post 9/11 GI Bill, Savannah Technical College offers the Landings Military Spouse Academic Assistance Fund through a partnership with Armstrong State University, which provides financial support to local-area military spouses. The college also honors a variety of scholarships through the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation for qualifying students. Quick Facts
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| 22 | Anne Arundel Community College | /5 | 16.49% | Arnold, MD | AACC approaches education for military students from a holistic perspective. In addition to participating in federal tuition assistance programs via the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, AACC offers select financial aid, grants and scholarship opportunities. AACC's Virtual Campus offers a number of associate degrees that may be completed entirely online--ideal for military students stationed on-base or who are unable to attend courses on campus. Much of the AACC coursework is also available in interactive format, allowing students in a remote location to interact with peers and faculty on campus via full-motion, real-time two-way audio and video. Quick Facts
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| 23 | Cameron University | /5 | 23.5% | Lawton, OK | Cameron University promotes academic and personal success among its military student population. Active-duty military may choose from 39 bachelor's degree programs, ten associate degree programs, and six master's degree programs, available in convenient online format for those stationed on-base, weekend or lunch classes and on-post at the Fort Sill location. In addition to participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, Cameron supports the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program. Among the many military-friendly resources facilitated by CU, Army education counseling is available through the GoArmyEd Ft. Sill Education Center. Quick Facts
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| 24 | Central Texas College | /5 | 7.57% | Killeen, TX | Central Texas College aims to provide a well-rounded education experience "for students of the real world." CTC is home to a variety of online degree programs and certificates designed specifically for individual military branches, including the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, offering distance learners the same student support services available to those on campus. The college supports Military Tuition Assistance and Department of Defense Civilian Tuition Assistance for active-duty military students, in addition to the Yellow Ribbon Program and Post 9/11 GI Bill. Credits for past military experience may be easily transferred through the CTC's participation in the Servicemembers Opportunity College network. Quick Facts
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| 25 | Franklin University | /5 | 13.64% | Columbus, OH | Franklin University supports a nurturing educational experience for active-duty military students, combining a wide variety of online programs with affordable tuition rates for military students and their families. The university offers financial assistance for military personnel, spouses and dependents through GoArmyEd, Federal Tuition Assistance and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program, as well as military scholarships and special discounts. Franklin offers a comprehensive online program that is "reputable, flexible and affordable" for military students, including numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be completed entirely via distance learning. Quick Facts
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| 26 | City University of Seattle | /5 | N/A | Seattle, WA | City University of Seattle offers numerous incentives enabling active-duty military service members to pursue higher education and eventually transition into civilian life. CityU provides a variety of fully online programs, in Business and Management, Health and Human Services, Information Technology and more, to accommodate active-duty military who cannot study on campus. In addition to participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program and Post 9/11 GI Bill, CityU also supports numerous partnerships with local and national military organizations including Troops to Teachers and MyCAA, among others. Military students pursuing an online CityU education may enjoy the benefits of extensive academic, technical and financial support in order to complete their degree. Quick Facts
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While both military veterans and current service members may have reservations about pursuing a college education, there are numerous benefits available to those seeking higher education. While in service, military personnel may receive tuition assistance of up to $4,500 per year, in addition to other financial assistance programs for active duty and veterans including various GI bills, loan repayment programs, vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. Financial aid is also available specifically for military reserves, as well as survivors and dependents of veterans.
In addition to financial assistance, many potential active-duty students are at the mercy of an uncertain schedule, with no time to plan on-campus course work. Online classes present an ideal way to overcome this challenge. Those enrolled in online classes may also experience increased ease of adjustment into a sustainable career once they complete their degree.
Just how valuable is a college education for veterans and those in the military? While many who have served or are currently serving our country are not aware of the increased enrichment opportunities that may be available through a college degree, the proof is in the numbers. Under the GI Bill, introduced after 9/11, more than 50% of military veterans seeking a college degree completed a program in higher education, a major increase from single-digit percentages in recent years. According to a study released in 2014 by the Student Veterans of America, the 3.5 million veterans who used education benefits between 2002 and 2010 to obtain college degrees in popular subjects such as business, social sciences, and homeland security were more successful post-graduation than other non-traditional student groups attending college or graduate school during those years.
Financing Your Online Degree
Despite the relative affordability of online programs, the need for financial aid is still a reality for most students. But rest assured, loans aren’t your only option. Explore our collection of financial aid resources or dig into one of the following guides to read more about financing your education.
An Overview of Financial Aid
Approximately two-thirds of today’s college students rely on loans to fund their education, but there are plenty of overlooked financing options savvy students can use to reduce the total costs of their education.
Understanding the FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most crucial step for any student seeking financial aid. Follow our step-by-step guide for answers to frequently asked questions.
Financial Aid for Online College Students
Financial aid for online learning is equivalent to what you’ll find for campus-based learning, but that hasn’t always been the case. Learn about the changes that have taken place and funding opportunities for online students.
Scholarships for Veterans
Millions of dollars in free money is available to U.S. Veterans, but much of it goes unused. Learn more about the educational benefits available to you as a valued veteran of America’s armed forces.
Scholarships for Military Dependents
Military spouses and children are often faced with uncertainty, making online education a good option for those on the move. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships specifically for military dependents.
Scholarships for Single Parents
Online programs can provide an affordable and flexible option for single parents looking for a more secure financial future for their children. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for these hard-working parents.
Resources to Help You Succeed
Are you considering a return to school? Do you feel uncertain about your ability to pick up where you left off? Browse our collection of student resources for a little peace of mind. Our guides are designed to help students at any level enter the classroom with confidence. Whether at home or on campus, find the help you need to get the most out of your education. Below you’ll find some of our more popular resources.
Guide to Online Research
There’s a lot of misinformation circulating online for inexperienced researchers. With the help of our online research guide, you can learn how to find reputable sources and discern fact from fiction.
Guide to Academic Writing
For those returning to school, the thought of academic writing can feel intimidating. From research papers to essay exams, our guide provides a high-level overview of how to tackle the usual suspects.
Information on Choosing a Major
Choosing a major can feel overwhelming, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Let us walk you through the process of narrowing your choice and take the next step with confidence.
Understanding Stress
Returning to college? Know that stress comes with the territory, especially if you’re trying to also balance the demands of work and family. Let us help you better understand stress and how to manage it.
Original Research
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of La Verne | La Verne, CA |
| 2 | University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL |
| 3 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA |
| 4 | University of South Carolina - Columbia | Columbia, SC |
| 5 | University of Oklahoma | Norman, OK |
| 6 | Northwood University - Michigan | Midland, MI |
| 7 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS |
| 8 | Regis University | Denver, CO |
| 9 | St. Joseph's College - New York | Brooklyn, NY |
| 10 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY |
| 11 | Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL |
| 12 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS |
| 13 | Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, TX |
| 14 | Southwestern College - Kansas | Winfield, KS |
| 15 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH |
| 16 | Saint Martin's University | Lacey, WA |
| 17 | St. Thomas Aquinas College | Sparkill, NY |
| 18 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | Standish, ME |
| 19 | Chaminade University of Honolulu | Honolulu, HI |
| 20 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL |
| 21 | Campbell University | Buies Creek, NC |
| 22 | Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI |
| 23 | Lamar University | Beaumont, TX |
| 24 | University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, TX |
| 25 | Averett University | Danville, VA |
| 26 | University of South Carolina - Beaufort | Bluffton, SC |
| 27 | Mount St. Mary College | Newburgh, NY |
| 28 | Methodist University | Fayetteville, NC |
| 29 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA |
| 30 | Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs, CO |
| 31 | University of Great Falls | Great Falls, MT |
| 32 | Brandman University | Irvine, CA |
| 33 | Pierce College - Ft. Steilacoom | Lakewood, WA |
| 34 | National University | La Jolla, CA |
| 35 | Granite State College | Concord, NH |
| 36 | Honolulu Community College | Honolulu, HI |
| 37 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE |
| 38 | Technical College of the Lowcountry | Beaufort, SC |
| 39 | Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA |
| 40 | Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold, MD |
| 41 | Cameron University | Lawton, OK |
| 42 | Central Texas College | Killeen, TX |
| 43 | Franklin University | Columbus, OH |
| 44 | City University of Seattle | Seattle, WA |
| 45 | University of Maryland - University College | Adelphi, MD |