Best Online Military-Friendly Colleges of 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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