Best Online Military-Friendly Colleges of 2025
Discover what makes a college military-friendly, and learn how to obtain the financial assistance you need to earn your online degree.
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Serving in the military and obtaining a high-quality education are not mutually exclusive — and online programs make it possible to do both.
Scholarship funding is plentiful, and many colleges offer current and former military students special services to help them plan their education, obtain a degree, and land a job in their field.
This guide to military-friendly colleges will help you choose the online program that’s right for you. You’ll also discover various resources for financial aid and learn how to take advantage of educational and co-curricular opportunities that colleges make available to service personnel and veterans.
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
5 Benefits of a Military-Friendly College
Academic Credit for Military Experience
If you’re attending a military-friendly college, you may receive academic credit for your military training and occupational work.
The American Council on Education evaluates Joint Service Transcripts of service members and veterans of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, enabling students to accelerate their path toward a degree. Air Force and Space Force personnel have their transcripts processed by the Community College of the Air Force.
Resources and Support Services for the Military
Many colleges and universities will help service members and veterans make a successful transition to higher education, assisting with orientation, financial aid (including the GI Bill ®), and degree planning. More than 1,600 institutions host a chapter of the Student Veterans of America to coordinate these activities.
Discounts for Military Personnel and Veterans
Beyond the tuition assistance provided by the GI Bill, military personnel and veterans can receive discounts in the form of application fee waivers, reduced or free tuition, and scholarship aid directly from your college.
Online Programs and Asynchronous Instruction
Based on their deployment status, current service members may not have the option of attending classes on campus, so military-friendly schools offer an array of online programs featuring asynchronous learning options to accommodate unpredictable schedules.
Career Planning and Job Seeking Services
Military-friendly colleges can help you connect your studies to career paths, successfully search for internships and employment opportunities, craft a resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews.
How to Choose the Best Online Military-Friendly College for You
When determining the best fit for your needs, consider factors such as cost, student support programs, and academic degree requirements.
Cost
Because the GI Bill may not cover all of your tuition, it’s important to consider the cost when choosing an online college. In general, public colleges and universities charge less than private institutions — public colleges charged an average tuition of $9,750 in 2022-23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, compared to the average tuition price of $35,248 for private colleges. You may qualify for in-state tuition depending on where you choose to attend.
Keep in mind that many online programs will charge you in-state tuition regardless of your home state. Others have a lower flat rate for all students.
Veteran and Military Services and Programs
Colleges dedicated to supporting military personnel and veterans will offer special services to help onboard students through orientation programs; assist them with financial aid counseling and scholarship support; provide academic and career planning advice; and create a welcoming community of peers as a support system.
Online Learning Format
Online learning can be ideal for active-duty service members or busy military students who have jobs and/or families. Online degrees often use asynchronous coursework, which 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.
Program Availability
You’ll naturally want to choose a college or university that offers an academic program in your intended field of study, but be sure to consult the course catalog to determine when and how often courses are offered and what additional components, such as an internship or thesis, are required.
These variables could affect your time to degree and, potentially, the cost of your education.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Military Students
Current military personnel and veterans have many options to help them finance their education. From federal programs such as the GI Bill to scholarships and grants from governmental and private organizations, you can find money to offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, and transportation.
Your spouse and dependent children can benefit as well.
GI Bill
Current military personnel and veterans can benefit from the GI Bill, which covers tuition, housing, books, and related expenses. Your dependent children may qualify as well.
Award amounts vary, though the GI Bill covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges and universities and up to $28,937 at private institutions.
Visit our comprehensive guide to the GI Bill to learn how you and your family can benefit the most from this program.
Yellow Ribbon Program
If you’ve served for at least 36 months or are a military veteran, you can qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program supplements the GI Bill, covering unmet expenses at private colleges and universities, out-of-state institutions, foreign colleges, and graduate schools.
Your spouse and dependents may also benefit.
Colleges can accommodate a limited number of students in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Military Tuition Assistance
Military personnel on active duty or reserves can qualify for tuition assistance through their respective branches. Funding covers tuition and fees up to $4,500 per year ($4,000 for the Army).
Each branch has its own application form and procedures, so be sure to consult your branch’s specific requirements to determine if you’re eligible.
Scholarships
Take time to explore the many scholarship opportunities available beyond federal programs. Several organizations offer scholarships earmarked for military personnel and veterans, with some reserved for disabled veterans.
You may also qualify for scholarships designated specifically for online students.
Grants
Grants are another form of scholarship assistance for military students. Awarded by colleges, organizations, states, or the federal government, grants can help defray the cost of your education.
You may qualify for a Pell Grant, for example, which provides up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 school year. If you’re not eligible, you might explore the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant to determine if you qualify based on your parents’ service record.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Military-Friendly Colleges
Yes, the military will pay for online college through initiatives such as the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not distinguish between online and on-campus education when determining financial aid eligibility.
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