Are you a military servicemember, veteran, or spouse looking for an online college that can help you advance your education and career? If so, you might be wondering how to find the best online college for military that suits your needs, goals, and budget.

Online colleges offer many advantages for military students, such as flexibility, convenience, affordability, and accessibility. You can study from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace.

You can also transfer your military credits, apply for financial aid, and access various support services and resources.

However, not all online colleges are created equal. Some online colleges are more military-friendly than others, meaning they offer special benefits and accommodations for military students and veterans.

To help you find the best online college for military, we have compiled a list of the top online programs, benefits, and resources for military students and veterans in 2023.

We have also included some tips and advice on how to choose the right online college for you.

Top Online Programs for Military Students and Veterans

There are many online degree programs available for military students and veterans, ranging from associates to doctoral degrees, and covering various fields and disciplines. However, some online programs are more popular and suitable for military students and veterans than others, based on factors such as:

• Accreditation and reputation
• Curriculum and delivery
• Faculty and student support
• Career outcomes and opportunities

Based on these factors, we have selected the following online programs as the best online colleges for military in 2023:

• Arizona State University: ASU is a nationally ranked and recognized university that offers over 200 online degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. ASU is also a military-friendly university that offers reduced tuition rates, credit for military training, and dedicated services and resources for military students and veterans. Some of the most popular online programs for military students and veterans at ASU are:
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Master of Science in Engineering
• University of Florida-Online: UF Online is one of the most affordable and prestigious online colleges in the country, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields. UF Online is also a military-friendly college that offers low tuition rates, military scholarships and grants, and credit for military training and experience. Some of the most popular online programs for military students and veterans at UF Online are:
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior
  • Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
  • Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management
  • Master of Science in Pharmacy
• Liberty University Online: Liberty Online is one of the largest and most diverse online colleges in the world, offering over 450 online degree programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Liberty Online is also a military-friendly college that offers generous tuition discounts, military scholarships and grants, and credit for military training and experience. Some of the most popular online programs for military students and veterans at Liberty Online are:
  • Associate of Arts in Business
  • Bachelor of Science in Aviation
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Master of Arts in Executive Leadership
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Benefits of Online Colleges for Military Students and Veterans

Online colleges offer many benefits for military students and veterans, such as:

• Flexibility: Online colleges allow you to study from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace. You can choose from various online formats, such as synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, or self-paced. You can also adjust your course load and schedule according to your availability and preferences.
• Convenience: Online colleges eliminate the need to commute, relocate, or travel to campus. You can access your courses, assignments, lectures, and materials online, using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can also communicate with your instructors, classmates, and advisors online, using email, chat, or video conferencing.
• Affordability: Online colleges often charge lower tuition rates and fees than traditional colleges, especially for military students and veterans. You can also save money on transportation, housing, and other expenses. You can also apply for various financial aid options, such as military scholarships, grants, loans, and benefits.
• Accessibility: Online colleges make education more accessible and attainable for military students and veterans, especially those who face barriers or challenges due to their location, deployment, disability, or family obligations. You can also access various support services and resources online, such as tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and career guidance.
• Transferability: Online colleges often accept and award credit for your military training and experience, as well as your prior learning and education. This can help you save time and money and accelerate your degree completion. You can also transfer your online credits to other colleges, if you decide to change or continue your education.

Resources for Online Military Students and Veterans

Online military students and veterans can also access various resources and organizations that can help them succeed in their online education and career, such as:

• [Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)]: SOC is a consortium of over 1,900 colleges and universities that provide educational opportunities and support for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. SOC offers flexible policies and procedures, such as credit transfer, residency requirements, and course completion. SOC also offers online degree programs and courses through the [SOC Degree Network System (DNS)].
• [American Council on Education (ACE)]: ACE is a major coordinating body for higher education institutions in the United States. ACE provides various services and programs for military students and veterans, such as the [Military Guide], which evaluates and recommends college credit for military training and experience, and the [College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)], which evaluates and recommends college credit for prior learning and education.
• [GI Bill]: The GI Bill is a federal program that provides educational benefits and assistance for servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents. The GI Bill covers tuition and fees, housing allowance, books and supplies, and other expenses. The GI Bill also offers various programs and initiatives, such as the [post-9/11 GI Bill], the [Yellow Ribbon Program], and the [Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)] program.
• [Military OneSource]: Military OneSource is a free service that provides information, resources, and support for military members and their families. Military OneSource offers various services and programs, such as counseling, financial planning, health and wellness, education and career, and family and relationships. Military OneSource also offers online tools and courses, such as the [MySECO] portal, which provides education and career guidance for military spouses.
• [Student Veterans of America (SVA)]: SVA is a national organization that represents and supports student veterans and their families. SVA offers various services and programs, such as advocacy, research, scholarships, grants, and events. SVA also has over 1,500 chapters across the country, which provide peer support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for student veterans.

How to Choose the Best Online College for Military

Choosing the best online college for military depends on your personal and professional goals, needs, and preferences. However, there are some general factors and criteria that you should consider when comparing and evaluating different online colleges, such as:

• Accreditation: Accreditation is a process that ensures the quality and standards of an online college and its programs. Accreditation is granted by regional, national, or specialized accrediting agencies, which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. You should look for online colleges that are accredited by reputable and recognized agencies, as this can affect your eligibility for financial aid, credit transfer, and employment opportunities.
• Reputation: Reputation is a measure of the prestige and recognition of an online college and its programs. Reputation is influenced by various factors, such as rankings, awards, reviews, testimonials, and alumni outcomes. You should look for online colleges that have a good reputation and track record, as this can affect your academic and career prospects and satisfaction.
• Curriculum and Delivery: Curriculum and delivery are the content and format of an online program and its courses. Curriculum and delivery vary depending on the field, level, and type of the program and the online college. You should look for online programs that have a relevant and rigorous curriculum that aligns with your interests and goals, and a flexible and convenient delivery that suits your learning style and schedule.
• Student Support: Faculty and student support are the quality and availability of the instructors, advisors, and peers in an online program and college. Faculty and student support can affect your learning experience and outcomes, as well as your academic and personal well-being. You should look for online programs that have qualified and experienced faculty who are accessible and responsive, and online colleges that have comprehensive and effective student support services and resources, such as tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and career guidance.
• Career Outcomes and Opportunities: Career outcomes and opportunities are the potential and actual benefits and results of completing an online program and degree. Career outcomes and opportunities include factors such as employment rate, salary, advancement, satisfaction, and impact. You should look for online programs that have high and positive career outcomes and opportunities, and online colleges that have strong and supportive career services and networks, such as job placement, resume writing, interview coaching, and alumni associations.