Military-Friendly Colleges
Active duty members, reservists, and veterans face unique challenges when choosing an educational program that fits their needs and career goals. Military-friendly colleges and universities provide various services and resources to ease the transition.
Military-affiliated students interested in psychology and other mental health professions should consider several factors when choosing a school, including financial aid opportunities, counseling and career services, and credit for prior experience. Learn more about the programs and advantages military-friendly schools offer.
Government Benefits for Military Students
Since the government first passed the GI Bill® in 1944, military students have had access to educational benefits. But what types of benefits can service members and veterans use? Which programs cover family members? Learn more about GI Bill programs, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover school or job training expenses. With this benefit, you can pay for tuition, fees, books, housing, and other education costs. The eligibility guidelines for the Post-9/11 GI Bill include:
- Active duty service for a total of at least 90 days after September 10, 2001
- A minimum of 30 days of continuous service if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
- Received a Purple Heart after September 10, 2001
Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill can restrict your eligibility for other government benefits. For example, if you served for one period of service after August 1, 2011, you can only use one education benefit. That means you’ll need to decide whether to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill or another benefit such as the Montgomery GI Bill. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VA) or your school’s veteran services office can help you determine which program to use.
You can apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits online. You’ll need your Social Security number, bank account direct deposit information, military history, and information about your school. You can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent children.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill provides education benefits to eligible veterans and service members. This program funds both active-duty and reserve military students. The selected reserve program covers those who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserves, or Army or Air National Guard.
For the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, the eligibility requirements include:
- At least two years of active duty service
- Honorably discharged
- At least a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Meet additional requirements
For the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, the eligibility requirements include:
- Signed a six-year service obligation
- Completed initial active duty for training
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- In good standing while in a Selected Reserve unit
Your benefit award depends on your length of service, the type of education program, and other factors. Eligible military students typically have 10 years to use their Montgomery GI Bill benefits. You can apply online for Montgomery GI Bill benefits. The VA typically processes applications within 30 days.
Other Education Benefits
You may be eligible for other programs in addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional benefits on top of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For example, this program can help cover out-of-state tuition, tuition for a private college, or graduate school tuition if you’re earning a master’s degree. Your school must participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for you to receive benefits. You can use the Yellow Ribbon Program Search from the VA to learn which colleges and universities currently participate.
If you’re not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may still meet the eligibility requirements for these education benefit programs:
- The National Call to Service Program: If you performed a period of national service, you may be able to choose an education benefit through this program.
- The post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): VEAP provides a $2-to$1 government match for education assistance if you entered service from 1977-1985.
Your local VA office or your college’s veteran and military services department can provide additional information on education benefits for military students.
What Does It Mean for a School to Be Military-Friendly?
Military-friendly schools accept all military benefits and offer flexible course options. These colleges offer a wide range of perks, support programs, and assistance to those who qualify for benefits.
Tuition Discounts for Military
Many military-friendly online colleges offer reduced tuition rates to active-duty members, and some even extend discounts to reservists, veterans, and retired service personnel. Schools typically apply these discounts on a per-credit basis.Credit Opportunities
The SOC network accepts nearly all transfer credits from any participating school. Some unaffiliated schools also offer generous transfer credit policies for eligible applicants. Some online psychology degree programs allow students to earn credits for prior learning, job training, and military experiences.Financial Aid
In addition to participating in the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bill programs, some schools offer financial aid opportunities specifically for students with military backgrounds. Eligible students may qualify for scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. Some schools offer in-state tuition for out-of-state military students or extend military benefits to spouses and children.On-Campus Benefits
Military-friendly schools also typically host on-campus programs, organizations, and opportunities for students with military backgrounds. Some maintain offices, success centers, and networking clubs dedicated to student veterans and service personnel. Others provide free or discounted healthcare services, psychological counseling services, or referrals to local health networks. Some schools feature discounted housing and post-graduation job support services.Academic Programs
Some online psychology degrees focus specifically on military personnel. These courses train students to meet the specific counseling and treatment needs of service personnel and veterans affected by their combat and active-duty experiences. Alternatively, you could opt for a military studies major with a minor or focus in psychology.Flexibility
Military-friendly schools understand and respect the distinct scheduling needs of military students, particularly those on active duty. Flexible options allow students to take reduced course loads, or leave part-way through a term without any academic penalty if deployed. The best schools work with students to ensure they can finish any incomplete courses once they return.Networking and Career Resources
Military-friendly schools emphasize professional network-building and career counseling dedicated specifically to the needs of military-affiliated students. They staff veteran centers that help students transfer skills acquired in the military to professional settings, offer interviewing and resume workshops, and connect students to jobs with military-friendly employers. Many schools sponsor military student organizations to foster peer relationships.
The Importance of Military Status
Each military-friendly college sets and maintains its own internal policies regarding student eligibility for applicable assistance programs. In most cases, a student’s current military status determines which awards and benefits they can receive. Federal programs also distinguish between active duty, inactive duty, and discharged service members. The following categories classify a student’s current military status:
- Active-Duty Military: An active-duty military service member maintains a current, full-time commitment to the armed forces. They can be deployed at any time. Those on active duty may choose part-time study due to their military commitments. They enjoy excellent access to multiple federal and independent programs.
- Inactive-Duty Military: Inactive-duty members may deploy or assist civilians in times of need but do not commit to full-time service. In most cases, students with inactive-duty status qualify for limited benefits unless they previously completed an extended period of active duty.
- Discharged (Multiple Types): Honorable discharge indicates that a service member accrued a favorable record before being released from his or her service commitments. The Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and other programs offer assistance to honorably discharged soldiers who served for a specified minimum length of time. Most military-friendly colleges do not extend benefits to dishonorably discharged service members with unfavorable records.
- Retired/Veteran: Retired status applies to career service members who left the military with favorable service records. Veteran status covers those who have been deployed on a tour of duty during a period of direct conflict with enemy forces. Students and applicants in these categories enjoy full access to a complete range of assistance programs.
Service Members Opportunity Colleges
Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and coordinated by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), the SOC network assists military members who attend college while regularly moving to different duty stations. Many full-time, active-duty military members relocate frequently due to deployments, reassignments, and other circumstances. The SOC program makes it easier for eligible participants to transfer existing credits to a new school. These schools also reduce or waive in-state residency requirements so participants instantly become eligible for lower tuition rates.
The SOC network accepts members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Military-friendly colleges participate in the program on a voluntary basis. A large number of educational institutions situated on or near Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard facilities opt-in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military-Friendly Colleges
Yes, the military provides benefits to active duty and reserve service members and veterans. Benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill allow you to earn credits toward a college degree. You must meet eligibility guidelines and apply for education benefits to receive these benefits, which typically apply to undergraduate education or job training programs.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
