Military-Friendly Colleges: Maximizing Benefits and Opportunities

The Department of Defense (DoD) stands as the nation's largest employer, encompassing 1.3 million service members across six branches: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard. With over 2 million military retirees receiving benefits, and veterans of the Gulf War constituting the largest group as of 2016, the importance of institutions catering to the specific needs of military personnel and veterans cannot be overstated. While the number of veterans will decline to 13.6 million, the need for military-friendly colleges remains significant. Military-friendly colleges offer various benefits, including tuition discounts, credit opportunities, on-campus benefits, academic programs, and flexibility. These institutions understand the unique challenges faced by military students and provide the necessary support to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.

Understanding Military-Friendly Colleges

But what exactly defines a "military-friendly" college? The term has become commonplace, yet its true meaning can be multifaceted. According to Military Friendly, the designation measures an organization's commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. This encompasses active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and children, each with their specific needs.

Many institutions declare themselves military-friendly, but it's crucial to look beyond generic information and assess the actual support provided. Factors to consider include:

Recognition of the diverse military community: Does the school acknowledge and address the needs of veterans, active-duty members, reservists, National Guard members, military spouses, and children?
Comprehensive support services: Beyond links to the Department of Veteran Affairs, does the school offer tailored services to meet the needs of the entire military community?
Commitment to online programs: Does the institution enhance its online programs to provide options for active-duty military members with demanding schedules?

Government Benefits for Military Students

Since the original GI Bill® was created in 1944, military students have had access to education benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill® are two primary federal programs designed to assist military personnel and veterans in pursuing higher education.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which was introduced in 2008 and is administered by the VA, caters to individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It offers comprehensive financial support for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing. Two key components distinguish this bill:

Read also: Service Member Scholarship Guide

Yellow Ribbon (YR) Program: This allows colleges and universities to offer additional funds beyond what the GI Bill covers, bridging the gap for private institutions and out-of-state programs that exceed the national cap. YR funds may also apply to books, supplies, housing, and a one-time rural benefit.
Transfer of Entitlement option: This allows service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouse or dependents.

To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, service members need at least 90 days of active-duty service after September 10, 2001. The amount of the benefit corresponds to the overall length of service, ranging from 40% of the maximum benefit for 90 days of service to 100% for 36 months or more.

The Montgomery GI Bill®

In 1984, the original GI Bill became the Montgomery GI Bill, assuring benefits for veterans of the post-Vietnam era. It splits into two main programs:

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): Serves active-duty members who contribute $100 in their first 12 months of service and fulfill their service obligation (two continuous years on active duty).
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): Serves reservists (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, or the Air National Guard) who actively drill and sign up for a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve.

Eligible MGIB recipients may receive education benefits for up to eight semesters or four years of college. MGIB-AD benefits last for 10 years after an individual’s final day of service, and MGIB-SR benefits expire the day a reservist leaves the Selected Reserve.

Other Education Benefits

In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, other programs may be available, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, the National Call to Service Program, and the post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).

The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium

The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) consortium, launched in 1972, is comprised of more than 1,900 military-friendly colleges and universities. SOC simplifies the application process for military students who possess prior credit from courses, exams, training, or work experience. By doing so, SOC reduces the number of credits a military student needs for graduation while also lowering tuition costs. Many SOC schools offer online programs at the degree or certificate level, providing flexibility for non-stationary military students. Each branch of the armed forces (with the exception of the Air Force) boasts its own SOC program: SOCAD (Army), SOCMAR (Marine), SOCNAV (Navy), SOCCOAST (Coast Guard), and SOCGuard (Army National Guard).

Read also: Pakistan's Military College Jhelum

What to Look for in a Military-Friendly College

Current and former military members consider various factors when choosing a college, including budget, timing, family and work, and program offerings. Here are some key benefits to look for:

Tuition Discounts: Many military-friendly online colleges offer reduced tuition rates to active-duty members, reservists, veterans, and retired service personnel.
Credit Opportunities: An SOC military-friendly college or university simplifies credit transfer, including credit for prior learning. Many programs award credit not only for courses but also for military training, work experience, and exams.
Financial Aid: Military students can access financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
On-Campus Benefits: Some benefits available to current and former military members living on campus include housing, job and career support, and counseling services.
Academic Programs: Military-friendly online colleges offer academic programs across every discipline, from military studies to business administration.
Flexibility: Both traditional and military-friendly colleges online work with the unique schedules of military students.

How to Choose the Best Online Military-Friendly College

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.
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.
Program Availability: You’ll naturally want to choose a college or university that offers an academic program in your intended field of study.

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 and the Yellow Ribbon Program 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: Covers tuition, housing, books, and related expenses.
Yellow Ribbon Program: Supplements the GI Bill, covering unmet expenses at private colleges and universities, out-of-state institutions, foreign colleges, and graduate schools.
Military Tuition Assistance: Military personnel on active duty or reserves can qualify for tuition assistance through their respective branches.
Scholarships: Several organizations offer scholarships earmarked for military personnel and veterans, with some reserved for disabled veterans.
Grants: Awarded by colleges, organizations, states, or the federal government, grants can help defray the cost of your education.

Military-Friendly Colleges: A Detailed Look

#1: University of Florida

UF Online offers eligible active duty service members both an out-of-state tuition waiver and free tuition up to $250 per credit hour and $4,500 per year.

#2: George Mason University

GMU ensures faculty and administration are trained to support military students, veterans, and their families.

Read also: Duty, Honor, Achievement at NMMI

#3: University of Central Florida

UCF Online’s coaches will help active military and veteran students transition into a degree program.

Addressing the Unique Needs of Military Students

The military community does not want special treatment. They wish that academic institutions would recognize that their needs and experiences differ from the general public’s. This includes:

Transferable Skills: Recognizing and awarding credit for the transferable skills acquired during military service, such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving.
Financial Assistance: Providing access to and guidance on navigating military and veteran education benefits programs, such as the GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program.
Support Systems: Establishing active support systems, such as Veteran Resource Centers, to provide guidance and opportunities for connection.
Family Benefits: Offering benefits for family members of those who have served in the armed forces, such as participation in the Military Spouse Career Advanced Account (MyCAA) program.
Flexibility: Providing fully online and self-paced program options to accommodate the unique schedules and commitments of military students.

The Importance of Official Designation

While many schools claim to be military-friendly, the official "Military Friendly" designation offered by VIQTORY is a significant indicator of a school's commitment. This status requires the school to meet specific benchmarks and demonstrate a genuine effort to support veterans.

tags: #military #friendly #colleges #benefits