Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Schools Awards designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey, with 530 schools earning awards in Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. 250 schools received the “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs. The list of 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools will be published in G.I. Jobs magazine’s May issue.
The evaluation criteria included factors like Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Repayment, Persistence, and Loan Default rates for all students, as well as specific rates for student veterans. Military-friendly colleges aim to provide the highest return on investment for military students through resources, support services, and benefits such as tuition discounts, application fee waivers, and scholarships.
These colleges accept military training and credits, have designated centers or lounges for veterans, and offer academic credit and support services for military personnel and their families.
Key Takeaways:
- Student reviews play a crucial role in evaluating military-friendly colleges.
- Military-friendly colleges offer resources, support services, and benefits tailored to the needs of military students.
- These colleges accept military training and credits, making the transition to higher education smoother.
- Top-rated military-friendly colleges provide extensive online programs and tuition discounts for military personnel and their families.
- Student feedback and reviews help prospective students make informed decisions about military-friendly colleges.
Benefits of Attending Military-Friendly Colleges
Military-friendly online colleges offer a range of benefits for military personnel, veterans, and their families. These colleges understand the unique needs of military students and aim to provide them with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their educational endeavors. One of the key advantages of attending military-friendly colleges is the recognition of military experience as academic credit. Students can transfer credits from their Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force training, allowing them to expedite their degree completion. This not only saves time but also reduces the overall cost of education.
Furthermore, military-friendly colleges offer tailored resources and support services specifically designed to cater to the needs of military students. They often have designated centers or lounges where veterans can connect with each other and access resources. These colleges also appoint liaisons who can assist students in accessing benefits such as fee waivers and financial aid programs. Additionally, they provide various student organizations and clubs for veterans and military personnel, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.
Financial considerations are also taken into account by military-friendly colleges. They typically offer discounts on tuition and application fees, making education more affordable for military members and their families. Scholarships and grants are often available exclusively for military students, further easing the financial burden. These colleges recognize the importance of maximizing military tuition benefits and ensuring a smooth transition from service to school.
Testimonials from Military Students
“Attending a military-friendly college has been life-changing for me. The recognition of my military experience as academic credit has allowed me to complete my degree faster and pursue further opportunities. The support services provided, such as the veteran’s lounge and dedicated liaisons, have made the transition from service to school seamless. The financial benefits, including tuition discounts and scholarships, have also made education more accessible for me and my family.”
“I highly recommend military-friendly colleges to anyone looking to further their education. The resources and support available make a significant difference in the overall experience. The recognition of military experience as credit has given me a head start in my degree program, and the financial benefits have made it more affordable. It’s reassuring to know that there are colleges out there that truly care about military students and their success.”
| Benefits of Attending Military-Friendly Colleges |
|---|
| Acknowledgment of military experience as academic credit |
| Resources and support services tailored to military students |
| Designated centers or lounges for veterans |
| Access to fee waivers and financial aid programs |
| Student organizations for veterans and military personnel |
| Tuition discounts and scholarships |
Are Military Students Satisfied with the Support at Military-Friendly Colleges?
Military students at military-friendly colleges express high satisfaction based on testimonials from military students. The supportive environment, understanding faculty, and tailored resources contribute to their positive experiences. These testimonials from military students highlight the invaluable support provided by military-friendly colleges.
Top-Rated Military-Friendly Colleges for Student Reviews
When it comes to finding the best military-friendly colleges, student reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences and support offered by these institutions. Several colleges have been recognized as top-rated military-friendly institutions based on these reviews.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has a long-standing commitment to the military community and offers over 200 online programs. The university provides tuition discounts for active military personnel and their spouses, making education more accessible. Student reviews praise the support and resources available, highlighting the university’s dedication to military students.
Liberty University
Liberty University is another top-rated institution for military support. With a wide range of online programs and military degree plans, the university understands the unique needs of military students. Through GI Bill programs and the Yellow Ribbon Program, Liberty University offers various benefits to make education affordable and accessible for veterans. Student reviews mention the comprehensive support and military-friendly environment provided by the university.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers over 100 online degree programs and is known for its commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. The university provides various military benefits, including tuition assistance, scholarships, and even free tuition for Florida National Guard members. Positive student reviews highlight the exceptional support and opportunities available at the University of Central Florida.
Averett University
Averett University is dedicated to serving military students and offers military tuition discounts, scholarships, and benefits through GI Bill programs and the Yellow Ribbon Program. The university’s commitment to supporting veterans and their educational goals is evident in the positive student reviews it receives. Averett University provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for military-affiliated students.
These top-rated military-friendly colleges have earned their reputations through positive student reviews and comprehensive support services. If you’re a veteran or a military-affiliated student looking for a college that prioritizes your needs, consider these institutions as they have proven to be excellent choices for your educational journey.