Hey all, I'm currently in the military, and I've been keeping an eye out for online college options to further my education. Anyone got recommendations for some of the most affordable online colleges for military folks?
Absolutely, I'm happy to provide some recommendations. Keep in mind the cost of attending college can often be significantly reduced through financial aid and military benefits. For instance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition costs, and some schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can make private schools more affordable.
1. American Military University (AMU): AMU offers more than 200 online degree and certificate programs and has a robust military community. They offer a tuition grant program which can reduce undergraduate tuition to $250 per credit hour.
2. Western Governors University (WGU): WGU offers flat-rate tuition for six-month terms; this could be beneficial if you're able to handle a heavy course load. They also have a Military Appreciation Scholarship.
3. Columbia College: Columbia College has a special Military Spouse Program, which offers tuition assistance and scholarships. Their tuition is relatively reasonable, especially for military students.
4. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): SNHU offers reduced tuition for active-duty military and spouses. They also accept military training for credit, reducing the number of credits you need to complete your degree.
5. Excelsior College: Excelsior College is another military-friendly school with more than 60 online degree programs. They provide academic credit for military training and experiences and offer a reduced tuition rate for military personnel.
Remember, you should not only consider the tuition cost, but also the reputation of the institution and the suitability of its programs for your career goals. It's also beneficial to verify if these colleges are military-friendly—meaning, they are aware of the unique needs of military students and have supports in place to assist you.
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