Military Online Colleges

If you are considering joining the military or are already an active member, attending college simultaneously may seem like an unlikely undertaking. While in the past this may have been true, the advancement of online colleges and universities now makes it possible for active military personnel to obtain their degree while serving their country. Many schools offer programs that cater to the needs of the armed forces and allow them to fit their coursework in around their already busy schedules. These schools understand that having a solid education is essential to your future, both while serving in the military and when you get out.

What students need to be weary of when looking into online education, is that not every school that claims to be “military friendly” actually is. Colleges and universities that offer programs for active duty military personnel and veterans will work with each student independently to ensure that their needs are met, regardless of their schedules, deployments, or relocation. Other benefits to online education for military personnel include:

• Receiving credit for past coursework or military training
• Flexible learning formats
• Tuition assistance
• Your coursework transfers with you regardless of location
• Accelerated programs for students with previous course credits

There are many benefits to getting your degree while on active duty. Many wait until they serve their time before enrolling in college, but by achieving them simultaneously, you can prepare yourself for an exciting career as soon as you leave the military. When researching various schools and programs to pursue, one of the most important things to check for is accreditation. Many schools may promise benefits for military personnel, but if the school is not accredited, your degree may not be valid and accepted by future employers. Accreditation status of a school shows that the program has met the requirements necessary to provide you with a complete college education.

Does the G.I. Bill Cover Online Schools?

The G.I. Bill is a law that began in 1944 that was established in order to provide benefits for veterans returning from World War II. These benefits ranged from lower mortgages, business loans, living expenses, as well as education expenses to go toward college or other vocational training. Though the original program ended in 1956, the term has been used since to include other benefits offered to military veterans, including those for education expenses.

When students complete their initial time in the military, they have several options. Some choose to re-enlist, some pursue careers, and some decide to go to college. One concern students have about using their G.I. Bill money for education is whether or not it covers online education. Rest assured that your tuition will be covered, even for online colleges and universities. For higher learning, four-year universities, community colleges, and advanced degree programs are all covered – and this includes online formats. The opportunity for students to be able to go to school online using their G.I. Bill allows them to continue to earn their degree while still being able to maintain their careers, their family lives, and any other commitments they have. The flexibility of online learning allows students to complete coursework on their own time. Other types of education covered by the G.I. Bill include:

• On-the-job training
• Flight training
• Distance learning and internet training
• Licensing and certification
• Work-study programs

Scholarship Opportunities for Military Personnel and Their Families

The G.I. Bill is great to help with the cost of higher education, but there are also scholarship opportunities to help cover additional costs – and this includes scholarships for active military personnel, veterans, their spouses, and even their children. There are many programs and foundations out there where you can find funding for education for you and your family – you just have to know where to look.

A great place to start when applying for scholarships or other forms of financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will let you know what type of government funding, scholarships, loans, and other aid you qualify for based on your financial status. Speaking with the financial aid office at your school is another resource to take advantage. They can help point you in the direction of financial aid offered through the school, or they may know various other sources for you to apply to. Just doing an internet search can send you to a number of sites to find scholarships for military personnel. These are just a few:

• Pat Tillman Foundation
• AFCEA Education Foundation
• College Scholarships.org
• Scholarship Programs of the Fisher House Foundation
• Military.com Scholarship Finder
• The College Board Scholarship Search
• Scholarships.com
• Fastweb

Military Careers

For some, the military is temporary. They serve their initial enlistment, then go on to college and then careers. Some continue part-time working in the reserves while pursuing other professional interests. But for others, the military becomes a way of life. There are many servicemen and servicewomen who make life-long careers out of the military. But that isn’t to say education isn’t important. Many of these jobs still require you to earn a degree. Some of these military careers include:

• Accountant
• Business Administration
• Communications Technologist/Technician
• Counseling/Social Work
• Education
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Law Enforcement
• Medical Personnel

Even if you are interested in making a career out of the military, there are many schools that can help you earn an advanced degree that will allow you to continue to grow in your profession while still maintaining your military responsibilities. These accredited programs offer flexible scheduling that allows you to continue to work while you study, and they’ll even work around your deployments and any relocation. If you’re serious about higher education, then don’t wait. Start your search today to find the best online program to fit your needs. You can contact any of these accredited programs to request more information about their military programs, tuition costs, application process, and more. Don’t let not having your degree hold you back from a rewarding career.