The military, Department of Defense (DoD), and Veterans Affairs have a variety of programs where colleges and schools can become members. These programs protect service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents to help ensure they receive a quality education. Below is a list of these programs and links to the member directories of the veteran friendly colleges and schools that are on these lists.
Note: The U.S. Government, DoD, and Veterans Affairs or military does NOT expressly endorse or approve a school as Veteran friendly.
ACE (American Council on Education)
ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense to review education and professional records and recommends the appropriate college credit. Additionally, ACE will provide recommendations for formal courses, examinations or organizations to help them gain college credit. Having access to ACE can help save hundreds or thousands of dollars in tuition costs. ACE Directory
DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
DANTES supports all DOD components including the Coast Guard by providing services to pursue post-military academic and vocational goals. Access to tools and counselors helps you in all stages of your career with tools for assessment, counselors, and resources to find financial and academic support. Courses can be taken from schools or colleges that are part of Dante’s External. Dante’s External Directory
MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) Program
This program is for active-duty military Spouses and provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance. This program is limited to military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. MyCAA Directory
The Yellow Ribbon program is a VA program that allows approved higher learning institutions to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses which exceed the Post‐9/11 GI Bill amount. These additional funds do not count against GI Bill entitlements. Yellow Ribbon Directory
VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
The Principles of Excellence are guidelines for educational schools and institutions receiving federal military and veterans educational funding. Participating schools agree to principles and guidelines that provide service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents with the information, support, and protections they deserve. You can search for available WEAMS facilities directly on the VA site here: VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program Directory
VetSuccess on Campus provides veterans with counseling and benefits to achieve career and educational goals. In addition to guidance, veterans also have access to an education or career programs, vocational testing, and other services via the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Below, we have grouped the veteran-friendly programs as they directly apply to active-duty, veterans, military spouses and dependents. Indirect benefits and information may still apply to all other groups.
Active Duty
- ACE (American Council on Education)
- DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
- Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
- VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
- VetSuccess (VSOC)
Veterans
- ACE (American Council on Education)
- Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
- VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
- VetSuccess (VSOC)
Military Spouses
- MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) Program
- Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
- VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
- VetSuccess (VSOC)
Dependents
- Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
- VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program
- VetSuccess (VSOC)
See the Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide for more information on selecting the best school.