There are many factors that go into finding the right Military Friendly College for Veterans, Active-duty service members, Reservists, Guardsmen, spouses and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans in any of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Many colleges and universities promote being a Military Friendly College despite offering little to no benefits beyond the government funded support programs such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® or MyCAA program.

Below is a Military Friendly Colleges Guide with factors to consider when selecting a Military Friendly or Inclusive College.

Does your College have these Military Friendly Benefits?

ACE (American Council on Education) – Institutions that participate in ACE are experienced at translating prior military learning experiences into college credit.   ACE collaborates with the DoD to review military training and experiences in order to recommend appropriate college credit.  Additionally, ACE will provide recommendations for formal courses and occupations based on an individual’s military training and experience.  Gaining college credit for military experience can help save hundreds or thousands of dollars in tuition costs.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – The College Level Examinations Program, also known as CLEP or CLEP testing, is a way for college students to demonstrate knowledge of college course material by taking an exam, rather than attending a full semester or term’s worth of classes in that subject. Military members, eligible spouses, and civil service workers are eligible to take CLEP tests, and may also have them paid for either by GI Bill benefits or or through the DANTES program, also known as the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support.

DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) – DANTES provides education alternatives to service members who cannot attend classes or schools due to work schedules or duty locations that do not permit class attendance.  High school, college, technical, or vocational courses are all available via methods such as textbooks, video, audio tapes, internet, email or TV.  Courses can be taken from schools or colleges that are part of DANTES External.

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) Member – This program is for Military Spouses and provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Member – The Yellow Ribbon Program allows approved institutions of higher learning and the VA to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the established thresholds under the Post‐9/11 GI Bill.  See the list of Yellow Ribbon Schools.

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.

Montgomery GI Bill – The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available for those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Active Duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months; and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.

Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) – Unemployed Veterans who are 35 to 60 years old may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of free retraining assistance.  4 year colleges do not qualify but schools such as community colleges, technical schools and colleges offering only AA degrees may.  Check with your local school to see if they have programs pre-approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military Tuition Assistance – This benefit is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The amount of this benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.To be eligible for the Top-Up benefit, the person must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Military Training Credit – Military Training Credit policies vary greatly across colleges.  Some will award for military training courses but not for military occupational specialties.  Compare the colleges to see how well they’ll work with you to get the credit you deserve.

Transfer Credits – You only have 36 months of GI Bill benefits and cannot afford to lose credits and graduate.  If you’re transferring to another school ensure your credits will transfer.  Typically if you stay within schools with the same accrediting body you’ll have the best chance of keeping all your credits.

Military Discounts – This is typically where Military Friendly Colleges truly differentiate themselves from a college that offers military friendly support of government programs to discounts off your education.  Discounts can range from as low as single digit percentages to greater than 50% off.  Some schools offer varying discounts based on degree program, degree seeking level, active military, veteran, reservist, spouses and children.  It’s important to understand your specific needs and find the school that offers the best military discounts as well as meeting all your other needs.  Many times if a school offers these military discounts it will be displayed prominently on a specific military section of their website, if not, ask.

State Veterans Education Benefits – Many states provide additional veterans education benefits. See your specific state and the education benefits that are offered.  State Veterans Affairs Office Directory.

Military Scholarships – Similar to Military Discounts this varies greatly by school.

Free Textbooks & Supplies – Some schools also offer free textbooks and supplies for varying military affiliations.

Military Specific Website Section – Most military friendly schools have a military specific section of the website that details specific benefits related information, news and updates.  They will typically note the programs they are members of such as Yellow Ribbon Schools, SOC or MyCAA, and they will list Military Inclusive Benefits such as tuition discounts, scholarships and free textbooks.

Veteran-Specific Point of Contacts – Veterans receive many special benefits and need specialized contacts that can cut through the red tape and bureaucracy.  Many schools offer advisors specially trained to assist the military and VA benefits.

Housing Options – If you prefer to live among peers or not to be placed in dormitories with students significantly younger than you check on the available housing options for that school.

Veterans Support – Make sure the school is “Military Friendly” to your needs.

Community Support – Look for involvement from service organizations in the area as well as mental health and medical support in the area.

Veterans Voice – Research that the administration listens to and involves Veterans in Veterans programs.

Change of Order Withdrawal – If you’re active duty or may be called to duty check to see that the school has military friendly policy that will make the best of the situation.

Distance Learning and Online Degree Programs – A campus-based learning environment may not fit your needs or your circumstances may change.  Even if attending a campus-based college you may want this option available.  Check with the college on these options and how they fit your specific needs.

Top Military Friendly Colleges and Schools Lists – There are many out there but be careful with solely using these lists.  Many of these lists are comprised of colleges and schools that are paying to market their institution on the website and the criteria used to compile Military Friendly Colleges and Schools can be suspect.

Research the School – A college’s website is designed to put the school in the best light for prospective students. Try researching the school online from reputable websites, search social media sites and read student feedback to get a balanced perspective on the school.

Other factors to consider for attending any college…

• Graduation Rates
• Retention Rates
• Right Program, Degree or Curriculum for your Needs

Choosing the right college is an important decision in anyone’s life.  Be sure to speak to more than one college in order to determine the right college that meets your individual needs.

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