Online Colleges For Military Spouses And Dependents

Many military spouses put their own careers on hold to focus on their families and partners, but you don't have to let frequent relocations or limited funding stop you from getting the college education you need to create the life you want. Online college could meet your needs for flexible, remote education, and your military benefits may help pay the cost.

Those benefits can also help your kids go to college. Unfortunately, 64% of military families say they don't understand the GI Bill transfer rules, leading to lost benefits or missed deadlines. Use our guide to military spouse benefits to help you navigate online college selection, admissions, and financial aid for yourself and your children.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Benefits of Online College for Military Spouses and Dependents

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 53.2% of college students enrolled in online courses in 2023. What makes online learning so appealing to military families?

Cost Savings for Military Dependents

Many online colleges are military-friendly, offering flexible programs, credit for military training, and an inclusive culture for military members and families. They also have discounted tuition for veterans, military members, and dependents. These schools may also provide veteran-focused scholarships and financial aid counselors who understand military-related financial aid.

Remote-Friendly Learning Platforms

In a military family, you never know what time zone you'll live in or how your days will be structured. Online college courses typically let you study when and where is convenient for you. You may occasionally run into a program or a course that requires you to attend real-time class meetings via Zoom or another communication platform, but this is rare.

Military-Specific Support Services

Almost all colleges offer tutoring, a writing center, career counseling, and mental health support for online learners. Military-friendly colleges frequently staff these programs with experienced professionals who can provide support tailored for military members and their families. These schools may also maintain networks in which military-affiliated students can support and socialize with one another.

Career-Focused Academic Programs

Online colleges typically offer degrees that are immediately useful in the marketplace. For example, business, education, nursing, and computer science are popular online majors that can lead to immediate employment in high-demand fields. Many online schools also offer graduate degrees, such as online MBAs or master's degrees in education.

Understanding Financial Aid and Military-Specific Funding

As a military family, you can access both general financial aid and military-specific funds.

How to Choose the Right Online College

Step 1. Research Accreditation

Only consider attending a regionally accredited institution. Regional accreditation confers status on the school and helps ensure that your degree qualifies you for financial aid, state licensure, and graduate school admission. If you are majoring in a field that requires state licensure, such as nursing, double-check that your program also holds the necessary programmatic accreditation.

Step 2. Compare Programs

Look into the curriculum at each school. Which series of courses would you rather take? Which meets your particular goals and interests? Does the program qualify you to take a licensure exam, achieve certification in your field, or pursue a graduate degree?

Step 3. Evaluate Cost and Financial Aid

Look at the price tag for each school you are considering, but don't stop there. Some schools advertise low tuition rates but offer little financial aid, while others may award you a significant scholarship despite having a higher price per credit. Make sure you compare bottom-line costs, not just tuition totals.

Step 4. Assess the University Faculty and Leadership

Look at the faculty and leadership bios on the schools' websites. Where did your prospective professors earn their degrees? Do they hold practical experience as well as academic credentials? Do they represent a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences?

Step 5. Review Student Outcomes

Colleges track and publish their graduation rates, employment rates, and other student success metrics. Usually, you can find this information online, but if you don't see it posted on your school's website, ask the admissions office how to get your hands on that data. A school that can help you secure a lucrative career after graduation should definitely get a second look.

Step 6. Confirm Admissions Requirements

Before applying and paying your application fee, make sure you meet a school's admissions requirements. Many schools only require a high school diploma or GED certificate, but some also expect you to have a minimum GPA, a college-preparatory curriculum, or SAT or ACT scores.

Step 7. Check Transfer Credit Policies

If you have earned credits through AP classes, life experience, CLEP tests, or taking early college coursework, ask if those credits will count toward your degree. Some colleges have generous transfer policies, while others are sticklers about what they will accept. Be sure you get the most out of your hard work.

Resources For Military Families

Frequently Asked Questions About College Benefits For Military Dependents

Affordablecollegesonline.org provides information about the GI Bill, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply, but it's important to note that we are not an official government agency, and the content we share is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.