The Best Online Colleges for Veterans and Military Personnel in 2021
Many computer science schools and tech programs offer perks for military personnel and veterans. These can cover everything from full scholarships to exclusive tuition discounts. If you have served in the armed forces in the past, you should qualify for veteran-specific scholarships.
This comprehensive guide can teach you everything you need to know about the best colleges and universities for veterans. You can get both financial and social support while you get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or your preferred subject. This guide will cover the best online schools for veterans and military personnel.
Top 10 Military-Friendly Online Schools of 2021 at a Glance
Before plunging deeper into the best online schools, we’ve mapped out a brief overview of their locations and the type of support available. The average tuition is taken from the schools’ official websites. Note that tuition is subject to change due to the pandemic, but this list will give you an idea of what to expect.
The universities are listed in alphabetical order.
School | State | Average Tuition | Military Support |
California State University, Bakersfield | (CA) | $19,299 | CSUB Veteran’s Club CalVet Fee Waiver |
Florida Institute of Technology | (FL) | $42,470 | 10% Discount |
Harding University | (AR) | $20,735 | Military Educational Benefits GI Bill |
Illinois Institute of Technology | (IL) | $49,280 | Yellow Ribbon |
John Brown University | (AR) | $27,668 | GI Bill Tuition Assistance Counseling Services |
Samford University | (AL) | $32,850 | Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic |
University of Connecticut | (CT) | $39,394 | College Credit |
University of Florida | (FL) | $28,659 | GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Tuition Assistance |
University of San Diego | (CA) | $51,186 | GI Bill Yellow Ribbon |
University of Texas, Austin | (TX) | $38,326 | 10% Discount |
Military and Veteran Benefits Available for College Students
The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery Bill are offered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The benefits include career advice, educational advice, tuition sponsorship, and more. You can read more about these perks below.
Montgomery GI Bill
If you served for at least six years as a member of the marine corps, the army, the navy, the coast guard reserves, or the national guard, you should be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill. Benefits include free career counseling and educational advice.
If you served for two years on active duty and were honorably discharged, you may also qualify for the Montgomery Active Duty Bill.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
To be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you must have served on active duty for at least 90 days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. If that is the case, your GI Bill benefits can cover your college tuition.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers career and education counseling for veterans as well as up to $1,000 financing for books.
Scholarships for Veterans and Military Personnel
There are many scholarships available for military personnel and veterans. These can cover full or partial tuition. Scholarship programs often include free career and educational guidance, so make sure you take this into account when choosing the best option for you.
AFCEA Scholarship
The AFCEA offers a war veterans scholarship for undergraduate programs. This merit-based program is available for anyone who has served on active duty. Furthermore, you need to be enrolled in a four-year program and have an overall GPA of 3.0 to qualify. The AFCEA offers grants of up to $2,500 to help you with your tuition.
Association of Old Crows Educational Foundation Scholarship
The AOC offers this scholarship to junior or sophomore students who are interested in aerospace and defense. Each year, one woman and one man are awarded $12,500. You must be enrolled in a cyber security, computer engineering, or similar program. Although this is for army enthusiasts who have not yet served, veterans get the upper hand.
Intel-AFCEA Graduate Diversity Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to military personnel who are part of an underrepresented group. This includes ethnic minorities. The diversity scholarship provides educational funding of up to $3,000. Note that applicants must have a GPA of 3.0, live in the US, and be enrolled in any full-time graduate program.
Best Online Military-Friendly Schools of 2021
You should consider an online degree in 2021 because you can study from anywhere. With unpredictable circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, you can get your degree in the safest way possible. Read below for a brief introduction for each school and the support it provides for military or ex-military personnel.
California State University, Bakersfield
CSUB offers a state-of-the-art Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. You can choose from over 14 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. You can also benefit from the CSUB’s robust networking and corporate training events.
California State University Support for Military Personnel
CSUB offers a unique safe space for veterans through its veteran’s club. The club acts as a community where veterans can learn from each other and network. CSUB also hosts military-related workshops and conferences.
As a veteran student, you can also benefit from a College Fee Waiver. To be eligible, you must be a veteran and meet California residency requirements.
Florida Institute of Technology
The Florida Institute of Technology offers some of the country’s best tech degrees. It also has top-tier networking and career-building opportunities. The university offers over 10 undergraduate courses and over 40 post-graduate programs.
This school is the perfect place to meet ambitious young professionals in the field. The school boasts a 95 percent employment rate within six months of graduation.
Florida Institute of Technology Support for Military Personnel
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an exclusive rate of $250 per credit hour for veterans. This offer also applies to the spouses of veterans. Furthermore, it offers a 10 percent discount for active-duty personnel and honorably discharged veterans.
Harding University
Harding University values diversity and multiculturalism. It is a fantastic place to meet like-minded creative and ambitious students. The school covers over 100 areas of study, making it a fantastic place to network outside of your course field. The university also upholds Judeo-Christian values.
Harding University Support for Military Personnel
Veterans receive credit based on their experience and responsibilities while on active duty. Furthermore, veterans receive financial assistance via the department of veterans affairs. Harding University accepts GI Bill benefits and supports military-related holidays. These include Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Illinois Institute of Technology
The Illinois Institute of Technology is one of America’s most reputable tech institutions. The school offers over 50 post-graduate programs and eight subjects for undergraduate programs. Online students get the same benefits as on-campus students, which makes this one of the best online schools for military personnel and veterans.
Illinois Institute of Technology Support for Military Personnel
The Illinois Institute of Technology offers extensive support for military personnel and veterans. The college is a part of the Yellow Ribbon program. This means that if you have served active duty for a minimum of 36 months after 9/11, you are eligible for full tuition coverage. The Illinois Institute of Technology also accepts GI Bill benefits.
John Brown University
The John Brown University is a Christian University that offers a faith-based curriculum. All online courses have a small amount of students to create an intimate community. This means that you will benefit from individualized teaching. John Brown University has an excellent tech department with top-tier computer science programs.
John Brown University Support for Military Personnel
John Brown University offers tuition assistance, vocational rehabilitation, tutoring, and counseling services. It also accepts GI Bill benefits and offers a survivors’ educational assistance program. Whether you need financial or moral support, you will find plenty at JBU.
Samford University
Samford University has exciting computer science programs. All courses are career-oriented and provide comprehensive career help and individualized assistance. The university offers over 30 bachelor’s degrees and six master’s degrees. This is a fantastic university that always has great networking events and growth opportunities.
Samford University Support for Military Personnel
Samford University hosts a Veterans Administration Certifying Official, who serves as a liaison between veterans and the federal department of veterans affairs. The university is engaged in facilitating empowerment within the veteran community.
University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut programs have been designed by industry professionals and recognized experts. The school offers over 10 online master’s degrees and 27 certificates. The computer science department at the University of Connecticut offers exciting networking events and extracurricular seminars.
University of Connecticut Support for Military Personnel
As a veteran, you are eligible for a variety of financial benefits at the University of Connecticut. These include the Connecticut Veterans Tuition Waiver and the National Guard Tuition Waiver. Furthermore, it has a fantastic veteran community group with over 1,500 active members.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers over 24 online undergraduate degrees and over 80 master’s options. UF is known for its innovative approach to tech, and it is one of the country’s best engineering colleges. Graduating from this school gives you access to a network of over 400,000 alumni across the globe.
University of Florida Support for Military Personnel
The University of Florida has supported military personnel and veterans since the second world war. Full funding is available for 20 undergraduates and 10 post-graduates every year. Furthermore, UF is part of the Yellow Ribbon program, which means you can apply for funding if you served in the 30 to 90 days following the 9/11 attacks.
University of San Diego
The University of San Diego has an array of online computer science courses. The university curriculum merges practice and theory, and all courses are market-oriented. All classroom sizes are small and intimate. Furthermore, each course includes a capstone project and career advice sessions.
University of San Diego Support for Military Personnel
The University of San Diego offers extensive military-friendly support and resources. The school is a part of the Yellow Ribbon and GI Bill programs. Financial help is individualized and calculated on a case-by-case basis. The University of San Diego also helps graduates with alumni resources like career advice.
University of Texas, Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers exciting online programs in computer science at every level. The school values diversity and offers a career-focused approach to education. Many students are over the age of 50, making the university highly inclusive across age groups.
University of Texas Support for Military Personnel
The University of Texas values its veterans. The campus has on-site health facilities that specialize in wellness for ex-military personnel. Online, you will have access to health care resources such as PTSD and mental health care. The college also offers a 10 percent veteran discount for all online courses.
Additional Resources for Vets
and Military Personnel
You can find many useful resources for veterans and military personnel to help you pursue your tech education. These include educational organizations, communities, online platforms, and peer support groups. We’ve listed just a few, but there are many more resources out there.
Cisco Military and Veterans Program
Cisco offers valuable career advice for veterans seeking tech opportunities. The program includes IT training and employment assistance resources specifically for veterans. If you want to get a great job in tech, this program can help you.
TechVets
TechVets is an online platform for veterans who need mental support throughout their tech journey. This is a peer-support community aimed at veterans who want to enter the cyber security and technology sector.
Combat Stress
This is a great online resource for veterans pursuing their education. Combat stress is a peer-to-peer support group and is available for all veterans. You can get free access to regular meetings for mental health issues and anxiety. Reach out to the combat stress group if you want to find a community of people who are going through similar things to you.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
Yes, you should get your degree online. Many universities across America offer fantastic remote programs. Schools have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, and students now have the option to study on campus or remotely. Getting your degree online has become the norm and will carry on even after the pandemic.
Online degrees offer more flexibility. From the comfort of your home, you can get a similar level of interaction and immersion as on-campus programs. Most of the world has gotten used to interacting online through applications like Zoom or Slack. Choose an online degree in 2021 and improve your career and job prospects.