Pursuing higher education can be challenging for military spouses due to frequent relocations, deployments, and family obligations. The need for flexible and accessible education options becomes paramount, making online colleges an ideal solution for military spouses seeking to advance their careers or pursue personal growth.
Military Spouse Education Benefits: What You Need to Know
Military spouses face unique challenges in pursuing higher education, including frequent relocations, deployments, and often limited access to traditional campus-based programs. The good news is that there are a number of online colleges and universities that cater specifically to the needs of military spouses, offering flexible scheduling, military-specific programs, and support services.
What Benefits Are Available?
The Department of Defense offers a number of education benefits to military spouses, including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants. In addition, many states offer their own education benefits to military spouses. To learn more about what benefits are available to you, contact your local military education office or visit the Department of Defense website.
How to Use Your Benefits
Once you have determined what benefits you are eligible for, you can begin the process of applying for online college. The first step is to find a school that meets your needs. Consider factors such as the school's reputation, the programs it offers, and the cost. Once you have found a school, you can apply for admission and submit your military spouse benefits documentation.
Choosing the Right Online College: Factors to Consider
When choosing an online college, there are a number of factors to consider, including:
Accreditation
Make sure that the school you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain quality standards.
Program Offerings
Consider the programs that the school offers and make sure that they align with your career goals. If you are unsure of what you want to study, many schools offer general studies or liberal arts programs that can help you explore different options.
Cost
The cost of online college can vary significantly. Be sure to compare the costs of different schools before making a decision. In addition to tuition, you may also need to factor in the cost of books, fees, and technology.
Affordable Online Colleges for Military Spouses
There are a number of affordable online colleges that cater to the needs of military spouses.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) is a private, for-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. AMU has a long history of serving military members and their families, and it offers a number of benefits for military spouses, including tuition discounts, scholarship opportunities, and military-specific programs.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a private, non-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. ERAU has a strong reputation for its aviation and aerospace programs, and it offers a number of military-specific programs, including a Master's in Military and Veterans Studies.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, non-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. Liberty University is a Christian university, and it offers a number of military-specific programs, including a Master's in Military Leadership.
Online Colleges with Flexible Scheduling for Military Spouses
Military spouses often need flexible scheduling in order to balance their education with their family and military commitments.
Ashford University
Ashford University is a private, for-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. Ashford University offers a number of flexible scheduling options, including accelerated courses, evening courses, and weekend courses. Ashford University also offers a number of military-specific programs, including a Master's in Military Leadership.
Capella University
Capella University is a private, for-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. Capella University offers a number of flexible scheduling options, including self-paced courses, evening courses, and weekend courses. Capella University also offers a number of military-specific programs, including a Master's in Military and Veterans Studies.
Walden University
Walden University is a private, for-profit university that offers a variety of online programs for military spouses. Walden University offers a number of flexible scheduling options, including self-paced courses, evening courses, and weekend courses.
Online Colleges with Military-Specific Programs
There are a number of online colleges that offer military-specific programs, which can be beneficial for military spouses who want to pursue a career in the military or a related field.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) is a private, for-profit university that offers a variety of military-specific programs for military spouses. AMU's military-specific programs include a Master's in Military and Veterans Studies, a Master's in Military Intelligence, and a Master's in Military Law.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a private, non-profit university that offers a variety of military-specific programs for military spouses. ERAU's military-specific programs include a Master's in Military and Veterans Studies, a Master's in Military Intelligence, and a Master's in Military Law.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, non-profit university that offers a variety of military-specific programs for military spouses. Liberty University's military-specific programs include a Master's in Military Leadership, a Master's in Military and Veterans Studies, and a Master's in Military Law.
Support Services for Military Spouses at Online Colleges
Many online colleges offer support services specifically for military spouses.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) offers a number of support services for military spouses, including a military spouse support group, a military spouse scholarship program, and a military spouse career counseling program.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) offers a number of support services for military spouses, including a military spouse support group, a military spouse scholarship program, and a military spouse career counseling program.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a number of support services for military spouses, including a military spouse support group, a military spouse scholarship program, and a military spouse career counseling program.
Online Colleges with a Strong Military Student Community
For military spouses who are looking for a sense of community, there are a number of online colleges that have a strong military student community.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) has a strong military student community, with over 100,000 military students enrolled. AMU offers a number of military-specific student clubs and organizations, including the Student Veterans Association and the Military Spouse Association.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has a strong military student community, with over 10,000 military students enrolled. ERAU offers a number of military-specific student clubs and organizations, including the Student Veterans Association and the Military Spouse Association.
Liberty University
Liberty University has a strong military student community, with over 5,000 military students enrolled. Liberty University offers a number of military-specific student clubs and organizations, including the Student Veterans Association and the Military Spouse Association.
Online Colleges with Spouse Employment Assistance
Some online colleges offer spouse employment assistance to help military spouses find jobs.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) offers spouse employment assistance to help military spouses find jobs. AMU's spouse employment assistance program includes resume writing assistance, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) offers spouse employment assistance to help military spouses find jobs. ERAU's spouse employment assistance program includes resume writing assistance, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers spouse employment assistance to help military spouses find jobs. Liberty University's spouse employment assistance program includes resume writing assistance, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply for Online College as a Military Spouse
The process of applying for online college as a military spouse is similar to the process of applying for online college as a civilian. However, there are a few additional steps that military spouses may need to take.
Submit Your Military Spouse Benefits Documentation
When you apply for online college, you will need to submit your military spouse benefits documentation. This documentation may include your military spouse ID card, your spouse's military orders, or your spouse's DD Form 214.
Consider Your Deployment Status
If you are a military spouse who is planning to deploy, you should consider your deployment status when applying for online college. Some online colleges offer special programs for deployed students, such as extended deadlines and flexible scheduling.
Contact the Military Student Services Office
Many online colleges have a military student services office that can help military spouses with the application process. The military student services office can provide you with information about military-specific programs, benefits, and support services.
