Can You Pick Your College in the Military?

Many service members enlist to take advantage of military education benefits, like the GI Bill and other financial aid. Those looking to enroll in college while on active duty might not know what options they have for college selection.

Active-duty service members can use their benefits to pursue educational goals that will benefit their service and prepare them for civilian life. Service members with college degrees can be commissioned as officers to advance their military careers, and gain additional skills to transition after service.

Different factors will make some college programs better than others for military students, so it's important to choose the right education program for your enrollment.

Is It Possible To Choose Your College While on Active Duty?

Yes, you can choose the college you attend while on active duty, but you'll need to consider several factors to make the most of your education. Enlisted college students should find military-friendly online colleges that offer four-year online degree programs This allows students to earn degrees while fulfilling their military service-based obligations.

Additionally, colleges or universities need to have proper accreditation to be approved for using military education benefits.

Can Service Members Pick Their College With the GI Bill?

Service members have a wide selection of schools that accept GI Bill benefits; however, some schools don't accept the program. There are two types of GI bills: the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.

These two programs offer different benefits based on service length, enlistment date, and additional criteria. You can use the WEAMS Institution Search run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you have questions about whether your desired schools will accept your GI Bill benefits.

Top Military-Friendly Colleges

Not all higher education facilities accept the GI Bill, but many schools offer college education to active-duty service members. Some hallmarks of military-friendly colleges include offering online classes and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs that allow you to work towards commissioned officer status without sacrificing any on-base responsibilities.

When selecting a bachelor's degree program, students will benefit from a school close to their military base. If your school has an on-campus ROTC program, there will probably be some in-person requirements.

Many schools accept military tuition assistance programs for active-duty service members trying to earn college credit — this includes some of the top universities in the country.

University of California Institutions

The University of California has nine campuses and all are military-friendly. Nearly 6% of the total military-affiliated student body in the UC network are active-duty service members, with the individual campuses averaging about 11% military-affiliated enrollment. UC campuses also have additional financial aid opportunities that can be used with certain military benefits.

University of Texas Institutions

University of Texas schools have multiple programs to help military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members. UT works with active-duty service members to make the most of their benefits for their bachelor's degree programs.

In addition to education services, UT offers on-campus VA-approved services including PTSD, depression, and anxiety treatments.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers active-duty students access to additional financial aid opportunities. Additionally, the school allows qualifying students to use in-state rates and access to ROTC scholarship programs.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has campus facilities, but most active-duty service members will benefit from the diverse selections of online degree programs. Outside of VA-offered benefits, SNHU offers a 30% discounted tuition rate to active duty service members and veterans, including members of the National Guard.

University of Southern California

Military students at the University of Southern California have access to one of the broadest selections of programs. USC works with the VA to offer benefit programs for active-duty members and veterans, including ROTC programs. USC has veteran-focused admissions and benefits offices to help you understand your benefits and complete your education.

University of Florida

The University of Florida's online campus is a valuable resource for students looking to pair education with their military training. In addition to the individual programs offered through the VA, UF Online has multiple departments tailored to support students with military affiliations.

University of Washington, Seattle

Active-duty service members and qualified dependent family members can use tuition assistance at the University of Washington, Seattle. Military-affiliated students won't be given priority in admissions but their service is considered in UW's holistic review process.

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame has a long history of supporting and assisting military-affiliated students. Notre Dame accepts the GI Bill and the Army's Yellow Ribbon benefits, however, it also accepts the Warrior-Scholar Project, which supports service members pursuing higher education.

Students at ND can join Navy, Air Force, and Army ROTC programs and utilize the benefits of these programs.

New York University

New York University accepts various education-related VA programs and created the Military Connected Student Resource Guide. This guide goes beyond the grounds of the NYU campus to include extended benefits in New York City that veterans will have access to.

Liberty University

Liberty University has many programs specifically to support active-duty service members and veterans. LU offers discounts for military members for online programs and accepts military training as college credit.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia has priority registration for active-duty service members as part of its programs to make higher education more available to members of the U.S. armed forces. Eligible students can use the Yellow Ribbon program to supplement their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

How Does College Work in the Military?

Balancing college and military responsibilities is often similar to having a job while enrolled. Students must find schools that offer flexible scheduling, with online courses often being the best option. Online colleges also open up student learning opportunities, no longer binding them to colleges near their base.

Attending college while in the military has two main benefits. First, a four-year degree allows you to become a commissioned officer. This higher rank can lead to specialization opportunities and even higher pay.

Secondly, a degree can prepare you for a smoother transition to civilian life. A four-year degree from an accredited school will help you secure civilian careers, and education benefit programs can help you begin your civilian life free of student loan debt.

Do All Colleges Accept Military Tuition Assistance?

No, not all colleges accept military tuition assistance. It's important to speak with an admissions representative to understand if your benefits will be accepted at your prospective schools.

Will the Military Send Me to College?

The military offers benefits to make attending school easier, but most military branches don't automatically enroll you in a higher education program. You must apply for schools and benefits, even if the military provides resources to help you.