8 Colleges That Accept Military Tuition Assistance in 2025

Military tuition assistance is a benefit available to eligible members of the:

• Army
• Navy
• Coast Guard
• Air Force
• Marine Corps

Active military members can access $250 per credit hour in tuition assistance at accredited institutions. Members of the Armed Forces can benefit from learning more about colleges and universities that participate in military tuition assistance and other U.S. military financial aid programs.

Featured Colleges with Financial Aid for Military Students

Here are some excellent colleges that accept military tuition assistance.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recognizes the service of military members by offering up to 30% discounts for eligible military personnel and military spouses. SNHU accepts tuition assistance, Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, and military scholarships. SNHU's low tuition costs will enable tuition assistance to cover the majority of out-of-pocket costs.

2. American Public University System

The American Public University System (APUS) is one of the most popular choices among military members and veterans. APUS offers a preferred military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour which can be covered by military tuition assistance. The university also waives all application fees and transfer credit fees and provides free electronic textbooks to eligible students.

3. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a state university that accepts tuition assistance and works with military personnel to make education accessible. UF helps military students get the most from their military tuition assistance by offering the in-state tuition rate to all military members. Students can also receive credit for military experience.

4. University of Maryland Global Campus

Military members and veterans have trusted the University of Maryland's Global Campus (UMGC) with their education for decades. UMGC offers a reduced tuition rate for military members and accepts tuition assistance. Students can also complete degrees more efficiently by earning college credit for military training and experience.

5. Purdue Global

Purdue Global has a Military and Veteran Success Center designed to help each military student achieve their long-term goals. Purdue's online programs can be completed from anywhere in the world and allow students a high degree of flexibility to study wherever they are stationed. Nearly one-third of the students in Purdue University's distance learning program have a military affiliation.

6. National University

National University has a mission to make valuable college degrees accessible for all military members. National University is based in San Diego, California, and offers several enticing benefits that make it a military-friendly institution. National University participates in all Department of Defense aid programs and is also a member of the Yellow-Ribbon Program. The university will work with eligible military personnel to make sure financial aid covers all or most of the cost of tuition.

7. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large faith-based university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty is a highly military-friendly institution and also hosts a flexible online degree program. Liberty offers flexible scheduling and remote assistance to help military members who are deployed. Military members can also take advantage of a free transfer credit evaluation program.

8. St. Leo University

St. Leo University is another affordable institution that is a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon Program. St. Leo University accepts military tuition assistance and works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans find educational and career success.

Education Benefits for Military Members

To support the educational attainment of Armed Forces members, the Department of Defense (DoD) offers $250 per credit hour of military tuition assistance. The aid is capped at $4,500 per academic year which works out to 18 credits at a rate of $250 per credit hour. However military tuition assistance is not the only form of educational aid offered.

Other important education aid programs include:

• Yellow Ribbon programs
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill

Most additional aid programs work to cover costs that exceed the $250 per credit or $4,500 per year limit. Military members who enroll at military-friendly institutions may often have no out-of-pocket costs after all forms of financial aid have been applied.

Make sure to speak with your Educational Services Officer (ESO) about all educational benefits you are eligible for.

Financial Aid Eligibility for Active Duty Service Members

Military tuition assistance is available to listed active-duty service personnel, officers, and warrant officers. Members of the National Guard and Reserves may also be able to access aid depending on their service eligibility.

Military Service members must have enough time remaining in their service obligation to complete the selected degree. Service obligations after the completion of the course or degree must also be fulfilled.

FAQs About Degree Programs That Accept Military Tuition Assistance

Find answers to these common questions about military tuition assistance.

Does Harvard Accept Military Tuition Assistance?

Yes, Harvard University accepts the standard military tuition assistance. The higher education benefits available to active military members, veterans, and eligible dependents include:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
• Survivors and Dependents Benefits

What College Costs Will the Military Pay For?

The main purpose of military tuition assistance is to cover tuition costs in accredited education programs. Military tuition assistance can be used for tuition and course-specific fees such as laboratory fees or online learning fees.

Military tuition assistance does not cover:

• Books
• Room and board
• Course materials
• Transportation
• Flight training fees
• Continuing education units (CEUs)
• Repeat attempts of the same course

What GPA Do You Need for Army Tuition Assistance?

The exact requirements may vary by military branch but common requirements include a 2.0 GPA at the undergraduate level and a 3.0 GPA at the graduate level.

Does Military Help With College Acceptance?

Yes, being a member of the U.S. military can make the enrollment process easier. Many military-friendly institutions have specialized admissions processes to help military personnel find programs that will fit their needs. Whether you are applying to a community college or a doctoral program, admissions boards will typically consider military training and the extracurricular education that military members have received.

Is ASU Free for Military Personnel?

Arizona State University (ASU) offers several benefits to military service members and veterans. Tuition assistance and other benefits may not always cover the entire cost of tuition, so ASU will not always be free for military personnel. ASU is considered a military- and veteran-friendly institution and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

What Is the Best Online College for Active Duty Military?

Active-duty military personnel should select flexible, military-friendly online programs that participate in additional aid programs such as the Yellow Ribbon Program. Top online programs for active military members include:

• Colorado State University Global
• Arizona State University
• Pennsylvania State University World Campus
• University of Florida

Online degrees can enable active-duty military members to study full-time and complete degrees efficiently. Military members with some college credits should also look for programs that accept as many transfer credits as possible.

Which Colleges Have the Best Tuition Assistance Programs for Veterans?

The Department of Veterans Affairs works to make sure that all veterans have access to education. Veterans should look for Yellow Ribbon programs and programs that offer in-state tuition to veterans. Popular universities for veterans include:

• National University
• American Public University System
• Liberty University
• Southern New Hampshire University

Do Colleges Offer Lower Tuition Rates for Dependents and Family Members?

Many states offer educational benefits to military spouses and military dependents. States with aid programs dedicated to military dependents include:

• Connecticut
• Florida
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Find a Military-Friendly Program Today

Selecting a university that participates in military tuition assistance is a great way to earn a valuable degree with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Find a program that maximizes your benefits and start learning today.