Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Maryland

The best military-friendly colleges in Maryland provide various benefits, such as tuition discounts, flexible scheduling, and support services for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families as they navigate military education benefits.

The state offers a range of higher education options for military students. Many Maryland schools have dedicated resources, such as veterans' centers, to assist with academic advising, career planning, and navigating military education benefits.

Attending a military-friendly college can help you make the most of your education benefits and help you advance your career after serving in the military.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Maryland

These military-friendly colleges and universities provide military students with the resources they need to succeed and feel supported during their programs.

1. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is a military-friendly college with comprehensive support services for military students. The Veteran Center and Veteran Student Life provide resources like tutoring and advising to help military students succeed in their programs

The university offers in-state tuition rates for service members, GI Bill assistance, and access to military scholarships and financial aid.

2. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers a range of resources for military students to utilize during the application process and throughout their enrollment. The university waives the application fee for military students and accepts all military benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Johns Hopkins also provides flexible scheduling options, making it easier for military students to balance their studies with their service commitments.

3. Towson University

Towson University is dedicated to supporting military students through various support services. At the Military & Veterans Center, students can access resources like academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid assistance.

The university helps students get the most out of their military benefits by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program and providing in-state tuition rates for eligible service members and veterans.

4. Salisbury University

Salisbury University also offers a supportive environment for military students by providing financial and academic resources. The staff at the Office of Veteran Affairs can help students navigate their benefits and access military-specific scholarship programs. The university is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and provides the flexibility of both on-campus and online courses.

5. Bowie State University

Bowie State University has been a military-friendly school since 2019 and is committed to helping its military students succeed. The school's Military Resource Center offers various academic support services and can provide information about the admissions process and VA education benefits.

The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and provides military students with in-state tuition rates and access to veteran-specific scholarships and grants.

6. Stevenson University

Stevenson University, another military-friendly school, has dedicated support services for veterans and active-duty service members. Military students can benefit from flexible programs that fit their busy schedules and work around their service commitments.

The school also guides students with educational benefits, such as the GI Bill, the Tuition Assistance Program, and the Maryland National Guard Tuition Waiver Program.

7. Coppin State University

Coppin State University helps veterans and active-duty service members transition into college life and succeed in their degree programs. The school's Military-Connected Student Support Services provides various resources to help military students throughout their programs. Military students can access academic advising, counseling, and career development services.

8. Morgan State University

Morgan State University (MSU) is a military-friendly institution that offers a variety of resources to support its veteran and active-duty service members. The MSU Veteran Center can help military students utilize their VA benefits and provide a place for veterans to meet and collaborate.

The university's Office of Veterans Engagement ensures students are supported and encouraged to succeed academically and achieve their goals.

9. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore offers many military support services, including the Bob Parsons Veterans Center. The staff at the Veterans Center can connect students with resources and support services like academic advising and veterans' benefit guidance.

The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, provides in-state tuition, and offers additional financial support for veterans and their families through scholarships and grants.

10. Goucher College

Goucher College provides a supportive environment for military students, offering flexible learning options, tuition discounts, and access to military-specific scholarships. The college accepts VA benefit programs like Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill and is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant to help eligible Goucher College students cover tuition costs.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

The U.S. Military has many different benefit programs for eligible veterans, active-duty military service members, and their dependents. Many educational benefits can be combined and used to cover the entire cost of attending college.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill, which includes both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, is an educational benefit program offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides 36 months of benefits to cover education-related related expenses.

For full-time undergraduate or graduate students, it offers full tuition coverage for in-state public colleges or up to $28,937 per year at private institutions for those with 100% eligibility.

The Montgomery GI Bill is only available for active-duty service members who have served at least two years. It helps cover educational expenses with benefits that vary based on service length, type of program, and other factors like military college funds and Buy-Up program contributions.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

The DoD Tuition Assistance program provides financial support to active-duty service members pursuing academic programs, such as community college or bachelor's degree programs while serving. The program can help them cover college tuition costs and continuing education courses by providing $4,500 each fiscal year or $250 for each credit hour.

Military College Funds

Military college funds, part of the GI Bill program, provide financial support that can often cover most or all tuition expenses. The Navy, Army, and Marine Corps College Funds can increase your total amount of education benefits by $24,000 or more. They are often called GI Bill ''Kickers'' and provide an additional 36 months of financial assistance for service members' education.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Maryland

This section covers some common questions about military-friendly colleges in Maryland.

How Hard Is It To Get Into a Military-Friendly College in Maryland?

Admission requirements for military-friendly colleges in Maryland vary depending on the school. While some colleges have open admissions policies, others are more selective. Many institutions offer special consideration for military students by taking their military experiences and military training background into account.

Do All Colleges Accept Military Tuition Assistance?

Not all colleges accept military tuition assistance, but many military-friendly institutions in Maryland do. It is important to check with each school's admissions, financial aid, or veterans office to understand which military benefits they accept and what tuition assistance programs they participate in.

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in Maryland?

Yes, several military-friendly colleges in Maryland offer online programs. Online degrees provide flexibility for military students who need to balance their studies with other commitments, such as active-duty service or work.