10 Best Online Degree Programs for Military Spouses

Attending college can present unique challenges for military spouses. Though you're not the one in the field, relocations could make it difficult to stay in one place long enough to complete an on-campus degree program. Raising children and working full-time can also interfere with your school schedule.

Military-friendly online colleges help busy students earn an undergraduate or graduate degree from home or on the go. You often don't have to worry about class schedules or commutes to campus. Many online degree programs also offer asynchronous coursework for self-paced learning.

Are you interested in earning a college degree? Military spouses have access to free college education benefits to pursue numerous online degree programs, including the BA in psychology from Saint Leo University and the BS in cybersecurity from the University of Phoenix. Below, we'll explore the top online degree programs for military spouses and review FAQs about military financial aid.

Top Online Degree Programs for Military Spouses

Colleges and universities nationwide offer online degrees that can benefit active-duty military service members, their spouses, and their dependents. Here are 10 of the best online degree programs to consider.

1. Florida International University — Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Florida International University is a fully online bachelor's degree presented by the same instructors who teach on campus. It teaches business fundamentals across U.S. and global industries. Online BBA programs include:

• finance
• human resource management
• international business
• logistics and supply chain management
• management
• marketing

As of September 2023, FIU was home to hundreds of veteran students, National Guard members, and military family members.

2. University of Michigan — Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program provides online learning and in-person residencies. Coursework explores:

• financial accounting
• business statistics
• marketing management
• global strategy
• business law and ethics

Online courses are available in convenient synchronous and asynchronous formats. Military students and spouses can choose from scholarships for active military personnel and veterans like the Anchor Scholarship Foundation.

3. Arizona State University — Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Arizona State University is home to the online Bachelor of Science (BS) in information technology. This IT degree provides an overview of software, hardware, IT solutions, big data, and technology asset security.

ASU is a military-friendly school. Scholarships like Yellow Ribbon and the Marine Corps scholarship are available for military spouses and dependents. The university also offers career support tools for military families.

4. University of Florida Online — Online Bachelor of Arts in Education Sciences

Students who want to understand the field of education but aren't seeking teaching certification could enroll in the educational sciences Bachelor of Arts (BA) program from the University of Florida Online. This program explores educational technology, education psychology, social foundations of education, and more.

Military families attending the University of Florida can receive a Florida residency classification for tuition purposes. Active-duty service members can qualify for 100% federal Tuition Assistance (TA).

5. Saint Leo University — Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Saint Leo University offers an online BA in psychology for students who want to learn about the human mind, behavior, emotions, and experiences. Coursework explores:

• developmental psychology
• social psychology
• psychological well being
• abnormal psychology

This degree has been ranked among the best online programs in the nation. Saint Leo has also earned high marks for being a military spouse-friendly school. Military students and families could qualify for the TA program, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and other education benefits.

6. Walden University — Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Walden University's online BS in criminal justice can prepare military spouses and other students for careers in law enforcement, homeland security, and other disciplines. The following concentrations are available for this program:

• corrections and human services
• crime and criminal investigation
• advanced topics in criminal justice

Walden offers a tuition reduction for active-duty military, veterans of the US Armed Forces, and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility is also granted to military spouses.

7. Southern New Hampshire University — Online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management

The online BS in human resource management from Southern New Hampshire University is a flexible online program with short, eight-week terms. Enrollees learn about:

• fostering company cultures
• data collection
• talent acquisition
• risk mitigation

SNHU is an online school offering a supportive environment for military families. Military benefits include up to 30% tuition rate discounts for active duty and their spouses, National Guard, and reservists.

8. University of Arizona — Online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

The University of Arizona offers a BS in software engineering for students interested in careers in cloud computing, network engineering, and related fields. Coursework explores:

• software design process
• software project management
• software assurance and security
• software engineering

The university offers the Spouse of Military Veteran Tuition Scholarship for current spouses of honorably discharged veterans. This scholarship covers the remaining tuition and fees after all other aid is applied. Enrollment in a bachelor's degree program is required.

9. University of Phoenix — Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

The online BS in cybersecurity from the University of Phoenix teaches students how to help businesses avoid cyber threats. Classes prepare learners to detect hacker attacks, build secure firewalls, and maintain system protection.

The University of Phoenix is an approved school for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. MyCAA helps military spouses receive financial assistance for associate degrees, licenses, certificate programs, and more.

10. Louisiana State University — Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Louisiana State University offers a 100% online BA in communication studies program for professionals juggling work and home duties. Students learn the following concepts:

• visual communications
• human relationships
• mediated communication
• public relations

LSU offers great support for military spouses. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program, MyCAA, and the GI Bill are a few military education benefits for spouses seeking help earning a quality education.

What Financial Aid Is Available for Military Spouses Studying Online?

The 2021 Survey of Active-Duty Spouses from Military OneSource, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), found that 21% of civilian spouses were unemployed. Earning a degree from an accredited school of higher education can help spouses find high-quality roles. Here are some great financial aid options to help military spouses meet their educational goals.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

The MyCAA My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program for qualifying military spouses. The program offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance to pursue an associate degree or the license, certification, or maintenance courses needed to gain employment. Spouses of active-duty service members with specific pay grades can qualify. Other eligibility requirements apply.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability

As a military spouse, your partner might be able to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you. The military service member must be on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. They should also:

• have completed at least six years of service
• agree to add four more years of service
• make sure you (the military spouse) are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

Meeting eligibility requirements is not a guarantee of transfer. The DoD decides whether your partner can transfer their benefits to you.

Military Spouse Scholarships

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) offers scholarships to cover educational costs for military spouses. Some include:

• degrees from GED to doctoral
• professional licenses
• certifications
• clinical hours

Award amounts range from $500 to $2,500. Eligibility is granted to spouses of service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserves.