Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Arizona

Arizona doesn't have the most expensive tuition in the country, but tuition in Arizona is higher than the national average. Military students can reduce or even eliminate these costs with VA and military educational benefits.

Several colleges in Arizona accept these benefits and offer other support services to military members. Keep reading to discover the best military-friendly colleges in Arizona.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Arizona

Students can use military benefits for colleges in Arizona. Several colleges and universities in Arizona are friendly toward active-duty service members, military veterans, and their dependents. This means they accept education benefits and also provide a variety of support services to student veterans.

Below, we've listed ten excellent military-friendly schools in Arizona.

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson, Arizona. It was recently rated one of the best colleges for vets by Military Times thanks to the services offered through its Veterans Education & Transition Services and Military-Connected Benefits & Certifications office.

Because the university is public, students may be eligible to have their full tuition costs covered under the GI Bill. The university also offers scholarships for military students and accepts up to 30 college credits for military education and military training.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. Its Pat Tillman Veterans Center helps veterans, and their family members, succeed in their higher education journey.

Military students can use their veteran education benefits to cover tuition costs at ASU. The university also offers military scholarships, including one specifically for military spouses.

3. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is a public research university in Flagstaff, Arizona. It offers assistance with enrollment and financial aid and support to military service members through its Veteran and Military Services department.

The university accepts military tuition assistance and VA education benefits to cover tuition for education programs. Additionally, multiple military scholarships are available through NAU.

4. Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a public community college with multiple locations throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. Its Veterans Services department acts as a liaison between the college and VA.

As a public college, students can have their full tuition costs covered through the GI Bill or a military tuition assistance program. CGCC also offers work-study programs specifically for military students.

5. Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College is a public community college in Mesa, Arizona. It offers support and assistance to the military community through its Veteran Services office.

The GI Bill and other types of military assistance could cover your tuition at the college. For those who need extra assistance, Mesa Community College offers the Service to Scholar scholarship to veterans, service members, and reservists.

6. Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College is a public community college in Scottsdale, Arizona. The college was named a 'Veteran Supportive Campus' by the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services.

The college's Veterans Services office assists active-duty military members and veterans with various aspects, including VA benefits and support services. Students can use VA benefits and military tuition assistance to cover tuition costs.

7. Pima Community College

Pima Community College is a public community college in Pima County, Arizona. Its Military & Veterans Services Office provides dedicated advisors to help military and veteran students.

The college accepts military and VA education benefits to cover tuition costs. It also offers the Veterans Upward Bound program and a program that allows Air Force students to complete general education courses quickly.

8. Phoenix College

Phoenix College is a public community college in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers comprehensive services through the Veterans Service Center and is a partner organization of the Military/Veteran Resource Network.

Students can use their VA education benefits and military tuition assistance to pay for tuition at Phoenix College. The college also offers the Military Spouse Career Advancement program.

9. Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College is a public community college in Yuma, Arizona. Its Veteran Services office helps military students access educational benefits and support services.

Because the college is public, it allows students to use their military education benefits to pay for tuition. Additionally, it will grant up to 30 transfer credits for military experience.

10. Central Arizona College

Central Arizona College is a public community college in Coolidge, Arizona. It serves military and veteran students, along with their spouses and dependents, through its Military & Veteran's Services Department.

The college administers VA education benefits and military tuition assistance to help students pay for programs. It also offers a Military and Veterans' Service Center where students who have served or are currently serving can relax and enjoy their time between classes.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

The military offers free college to eligible students through the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility varies from program to program, and we've broken down a few popular programs below.

GI Bill Benefits

GI Bill benefits are education benefits that the VA distributes. There are a few different types:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11, this bill may cover all tuition costs for students at a public, in-state college or university or up to $28,937 per year at a private university, and also offers stipends for books and housing
• Yellow Ribbon Program: part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, this program covers additional tuition costs beyond what the Bill covers, like if a student chooses to attend a private school
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: for those who served on active duty for at least two years, this program covers tuition costs for degrees and training programs
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Coast Guard selected reserves

You can learn more about the eligibility requirements at the VA's official website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the armed forces offers a tuition assistance program for active-duty service members. Eligibility varies, but you can learn more by contacting an education counselor.

Additionally, Arizona offers a tuition waiver program called the Purple Heart Tuition Waiver. This program supports Arizona veterans wounded in action or injured in the line of duty, and dependents of service members killed in the line of duty by covering undergraduate tuition at in-state public colleges and universities.

Military College Funds

Most branches offer military college fund programs, which are sometimes called ''kickers''. You enroll in the program when you enlist.

These programs allow you to add extra funding to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Neither the Navy nor the Air Force offers college fund programs.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Arizona

Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about military-friendly colleges in Arizona.

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in Arizona?

Many of the military-friendly colleges and universities listed above offer online degree programs. For example, both Arizona State and the University of Arizona offer a wide variety of online programs.

Does Arizona Offer Free College for Veterans?

The only state program that Arizona offers to veterans is the tuition waiver program for veterans who have a service-related injury or disability. However, students can use VA and military benefits at most accredited Arizona institutions.

What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It covers the tuition that remains after the bill is applied.

Colleges need to opt-in to this program, and the amount they offer varies. Some colleges cover all remaining costs, while others have a cap on how much they can give out.