Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Florida

Florida has the lowest average tuition rate in the country, but for many, the thousands of dollars required each year is still too much. For those in the armed forces or other military branches, military education benefits can reduce or eliminate tuition costs.

Many universities and colleges in Florida accept these benefits and offer other support services to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Keep reading to discover some of the best military-friendly colleges in Florida.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Florida

Many colleges and universities in Florida are friendly to the military community, meaning they accept military education benefits programs. Many also offer reduced tuition or scholarships to help military students pay for their education.

Below, we've featured some of the best colleges for veterans and active-duty military service members in Florida.

1. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, Florida. It supports military students through its Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In addition to military education benefits, students at UCF can take advantage of institutional military scholarships. Waivers are also available, some of which eliminate tuition costs and others that reduce additional fees for out-of-state military students.

2. Florida State University

Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida. Its Student Veterans Center offers resources, support, and assistance with benefits to active-duty military service members and veterans.

Students can use their GI Bill benefits or military tuition assistance, but the university also offers numerous military scholarships. FSU also provides numerous on and off-campus resources to promote veteran success.

3. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, Florida. Its Office of Student Veteran Services acts as a liaison between the University of Florida, its students, and the various agencies concerned with the processing of VA educational benefits.

The university offers fee waivers for military students, including transcript and out-of-state fees. Additionally, students using VA educational benefits will receive priority registration at the university.

4. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is a public research university in Boca Raton, Florida. Activities and programs that promote military and veteran success through its Military and Veterans Student Success Center.

In addition to accepting military educational benefits, FAU offers military scholarships. It also provides out-of-state fee waivers and work-study programs specifically for military students.

5. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public research university in Tampa, Florida. It offers services and assistance to veterans, service members, and dependents through its Office of Veteran Success.

The office assists military students with applying for and securing GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance. USF also offers military scholarships and provides veteran support services.

6. Stetson University

Stetson University is a private university in DeLand, Florida. The university prides itself on being a military-friendly school and is a member of GI Jobs' Military Friendly Schools.

While the GI Bill won't cover full tuition costs at Stetson University, as the school is private, the university is a member of the Yellow Ribbon and can provide up to $14,500 to 200 undergraduate students. The school's Student Veteran Services can assist with securing these benefits.

7. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University � Daytona Beach

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University � Daytona Beach is a private aviation and aerospace-focused university in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's consistently ranked as one of the best military-friendly schools thanks to its Veteran Student Services.

Because tuition at ERAU is lower than the maximum allowed through the GI Bill, students may be able to get their full tuition covered. Additionally, through the Yellow Ribbon Program, ERAU can offer up to $20,281 for 850 military students.

8. Rollins College

Rollins College is a private liberal arts college in Winter Park, Florida. It serves current and former military and their family members through its Veteran Services Office.

Although the GI Bill won't cover all tuition costs, Rollins College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. With this, it will pay all remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for all eligible military students.

9. Flagler College

Flagler College is a private liberal arts college in St. Augustine, Florida. It offers programs tailored to assist active military, veterans, and military families.

Like Embry-Riddle, tuition at Flagler College is below the maximum the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers to private schools, meaning those with the full benefit will be able to cover their tuition. The college offers military scholarships as well.

10. Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College is a public college in Lake Worth, Florida. Its Veterans Services offers assistance with admissions, academic advising, financial aid, and veterans affairs.

Students can use their military benefits to pay for tuition at Palm Beach State, and the college also offers waivers to eliminate out-of-state fees. The college also offers numerous support services to veterans.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

The military offers multiple educational assistance programs that may lead to free college for qualifying military members. We've listed a few common programs below.

GI Bill Benefits

Both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery Bill provide educational benefits. These are offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and eligibility requirements vary.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11. The amount you qualify for depends on how long you served.

Those who qualify for the full benefit can have their entire tuition costs paid for at a public, in-state school or up to $28,937 per year for a private school. Benefits also include a stipend for books and housing.

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover additional costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't. For example, Stetson University costs $52,320, leaving students with $23,383 per year after their benefits are applied. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, that cost could drop to $8,883.

The Montgomery GI Bill is another educational benefit bill that covers tuition or the cost of job training. There are two types, one for active-duty service members and one for selected reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

VA Tuition Assistance

Through the Department of Defense (DoD), most military branches offer tuition assistance to active-duty service members. These programs vary by branch but typically cover tuition costs at accredited community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.

Speak with an education counselor from your branch to learn more. There may be specific service requirements or a cap on how much the program will cover.

Military College Funds

Most military branches also offer college fund programs, which can provide an additional amount of money toward your Post-9/11 GI Bill. You enroll in this program when you first enlist. Each branch, except the Navy and Air Force, has its distinct program and requirements.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Florida

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about military and veteran-friendly colleges in Florida.

Are There Online Military-Friendly Programs in Florida?

Just as you can use benefits for on-campus programs, you can use them for online programs at most colleges and universities. Most of the military-friendly schools listed above offer online programs.

Embry-Riddle, for example, offers numerous online programs that accept military education benefits, in addition to receiving a reduced rate. Check with your admissions counselor for more details.

Can Veterans Go To College for Free in Florida?

Your VA benefits may allow you to go to college for free in Florida. There are a few things that influence this, such as how long you served, what college or university you plan to attend, and whether you're studying part-time or full-time. Speak to your school's veterans resource center to learn more.

Does FSU Honor VA Benefits for Online Degree Programs?

FSU will honor VA benefits for both on-campus and online degree programs. Those who live out-of-state but want to study online may be eligible for the out-of-state fee waiver.