Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Missouri

Attending military- and veteran-friendly colleges can help service members, military spouses, and dependents reduce the cost of earning an undergraduate or graduate degree. In some cases, military-connected students can complete their studies free of charge.

Missouri is home to several military-friendly colleges. Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Central Missouri, and Lindenwood University are a few of the many Missouri schools offering education benefits and other military and veteran services in Missouri.

Below, we'll explore some of the best military-friendly colleges in the state. We'll also review free college opportunities from the U.S. government.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Missouri

Military-friendly schools offer special services to help military-connected students access military education benefits, scholarships, and other financial aid. The following are the top military-friendly colleges and universities in Missouri.

1. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri in Columbia offers the Student Veterans Resource & Support Center, which helps students apply VA benefits to their tuition costs. Some benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill� - Active Duty (MGIB), the Montgomery GI Bill� - Selected Reserve, the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Military veterans attending Mizzou can also earn college credits through credit transfers and credit awards.

2. Missouri State University

The Oldham Family Veteran Student Center at Missouri State University in Springfield helps veterans and military service members gain priority registration access. Military students can enjoy perks like the veteran student lounge and computer lab. The center also links students to the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, tuition assistance, and scholarships. Missouri State attendees can receive up to 30 credit hours for their military experience.

3. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis offers the Office of Military & Veteran Services for active service members, veterans, and military-affiliated students. Enrollees can access VA educational benefits, tuition assistance, and scholarships. Benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), and Survivors and Dependents Assistance. Additional funds include the Fry Scholarship and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program.

4. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's Office of the University Registrar helps student veterans process the VA forms required for educational benefits. It also certifies the enrollment of student veterans.

Saint Louis University offers the Yellow Ribbon Program, which funds 50% of remaining unmet tuition and fees on a first-come, first-served basis. Active military and veterans enrolled in the university's School for Professional Studies can receive lower tuition rates.

5. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a Yellow Ribbon and military-friendly school. It offers several academic programs and degrees supporting the education of military personnel and veterans, including online degrees and ROTC courses.

Educational benefits for Lindenwood students include Veteran Readiness and Employment, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Dependents and Spouses of Disabled Veterans, the STEM Scholarship, and the John Fry Scholarship.

6. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau offers several scholarships to make college more affordable to military personnel and their families. Active-duty service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents can also qualify for in-state tuition no matter where they live.

The GI Bill, Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act, federal tuition assistance, and Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant Program are additional funding options.

7. University of Central Missouri

Military students at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg who use VA educational benefits or federal and state tuition assistance can benefit from the school's Military Tuition Package. The package includes a waived application fee, an exemption from the new student fee and mandatory general student fees, and a free parking pass. .

University of Central Missouri military students who meet eligibility requirements can also benefit from the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act.

8. Missouri University of Science and Technology

The Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla offers several military-friendly academic options including four master's degree programs through the Engineer Captains Career Course (ECCC).

Whether enrolled in a traditional or military-based program, students can access funds to pay for their bachelor's or graduate degree. The university offers the GI Bill, tuition assistance, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act.

9. Webster University

Webster University provides more than 120 degree programs to military-adjacent students. Active-duty service members can take classes online or at military base locations. Veterans and military families can take online courses or learn on campus.

Military-affiliated students have access to the Yellow Ribbon Program and VA work-study options. GI Bill benefits, the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, and other benefits are available.

10. Fontbonne University

At Fontbonne University, military students can enjoy flexible evening and online classes that accommodate active duty and reserve schedules. Education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and tuition assistance are available to cover school costs.

Service members and veterans who don't qualify for institution-based funding are eligible for a 15% tuition discount. Fontbonne reviews students' courses and military training to see if any prior experience can be turned into college credits.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Eligible military students can attend college for free with help from the U.S. military. Here are some options to consider.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill covers college expenses for veterans and family members training for a job. GI Bill programs include:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: covers tuition, housing, books, and supplies for armed forces members who served on active duty after September 10, 2001
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): pays for education and training programs for members who served at least two years on active duty
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits to service members in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force

Students can apply for these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

The Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program helps students reduce the cost of a degree program by paying up to $250 per credit hour or $166 per quarter hour. Programs covered include undergraduate and graduate, distance learning, independent studies, and technical.

Military College Funds

Military students attending community colleges, colleges, and universities can access military scholarships and grants to help fund their education. Here are some to consider:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
• AMVETS scholarships
• Fisher House Foundation Scholarship Program
• ROTC scholarships

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Missouri

According to the DoD's Military State Policy Source Missouri was home to more than 12,400 active-duty service members as of December 2023. The state also has more than 5,000 active-duty spouses and 10,500 active-duty children. These families can enjoy low-cost and cost-free college experiences with military-friendly schools. Review these FAQs to learn more.

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in Missouri?

Yes, Missouri offers military-friendly online colleges. The University of Missouri-St. Louis's online programs have been ranked in the top 15% nationwide. The school delivers the GI Bill for veterans and offers in-state tuition to active-duty service members stationed in Missouri and their spouses and dependents.

Can the Military Get You Into Any College?

The military typically doesn't get students into any college. However, many schools offer perks to service members, including in-state tuition, veteran educational benefits, and tuition assistance. Some schools deliver courses on military bases for convenience. Schools might also waive application fees, give admissions priority to military members, and provide college credits for military experience.

What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a government benefit that pays tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. The funds often pay for out-of-state, private, and graduate school costs. Eligible students have served at least 36 months on active duty. Other ways to qualify include receiving a Purple Heart or serving at least 30 days straight on active duty.