Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Ohio

For several years now, the state of Ohio has been working to appeal more to military members through initiatives like the Ohio GI Promise and the Collegiate Purple Star Award. As a result, the state is home to several military-friendly schools.

These schools help students cover tuition costs and offer various support services for military students using military education benefits. Keep reading to discover the best military-friendly colleges in Ohio.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Ohio

Many colleges in Ohio are military-friendly and in fact, Ohio awards schools who have shown outstanding support for military-connected students with its Collegiate Purple Star Award.

Additionally, Viqtory has designated many Ohio institutions as military-friendly schools. We've featured some top military-friendly schools and colleges in Ohio below.

1. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio. It supports student veterans and military members through its Military and Veterans Services. It also has a Collegiate Purple Star Award, is ranked 57th on the Military Times Best for Vets list, and is a member of the Ohio Veterans Education Council.

Because OSU is public, students can use their VA education benefits and military tuition assistance to pay for their tuition. Additionally, thanks to the Ohio GI Promise, military students can receive the in-state tuition rate, allowing their benefits to stretch further.

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its Office of Veterans Programs & Services helps military members transition from the armed forces to higher education and the university boasts a Collegiate Purple Star Award.

The university offers a VetSuccess on Campus program, which aims to help veterans, service members, and their qualified dependents succeed and thrive. Students can pay for their tuition using GI Bill benefits or tuition assistance.

3. Kent State University

Kent State University is a public research university in Kent, Ohio. It holds a Collegiate Purple Star Award and a gold-level Military-Friendly School designation and is ranked 84th on the Best for Vets list thanks to its Center for Adult and Veteran Services.

Your military education benefits may completely cover your tuition at Kent State. Additionally, the university offers military scholarships and other support programs like the Kent State Veterans Club.

4. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public research university in Cleveland, Ohio. Its Veteran and Military Student Success Center has led to the university earning a Collegiate Purple Star Award and a gold-level Military-Friendly School designation.

As the university is public, the GI Bill could cover all tuition costs. The Ohio GI Promise also allows military students to receive in-state tuition rates at Cleveland State.

5. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is a public research university in Toledo, Ohio. It holds a Collegiate Purple Star Award due to the support its Military Service Center offers.

Students can use their military and veteran education assistance program to pay for tuition at the university. The University of Toledo also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for armed forces service members, veterans, and Ohio National Guard members.

6. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio. Its Office of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Resource Center have earned the university a Collegiate Purple Star Award.

YSU allows students to earn college credit for military experience and assists students with enrollment, securing healthcare, and obtaining their education benefits. Students can use GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance to pay for their costs at YSU.

7. Ohio University

Ohio University is a public research university in Athens, Ohio. Its Veterans and Military Student Services Center has contributed to the university earning a Collegiate Purple Star Award and a gold-level Military-Friendly School designation.

While military education assistance will likely cover tuition, the university also offers military scholarships. Additionally, it allows students to earn transfer credits for military training and offers perks like its Vets Lounge.

8. Capital University

Capital University is a private university in Bexley, Ohio. Its Office of Financial Aid serves as the point of contact for students needing assistance with their educational benefits.

As Capital University is private, the GI Bill will not cover full tuition costs. However, the university is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program and can offer $6,000 per year to 150 eligible students.

9. Wright State University

Wright State University is a public research university in Fairborn, Ohio. It has earned a Collegiate Purple Star Award and a silver-level Military-Friendly School designation due to the support offered by its Military and Veterans Center.

Students can use their GI Bill benefits or military tuition assistance to cover tuition at Wright State. Thanks to the Ohio GI Promise, military students may also qualify for in-state tuition rates.

10. University of Akron

The University of Akron is a public research university in Akron, Ohio. Its Military Services Center provides comprehensive enrollment and referral services to new and returning veterans and their families, earning the university a Collegiate Purple Star Award.

While military education benefits may cover tuition costs, the university also helps students stretch their benefits through financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, there is a Student Veterans of America branch on campus.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Through education benefits offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), active-duty students and military veterans may qualify for free tuition. Below, we've broken down some popular benefits military students can use to reach their educational goals.

GI Bill Benefits

The VA handles GI Bill benefits, including a few different GI Bill programs. These include the following:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11, this bill covers up to 100% of tuition at a public, in-state school or up to $28,937 per year at a private school and also offers stipends for textbooks and housing costs
• Yellow Ribbon Program: part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, colleges must opt-in to this program, which helps cover costs not covered until the Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: for those who served at least two years on active duty, this bill provides tuition for college programs and job training
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Coast Guard selected reserve, this bill provides tuition for college programs and job training

Requirements vary between programs. Visit the VA website to learn more.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Every branch of the military offers a tuition assistance program. These programs cover up to 100% of the costs for active-duty service members to attend an accredited college or university.

Eligibility requirements vary between branches. Speak with an education counselor to learn more about eligibility and program limits.

Military College Funds

Most branches of the military also offer college fund programs. These programs add a boost to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and as a result, are sometimes called ''kickers.''

You would have opted into this program when you first enlisted. However, neither the Air Force nor the Navy offers a college fund program.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Ohio

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

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in Ohio?

Many of the military-friendly colleges listed above offer online degree programs. For example, the University of Cincinnati and the University of Toledo both offer a range of online programs.

Are Colleges More Likely To Accept Military Service Members?

While being a military service member can boost your application, it doesn't necessarily mean that a college is more likely to accept you. They'll still need to consider factors like your high school transcripts, previous college experience, and personal statement.

Is College Free for Active Duty Members in Ohio?

Active-duty service members may qualify for free college in Ohio through programs like military tuition assistance and the GI Bill.