10 Best Military-Friendly Colleges in the U.S. 2026
All federally funded colleges accept VA benefits, but some schools have proprietary benefit programs that make them more friendly for vets and service members.
Many colleges accept the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) military education programs, but some go beyond these benefits in supporting veterans and active-duty service members. The VA acknowledges certain community colleges and universities as ''military friendly''.
Military-friendly schools provide additional benefits to military-connected students and their families including flexible scheduling and online programs. They also accept military training as college credit, provide on-campus veterans offices, and at some schools, establish tuition discounts and prioritize acceptance.
Military-Friendly Colleges in the U.S.
Whether you're an active-duty military service member, student veteran, or military spouse, finding a higher education institution that awards military experience is key. Eligibility for these programs often depends on the eligibility for VA and Department of Defense (DoD) benefits. If you qualify for these financial aid programs, you can maximize your education.
Evaluating a military-friendly college shouldn't stop with benefits. Consider factors like retention, graduation rates, and accreditation status. Your schooling should serve your larger education and career goals.
1. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin accepts state and federal veterans benefits and offers special advisors to help you maximize your benefits to complete your degree programs. UTA offers other veteran-centric programs including veteran tutors who can relate to the struggles of being a veteran student.
Military students also have access to VA-provided benefits and outreach programs that enable networking with students of similar backgrounds.
2. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has the Military-Connected Benefits & Certifications (MCBC) program. This program includes information and resources for military families, assistance in benefit usage, and even information on pausing or continuing education online during active deployment. These benefits are available to military students both on-campus and online.
3. Florida State University
Veteran students at Florida State University can use the Veterans Service Center to access valuable resources. These resources include benefits like the Strategies for Veterans Success Course. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters.
It allows veteran students to learn about education benefits and how to transition to civilian life after graduation. Additional benefits include veteran liaisons and college-specific scholarship options.
4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has programs designed to aid veterans and active-duty military personnel to complete various degree programs. It also offers degree programs like its Master of Business for Veterans, designed to leverage military education into post-service careers.
USC also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers scholarships to students with military experience.
5. George Washington University
George Washington University has multiple benefit opportunities for military students, but these are only part of the larger programs available to veterans. GWU has VA work-study programs available which can help provide additional financial aid. There are also multiple veterans-based services and groups, including the Military Community Center.
6. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University focuses on aeronautical pursuits and works closely with different branches of the armed forces. The benefits at ERAU include discounted tuition rates and specialized programs for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, especially veterans of aeronautical divisions of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
ERAU also offers these benefits to qualified National Guard members, unlike some programs offered at other schools.
7. Liberty University
Liberty University offers programs to benefit military students. They can use military training as transfer credits and specialized benefits for on-campus and online degree programs. LU supports its veteran students in non-financial ways with a veterans center located on-campus and the Students Veterans Association.
These programs allow veterans to connect with students with similar experiences as them. LU has consistently been considered one of the best colleges for veterans due to its service-focused financial and educational assistance programs.
8. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online college of the University of Maryland. It offers additional benefits beyond those offered on campus. These benefits include a veteran-focused advisor team and cost-reducing measures like tuition discounts and accepting military training as transfer credits.
9. Pennsylvania State University
The military benefits at Pennsylvania State University can be used at any of its 24 campus locations or its online school. Military-connected students can waive application fees and SAT/ACT requirements. Veterans and active-duty service members qualify for priority enrollment, making it easier to complete your bachelor's degree on time.
10. American Military University
American Military University is a for-profit, private school that offers benefits for military members and their dependents. AMU offers an additional tuition grant for veterans and service members. The grants cover 10% of qualified expenses for bachelor's degrees and 15% for master's degrees.
What Should You Look For in a Military-Friendly College?
Many colleges accept DoD and VA education benefits through the Principles of Excellence program, but the ones that go beyond these benefits are truly military-friendly. When selecting a military-friendly college, consider several factors, such as the success rate of veteran students, extracurricular services, whether military students are granted in-state tuition, and flexibility in education.
Veterans Service Office
Students should look for a veterans service office, offered on campus or virtually. These offices provide veteran-tailored support for part- and full-time students. These offices generally work closely with the VA to provide academic and benefit advisors who can relate to the special needs of veteran students.
Flexible Academic Programs
Active-duty service members sometimes have to pause or alter their education plans due to deployment. Find schools that have flexible programs that can allow you to continue your coursework, even when deployed. Some schools allow you to flex from on-campus courses to online programs under specific circumstances.
Support Services
Veteran students require a different type of support than their civilian classmates. Military-friendly schools often have specialized counselors and support groups to help veterans connect with fellow students and professionals who understand their unique backgrounds.
Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?
The military pays for college through various benefits programs. Qualified military service can result in free college through multiple programs. These programs aim to reduce the need for student loans, allowing veterans to graduate without debt.
GI Bill Benefits
The most common VA education benefit is the GI Bill. Service members can choose between the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill. These two programs have differences in terms of transferability and eligibility. Service members can only select one benefit package to collect, so ensure you speak with a benefits advisor before choosing.
VA Tuition Assistance
Military tuition assistance is a monthly program that gives active-duty service members funds that can cover up to 100% of total education costs. This program can help you earn a bachelor's degree and qualify for officer status.
Military College Funds
Military college funds are offered by each branch as a kicker to GI Bill benefits. These programs can increase monthly benefits by up to $950. The amount of your individual MCF will vary based on the length of service, total school costs, and your service branch.