Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Wisconsin

Military students attending colleges in Wisconsin have several options to pay their tuition costs, and the state even has its own GI Bill that provides education benefits. Many colleges also offer military scholarships and college credit for military service.

Several colleges and universities in Wisconsin go above and beyond to support military students. Students can use military benefits for Wisconsin colleges and receive support to do so. Keep reading to learn more about military-friendly colleges in Wisconsin.

Military-Friendly Colleges in Wisconsin

There are several military-friendly schools in Wisconsin that accept military education benefits and provide support services to military students. We've featured some of these institutions below.

1. University of Wisconsin Institutions

The University of Wisconsin System includes several public four-year universities. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship university, but it also has campuses in cities like Milwaukee, Oshkosh, and Eau Claire.

Because University of Wisconsin schools are public, students can use VA GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance to pay for tuition. The Wisconsin GI Bill also covers tuition costs at public universities for Wisconsin veterans, military spouses, and dependents.

2. Marquette University

Marquette University is a private Catholic research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its resource center supports student veterans and helps them access their military education benefits.

Marquette is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program and can provide up to $11,116 yearly to eligible students to help reduce tuition costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. It also participates in the Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools, which helps cover tuition for veterans earning a bachelor's degree at least part-time.

3. Ripon College

Ripon College is a private liberal arts college in Ripon, Wisconsin. It offers support services, such as tutoring, to help military members adjust to higher education.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Ripon College can provide up to $12,000 to 20 students to help cover bachelor's degrees. Ripon College also participates in the Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools.

4. Edgewood College

Edgewood College is a private Dominican college in Madison, Wisconsin. Its Office of Military and Veterans Services helps support vets and active-duty service members.

The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, through which, it will cover all remaining expenses for eligible students, and the Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools. This gives military students multiple financial aid options to cover tuition.

5. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private Lutheran university in Mequon, Wisconsin. It's part of the national Concordia University system and was recently ranked as a gold-level military-friendly school.

Military students have several financial aid options at Concordia University Wisconsin. The university covers all remaining tuition costs for eligible students through the Yellow Program, offers military and veteran scholarships, and participates in the Wisconsin Veterans Grant for Private Nonprofit Schools.

6. Carroll University

Carroll University is a private university located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It offers academic and career assistance to military-affiliated students through its Military and Veteran Student Services Program.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Carroll University covers all remaining tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for all eligible students. It also allows students to receive funds from the Wisconsin Veteran's Grant for Private Non-Profit Schools.

7. Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The Military Friendly Advisory Council has designated Wisconsin Lutheran as a military-friendly school.

The college will pay any remaining tuition costs for all eligible students through the Yellow Ribbon Program. Additional financial aid is available through the Wisconsin Veteran's Grant for Private Non-Profit Schools.

8. St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College is a private Catholic liberal arts college in De Pere, Wisconsin. It provides specialized customer service to members of the various branches of military service, veterans, and their eligible dependents.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, the college can provide $8,500 in assistance to 100 eligible students. It also participates in the Wisconsin Veteran's Grant for Private Non-Profit Schools.

9. Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public two-year technical college based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its Military Education Support Office is responsible for providing educational services to military students and their family members and also facilitates connections with military resources and services.

As a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System, eligible students could have their entire tuition covered under either a VA GI Bill or the Wisconsin GI Bill. The college also accepts tuition assistance from the military.

10. Northcentral Technical College

Northcentral Technical College is a public community college in Wausau, Wisconsin. It offers veteran resources and assistance through its Veteran Services Department.

It's another member of the Wisconsin Technical College System, meaning students could have their entire tuition covered through either the VA GI Bill or the Wisconsin GI Bill. Students may also qualify to earn college credit for military service.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Some students may qualify for free college through military and veterans benefit programs. There are a few different programs available, and eligibility varies between programs. We've listed a few popular programs below.

GI Bill Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bills.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11. It can cover full tuition costs at a public in-state school or up to $28,937 per school year at a private school. It also offers stipends for books and housing.

Many schools also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which covers costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't. This is commonly used when students attend a private school.

Two types of Montgomery GI Bills can help cover tuition costs. One bill is for those who served on active duty; the other is for selected reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard.

Additionally, Wisconsin has its own GI Bill. This bill forgives the full cost of tuition for up to 128 semester credits for students studying at a public college or university in Wisconsin.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the armed forces offers its own tuition assistance program, which can be used to cover the costs of courses at accredited institutions.

Eligibility requirements and limits vary between branches. An education counselor can help you determine what funds are available to you.

Military College Funds

Another option many branches offer is military college fund programs. Sometimes called ''kickers'', these add additional funding to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

You enroll in this program when you enlist. The Navy and Air Force do not offer this type of program.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in Wisconsin?

Several colleges in Wisconsin are military-friendly and also offer online programs. For example, many of the University of Wisconsin schools, as well as Concordia University Wisconsin, offer many online programs.

Do Veterans Living in Wisconsin Receive Free College Tuition?

Many veterans in Wisconsin qualify for free tuition through a DOD, VA, or state financial aid program. However, not every veteran qualifies, so check the eligibility requirements for each program.

Is It Hard To Get Into a Military-Friendly College in Wisconsin?

Most military-friendly colleges in Wisconsin have relatively high admissions rates. Of the schools on this list, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has the lowest acceptance rate at 43%; however, schools like the University of Wisconsin-Superior and Carroll University accept 94% of applicants.