Online Colleges That Accept the GI Bill 2026

Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families often turn to online college for flexibility—but knowing how to use GI Bill benefits in an online setting can feel overwhelming. From housing allowance rules to VA approval, the details matter, especially when you’re balancing education with work, service, or family life.

Below, we highlight accredited online colleges that accept the GI Bill in 2026 and are known for supporting military-connected students. We’ll also walk through how GI Bill benefits apply to online programs, what to look for in a veteran-friendly school, and how to choose an option that fits your goals.

What Is the GI Bill and How Does It Work for Online College?

The GI Bill is a federal education benefit that helps veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible family members pay for college, including many online programs. The two most common options are the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover tuition, fees, and a monthly housing allowance, and the Montgomery GI Bill, which provides a monthly stipend you apply toward education costs.

For online college, benefits still apply, but details matter. Programs must be VA-approved, and schools must hold proper accreditation for benefits to count. Online enrollment can also affect housing allowance amounts, which are typically lower than on-campus rates. That’s why choosing an accredited, GI Bill-eligible online college is essential for making the most of your benefits.

Can You Use the GI Bill for Fully Online Degrees?

You can use the GI Bill for fully online degrees, but how much you receive depends on your enrollment and program format. Full-time and part-time status still matters online, and your course load affects both tuition coverage and monthly payments.

One key difference is the housing allowance. Fully online students typically receive a reduced monthly housing allowance compared to those enrolled in on-campus or hybrid programs. Hybrid programs that include in-person requirements may qualify for a higher rate. Accreditation also plays a role, since only accredited, VA-approved programs are eligible. If you’re unsure if your benefits will cover your degree, speak with your enrollment advisor.

10 Online Colleges That Accept the GI Bill

Many accredited online colleges accept GI Bill benefits, allowing veterans to cover their costs. Below, we’ve highlighted 10 online schools that not only accept GI Bill benefits, but offer veteran-friendly services to help current and former military members succeed.

1. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is a public, online-focused institution that specializes in flexible degree completion for adult learners. Its online associate and bachelor’s programs cover areas such as business, psychology, health care administration, public safety, and general studies.

Based in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak State College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and accepts GI Bill benefits. The college is especially veteran-friendly, offering generous transfer policies for military training and prior learning. A dedicated military and veterans support team helps students navigate VA benefits and maximize previously earned credits.

2. Empire State University

Empire State University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers fully online degrees designed for working adults and military learners. Programs span fields such as business, education, nursing, information technology, and public affairs.

The university is headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Empire State University accepts GI Bill benefits and provides military-focused advising, including guidance on Post-9/11 GI Bill usage and tuition planning. Veterans may also receive credit for military training, helping reduce time to degree completion. 

3. Excelsior University 

Excelsior University has a long history of serving military and veteran students, with policies built around flexibility and credit recognition. The university accepts GI Bill benefits and offers specialized military and veterans support to help students apply benefits, evaluate eligibility, and stay on track academically.

Excelsior offers fully online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business, health sciences, nursing, information technology, and public service. Based in Albany, New York, the university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. Military training and prior learning may be applied toward degree requirements.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University focuses on career-aligned online degrees for working adults, including veterans transitioning to civilian careers. The university accepts GI Bill benefits and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible students.

Online programs include business, information technology, health care, and public administration, with many designed for transfer students. Franklin University is located in Columbus, Ohio, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Veterans have access to military-focused admissions support and credit evaluations for prior service and training. 

5. National University 

National University is known for its military-first approach, with academic calendars and support services designed around active-duty and veteran schedules. The university accepts GI Bill benefits and maintains a dedicated Veterans Affairs team to assist with certification, enrollment changes, and benefit coordination.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its fully online programs include business, education, health care, information technology, and public administration. Monthly start dates and military credit acceptance help students move through programs with fewer delays.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

With one of the largest online student populations in the country, Southern New Hampshire University offers broad access to GI Bill–eligible online degrees. Veterans and eligible family members can use GI benefits across undergraduate and graduate programs, with additional support through military-specific advising.

SNHU offers online degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, education, psychology, and technology. The university is based in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is regionally accredited by the NECHE. Military transfer credits and flexible pacing help students balance school with work or service commitments. 

7. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is especially well suited for veterans and service members who want to finish a degree efficiently. The university accepts GI Bill benefits and is known for generous policies around transfer credit, military training, and prior learning assessment.

TESU offers fully online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business, cybersecurity, nursing, liberal studies, and applied science. Based in Trenton, New Jersey, the university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. Dedicated military advising helps students align benefits with degree requirements. 

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has deep roots in serving military learners and operates as one of the largest providers of GI Bill–supported education. GI benefits can be used across its online undergraduate and graduate programs, with structured support for service members and dependents.

UMGC is headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, and holds regional accreditation from the MSCHE. Online degrees span business, cybersecurity, information technology, health services, and public safety. Military training credit, flexible pacing, and veteran-focused advising help students stay enrolled and on schedule. 

9. University of Massachusetts Global

University of Massachusetts Global offers fully online degrees geared toward working adults, veterans, and military families seeking structured academic pathways. The university accepts GI Bill benefits and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which may help eligible students offset remaining tuition costs.

Online programs include business, education, nursing, psychology, and public administration. UMass Global is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is regionally accredited by the WSCUC. Military and veteran services staff assist with benefit coordination, advising, and degree planning. 

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University takes a competency-based approach that appeals to veterans looking to move through coursework efficiently. GI Bill benefits can be applied to WGU’s online programs, and the university maintains dedicated military enrollment counselors to support service members and dependents.

WGU offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, information technology, health professions, and education. The university is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Military training and prior experience may shorten time to completion.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For this list, we focused exclusively on accredited online colleges that accept GI Bill benefits and offer additional services for military members, veterans, and their families, such as dedicated advising, military credit evaluation, or tuition support programs. We also looked at:

• Accreditation: We prioritize regionally accredited institutions to ensure GI Bill eligibility, credit transferability, and long-term degree recognition by employers and graduate programs.
• Online availability: Schools must offer fully online programs that allow military-connected students to use GI Bill benefits without relocating or disrupting work and service commitments.
• Career alignment: We evaluate how well programs support career transitions, licensure pathways, or advancement opportunities commonly pursued by veterans and military families.
• Student outcomes: Rankings consider indicators such as retention, graduation trends, and institutional support structures that help GI Bill users persist and complete their degrees.

What to Look for in a GI Bill-Approved Online College

When choosing an online school as a military member or veteran, you want an option that accepts the GI Bill, but there are other things to consider as well. For example: 

• Accreditation and long-term degree value: Choosing a regionally accredited school helps ensure your degree is recognized by employers, licensure boards, and graduate programs after you use your GI Bill benefits.
• Transfer credit and military training evaluation: Many GI Bill–approved colleges accept military training, prior coursework, or alternative credits, which can reduce time to degree completion.
• Program pacing and term structure: Flexible term lengths, multiple start dates, or competency-based models can make it easier to balance school with work, service, or family responsibilities.
• Support services for veterans and active-duty students: Dedicated military advisors and VA certifying officials help students navigate benefits, enrollment changes, and academic planning.
• Career alignment and post-graduation planning: Programs that connect coursework to civilian career paths or licensure requirements can support smoother transitions after graduation.

How to Apply GI Bill Benefits to an Online Degree

To use GI Bill benefits for an online degree, you’ll start by applying through VA.gov, where you can confirm eligibility and receive a Certificate of Eligibility. Once admitted to a school, you’ll work with the institution’s VA certifying official to submit enrollment information each term, which allows the VA to release payments for tuition and approved fees.

Timing is important, since benefits are tied to enrollment periods and course load. Enrolling part time or starting mid-term can affect how much you receive and how quickly benefits are used. It’s also important to track remaining eligibility, as GI Bill benefits are limited to a set number of months and may be shared with eligible dependents depending on your benefit type.

FAQs About Online Colleges That Accept the GI Bill

Choosing the right online college for your GI Bill can feel overwhelming. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about online colleges that accept the GI Bill to help you out.

Do All Online Colleges Accept the GI Bill?

Not all online colleges accept the GI Bill. Schools must be approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and meet specific accreditation and reporting requirements. Even accredited institutions may choose not to participate, so it’s important to confirm VA approval before enrolling. Veterans should also verify that their specific online program, not just the school itself, is eligible for GI Bill benefits.

Does the GI Bill Cover Full Tuition for Online Programs?

The GI Bill can cover tuition and fees for many online programs, but coverage depends on the type of benefit, school costs, and enrollment status. Public in-state institutions are often fully covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, while private or out-of-state schools may exceed the annual cap. Some schools help offset remaining costs through the Yellow Ribbon Program or military tuition discounts.

Can I Use the GI Bill While Working Full Time?

Many veterans use the GI Bill while working full time, especially in online programs. Benefits are tied to enrollment status rather than employment, so you can work while taking classes. However, enrolling part time may reduce monthly payments and extend the time it takes to use your benefits. Flexible program pacing can help balance work and education.

What Happens If My Online School Loses VA Approval?

If a school loses VA approval, GI Bill benefits can no longer be used for future enrollment at that institution. In many cases, the VA provides guidance or temporary protections for students already enrolled, but policies vary. This is why choosing a well-established, accredited school with experience serving veterans can reduce risk and protect your benefits.

Is an Online Degree Respected If I Use the GI Bill?

An online degree earned using the GI Bill is generally respected when it comes from an accredited institution. Employers typically focus on accreditation and skills gained rather than how tuition was funded. Choosing a regionally accredited school with career-aligned programs can help ensure your degree holds long-term value in the job market.

Explore GI Bill-Approved Online Colleges

Start the next step in your career journey by exploring the GI Bill-approved online colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their financial aid options and support services for military and veteran students.