10 Best Online Colleges That Accept Military Credits in 2026

The military offers several educational benefits � you can get your full tuition covered, receive tuition discounts, and even earn credits for your military training and experience. Being able to earn credits while in the military can give you a jump start on your higher education.

Whenever you're ready to earn a college education, whether that's while you're still enlisted or after you leave, you need to know what colleges accept military credits so you can make the most of your experience and training. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept military credits.

What Are Military Credits?

Military credits are college credits awarded to service members, often for military training but sometimes for overall experience as well. When you earn credits while in the military, you can transfer these credits into a degree program. This reduces the number of credits you have left to complete for your degree.

Most colleges rely on the guidelines set by the American Council on Education (ACE) for military credit. This guide outlines the types of training and experience eligible for credit and their corresponding values.

How To Transfer Military Credits to a Degree Program

The specific steps for transferring military credits into a degree program will vary by college. Typically, you'll need to submit proof of your credits and training, like the Joint Services Transcript (JST) used by the military. The admissions office at your chosen school can help you determine the best way to transfer your credits.

Top Online Universities That Accept Military Transfer Credits

There are several online colleges that accept military credits in the U.S., allowing service members to finish their degrees faster. We've highlighted some of the top online colleges that accept military training as credits below.

1. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is a public online institution based in New Britain, CT. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like:

• business
• criminal justice
• health care
• liberal arts

Charter Oak accepts college credit for military training and experience as outlined by the ACE. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into a bachelor's degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $329 per credit
• Financial aid: Charter Oak accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, accepts military and veteran benefits, and accepts other private financial aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Empire State University

At Empire State University, students can earn associate through doctoral degrees online. Popular areas of study here include business, education, health sciences, and social sciences.

As part of the public State University of New York (SUNY) system, SUNY Empire is located in Saratoga Springs, NY. The school's Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) assists students in requesting and reviewing military credits for transfer.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state, military, and veteran students); $353 per credit (out-of-state, non-military students)
• Financial aid: SUNY Empire offers institutional aid, and New York residents may qualify for free tuition through the Excelsior Scholarship. It also accepts FAFSA, military benefits, and private aid.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, health sciences, public service, technology, and more. Excelsior is an online, private, nonprofit university headquartered in Albany, NY.

The university accepts credit assessed by ACE and also does its own credit evaluations. Students may qualify for reduced tuition if they're part of one of the school's veteran association partners.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active-duty military); $510 per credit (veterans and civilians)
• Financial aid: Excelsior University offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA, military benefits, and private sources.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Franklin University

In-person and online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available at Franklin University. Areas of study include business, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare.

Franklin, located in Columbus, OH, is a nonprofit private school geared toward adult students. It accepts credits through the JTS and allows students to bring in up to 94 credits into bachelor's degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (current service members); $398 per credit (standard tuition)
• Financial aid: Franklin accepts FAFSA, military benefits, and private aid. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. National University

National University (NU) is a private, nonprofit institution in San Diego that was designed specifically to provide flexible learning opportunities to active-duty military members and veterans. It offers on-campus and online degrees to military members and civilians in fields like:

• business
• education
• healthcare
• social sciences

National is a Gold status Military Friendly School and a Yellow Ribbon participant. Service members and veterans earn credit based on ACE recommendations or a review of military training aligned with NU's curriculum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $166 per credit (active duty military); $370 per credit (veterans and civilians)
• Financial aid: NU accepts FAFSA and military benefits, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Students at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can earn associate through master's degrees on campus or online. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, health sciences, and social sciences.

SNHU, a private, nonprofit university, is located in Manchester, NH. It's a gold status military-friendly school and accepts up to 90 transfer credits for bachelor's programs, including military credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active duty military); $342 per credit (veterans and non-military)
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts aid through FAFSA, military benefits, and private organizations.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers in-person and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. TESU is a public university in Trenton, NJ, and is another institution geared toward adult learners.

TESU will assess credit for military training documented in your Joint Service Transcripts (JST), and any transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force or the Coast Guard Institute. It also offers a virtual resource center designed specifically for active-duty and veteran students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active-duty military, their spouses, and their dependents); $440 per credit (all other in-state residents); $573 per credit (all other out-of-state students)
• Financial aid: TESU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA, military benefits, and private aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available online through the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). It offers credit for military training, and even military rank, and accepts credit from military colleges.

UMGC is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. It also offers tuition assistance to military members and has a military advising team specially trained to help military and veteran students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active duty military, their spouses, and their dependents); $330 per credit (all other in-state residents); $499 per credit (all other out-of-state residents)
• Financial aid: UMGC accepts aid through FAFSA, military benefits, and private programs. It also offers institutional aid, including military tuition assistance.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts system. It's based in Aliso Viejo, CA, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, education, healthcare, and social work.

UMass Global accepts military coursework, training, and experience based on the ACE guidelines. In addition, students will find various programs specifically tailored to active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses and dependents.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit (active-duty military and spouses); $500 per credit (veterans and civilians)
• Financial aid: UMass Global accepts FAFSA and military benefits, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: WASCUC

10. Western Governors University

Through Western Governors University (WGU), students can earn associate through master's degrees online at their own pace. Areas of study include business, education, healthcare, and technology.

This nonprofit, private online institution is located in Salt Lake City. It accepts ACE-approved military experience and has transfer partnerships with several military colleges.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,300 per year
• Financial aid: WGU offers institutional aid, including military tuition assistance and military scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA, military benefits, and private sources.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we wanted to find top online colleges that accept the most military credits. We looked at:

• Accreditation: All institutions on this list are regionally accredited.
• Transfer credit policy: Every school accepts military credits and has a generous transfer policy.
• Affordability: We focused on schools with affordable tuition rates, especially those that offer military discounts and accept military aid.
• Program variety: All schools listed offer a wide variety of program options.

FAQs About Schools That Accept Military Credits

Choosing a college that accepts military credits can make a significant difference in your degree pursuit. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these colleges below to provide you with more information.

Is Choosing a Military-Friendly School Worth It?

If you're a military member, especially an active-duty military member, choosing a military-friendly school is absolutely worth it. These schools have special counselors and systems set up to help military students coordinate their education and keep their costs affordable.

Do Military Credits Expire?

Military credits, just like typical college credits, don't ever expire. However, some schools may set a limit on how old your credits can be.

What Is the Best Military College To Go to?

The best military college to go to will depend on what branch you're in; most branches have their own institutions. Some of the top options include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY, and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

How Many Military Transfer Credits Can I Use Toward a Degree?

The number of credits you can use toward a degree depends on which school you pick and what level of degree you're earning. Many of the schools listed above allow you to transfer up to 90 or so credits into a bachelor's degree program.

Will Military Credits Transfer Into Graduate Programs?

Certain military credits can transfer into graduate programs, but this will vary by program and school. Speak with your admissions counselor to learn more.

Explore Online Military-Friendly Programs

Start your journey toward a career outside the military by exploring the military-friendly schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about the services they offer to military members and veterans.