10 Online Colleges That Accept the GI Bill in 2025

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families can pay for college by applying to online schools that accept the GI Bill and other military aid.

The GI Bill was introduced in 1944 and delivered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It helps veterans and family members cover school and job training costs. GI Bill programs include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.

Do you want to attend college from home or on base? You can find plenty of online colleges that accept military education benefits. Below, we'll highlight some of the easiest online colleges for military students to secure GI Bill funds. We'll also discuss which military colleges with online programs accept other financial assistance.

GI Bill-Approved Online Schools

Many online schools help veterans, active-duty members, spouses, and children reduce college degree costs. Explore the list below to discover GI-Bill-approved online schools.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a top-ranked school for active duty and veterans. It offers 200+ online programs and accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program to help students save. With the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) program, active-duty learners pay no more than $250 per semester hour. The school also grants college credits for military training.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University Online has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top school for online bachelor's and master's degrees for veterans. ASU offers over 6,000 service members and their families 240+ online programs. Learners who want to save can use TA funds and GI Bill benefits to reduce costs.

3. Liberty University

Liberty University offers 600+ online degrees that benefit more than 30,000 military-affiliated students. Some include programs in military studies and operations. The school accepts the GI Bill, provides application fee waivers, and offers military experience credit. Per-credit tuition is reduced to $250 for undergrads, $275 for grad students, and $300 for doctoral learners.

4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is home to top-ranked online degrees that active-duty military and veteran students can cover using the GI Bill. Some military personnel can receive in-state tuition rates to lower the cost of their degrees. Students who served outside of the U.S. could receive general education credit and complete their studies sooner.

5. Colorado Christian University

The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers over 100 online degree programs. Students can pay for most with the GI Bill. The school also provides a reduced tuition rate for active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard members and their dependents.

6. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is home to a Veterans and Military Services team that helps students certify enrollment. It also shares which VA education benefits can cover costs for 50+ fully online programs. The school accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill and an active-duty tuition discount. Service members could also receive scholarships and financial aid.

7. Louisiana State University

Active service members, veterans, military spouses, and dependents who attend Louisiana State University can choose from over 150 online programs. Learners pay no out-of-state tuition fees and can secure benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and TA program funds. Students could also receive funds from the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).

8. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a military-friendly college offering more than 40 online degrees. The school helps online students determine GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program eligibility. It also assists with finding grants and securing credits for service training. Students who receive TA program funds pay no more than $250 per semester credit hour.

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits. Military veterans who live in Maryland could also receive in-state tuition. The school offers dozens of online master's and bachelor's degree programs. Learners who want to finish their studies sooner can also earn credit for their service training.

10. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a top veteran-friendly school with over 100 online programs. As an unlimited Yellow Ribbon provider, the school covers all out-of-state tuition and course fees for select students. Learners could also pay for school with help from the TA program or the UA Online Military Tuition Grant.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team used a thorough vetting process to select the schools in the above rank list. Each school has met the following criteria for providing high-quality education:

  • Accredited: The colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
  • Reputable: We confirmed that the schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as student outcomes, acceptance rates, and graduation rates.
  • Military friendly: The schools above accept the GI Bill, TA program, and other aid to help online learners linked to the armed forces pay for school.

Understanding Military Benefits and Financial Aid

Military members qualify for benefits based on their circumstances. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers costs for students who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. The Yellow Ribbon program pays tuition costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover.

The Montgomery GI Bill pays school expenses for active, veteran, and reserve students, while the Military TA program helps active-duty learners. Students who receive benefits could also secure FAFSA aid if they show financial need.

How To Use the GI Bill for College

Understanding how to use military benefits for your college degree is key to getting the most out of the funds you receive. For example, students can use funds from the Post-9/11 GI Bill for:

  • tuition and fees
  • housing (if in school more than half time)
  • books and supplies

How about MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR benefits? These funds can be used for courses (remedial and refresher included).

FAQs About Using VA Education Benefits for Online College

National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey data revealed that 3.7% of undergrads were veterans in the 2019-20 school year. If you're linked to the armed forces and want to attend an online college, review the FAQs below for details about VA benefits.

What Is the Most Military-Friendly Online College?

Many schools provide great online learning options for military students. However, the University of Florida has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the nation's top school for active service and veteran students.

Do All Colleges Accept Military Tuition Assistance?

No, not all colleges accept the Military Tuition Assistance program. However, more than 2,600 schools qualify to receive the benefit.

Can You Use the GI Bill for a Master's Degree?

Yes, you can use your GI Bill to earn a master's degree. Students who attend a community college, four-year college, or grad school can use their benefits to help cover on-campus or online coursework.

Find Accredited Military-Friendly Online Colleges Today

Are you ready to begin your journey toward a rewarding career in your preferred field? Explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you reach your goals.