What You Should Look for in a Military-Friendly University

Whether you're transitioning from active duty, balancing reserve obligations, or preparing for civilian life, choosing the right university can make a world of difference in your next chapter. For many military men and women, finding a school that not only understands but actively supports their unique needs is essential.

A "military-friendly" university should go beyond the label, providing meaningful benefits and a genuine commitment to your success. But how do you identify which schools truly align with your goals and challenges?

Let's dive into the key features that set military-friendly universities apart and how to find the best fit for your educational journey.

What is a Military-Friendly College?

Military-friendly colleges are institutions that prioritize the needs of service members, veterans, and their families. These universities are committed to creating an inclusive environment that recognizes the unique challenges faced by military students. Look for schools that have dedicated resources, policies, and programs designed specifically for you. This includes understanding the value of your service and the skills you bring to the classroom.

By choosing a military-friendly university, you're selecting a place that respects your background and is willing to support you throughout your academic journey. As Matthew Ritter, Relationship Manager within the Government Affairs Team at Bellevue University says, "We want to make sure that they're going to the right place to achieve the end goal of the educational journey that they're on."

Key Characteristics of a Military-Friendly College

Financial Assistance and Veteran Benefits

One of the biggest concerns for many students is financing their education. Military-friendly universities often offer a range of financial aid options tailored to military members and veterans. This may include access to:

Military Tuition Assistance (MTA): Also called Military TA, this is a valuable financial benefit offered by the Department of Defence to help eligible active-duty service members cover the cost of tuition for higher education. If you plan to use Military Tuition Assistance to fund your program, you need to visit your installation Education Office and speak with an Education Services Officer prior to enrolling.
Scholarships and Grants: Look for schools that provide scholarships specifically for military students, ensuring that your unique situation is recognized and supported financially. Russ Lane, Vice President for Government Military Affairs, emphasizes, "We also have donor-funded scholarships that they can apply for — and we have a book grant for our military students as well."
Military-Preferred Pricing: Some universities offer special tuition rates** for military members. As Russ Lane shares, "The military reimburses at $250 per credit hour. And so we now have all of our undergraduate degrees at that price point. That's a tremendous value."

In short, a military-friendly university will go above and beyond in helping you make the most of the benefits you've earned through your service. Russ Lane encourages military members to maximize their financial benefits: "Get your degree while you're in because you can maximize the benefits that are available to you, and have a goal to pay as little as possible out of pocket."

Credit for Military Experience

You've spent years building valuable skills in the military. The right university will recognize that experience and offer credit where it's due. Look for schools that:

Translate Military Training into Credits: Many military-friendly universities have systems in place to convert your military training and experience into academic credit via military transcripts, saving you time and money on your degree.
DANTES/DSST Exam Acceptance: These exams, designed for military members, allow you to test out of certain subjects and earn college credit for what you already know.

Not every university offers this benefit, so it's important to ask about it upfront. A school that values your experience can help you accelerate your path to graduation.

Flexible Learning Options

One of the key factors in any military-friendly university is flexibility. Whether you're balancing active duty, transitioning into civilian life, or managing family commitments, flexibility is crucial for your success. Look for universities that offer:

Online Courses: If you're stationed far from campus or have a busy schedule, online courses can provide the flexibility you need. "The big thing with online programs is that when a military member is deployed, they can still go to school," says Stan Hawkins, Director of Government Military Affairs at Bellevue.
Hybrid Classes: Combine online and in-person instruction, giving you the best of both worlds.
Accelerated Programs: If you're looking to finish your degree quickly, consider schools that offer accelerated formats, which can be especially beneficial for military students eager to transition to civilian careers.

In addition to degree programs, flexibility also extends to certificates, continuing education, and upskilling opportunities. For many military members, advancing your skills or gaining new ones is key to staying competitive in the job market.

Certificates and Microcredentials: Whether you want to build expertise in cybersecurity, project management, or healthcare, certificates allow you to earn credentials in specific fields without committing to a full degree program. These certificates or certificates of completion can often be completed in just a few months and the credits can be applied to an undergraduate degree program.
Continuing Education: Universities that offer continuing education programs make it easy to sharpen your skills or pivot to a new field. Whether brushing up on leadership abilities or diving into new technologies, continuing education courses can help keep your knowledge current.
Upskilling Programs: As industries evolve, so do the demands of the workforce. Military-friendly universities often offer upskilling programs that help you stay relevant in today's job market. From learning new technologies to improving management skills, these professional programs can give you an edge while serving, and when transitioning to civilian careers.

Whether you're pursuing a degree or looking to build specific skills, a military-friendly university should offer a wide range of options that allow you to continue learning and growing, on your own time. "Ease and freedom of learning—that's the biggest thing, on their own time," emphasizes Stan Hawkins, Director of Government Military Affairs at Bellevue.

Strong Military Support Services

When it comes to veterans and military students, support services are key. You need a university that not only understands the unique challenges you face but has dedicated resources to guide you through your journey. Here are a few things to look for:

Military & Veteran Centers: Does the school have a dedicated space or office for veterans and military students to connect, find resources, and build community?
Military Advisors: A knowledgeable military advisor can be your go-to person for everything from navigating your GI Bill® benefits to adjusting to student life.
Mental Health Support: The transition from military to civilian life can be tough, and universities that offer mental health resources specifically tailored to veterans and active-duty military can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.

At Bellevue University, military students can access various support services through our Military Veterans Service Center. JR Richardson, Director of the Military Veterans Services Center, points out, "We offer things like Healing Waters, Guitars for Veterans, and the Wounded Warriors Scholarship Project. And the VA services us with Yoga, Tai Chi, that our students, our staff, and our veterans throughout the community take advantage of."

Why Bellevue University is the Right Choice for Military Students

At Bellevue University, we understand that your time in the military has shaped who you are, and we're committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. We don't just claim to be military-friendly—we live it every day. Here's how:

Maximizing your military benefits: Bellevue University is a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant and offers generous scholarships for military students. Our dedicated military advisors will help you maximize your Veteran benefits, we offer Military Preferred Pricing for undergraduate degrees, and other financial assistance.
Flexible learning options: With fully online degree programs, you can earn your degree no matter where the military takes you. We offer 100% online courses that fit around your schedule, whether you're active-duty, a veteran, or a military spouse.
Recognizing your service: Bellevue proudly accepts military experience for academic credit, helping you fast-track your degree. As Matthew Ritter notes, "We want to make sure that they're going to the right place to achieve the journey that they're on."
Comprehensive support services: From our Military Veteran Services Center to our team of military-experienced advisors, we're here to support you every step of the way.

With almost 60 years of experience supporting military and veteran men and women, Bellevue University is ready to help you take the next step toward your chosen career. We believe in your future and are proud to stand by you as you pursue your educational and career goals.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.

** Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.