Being the spouse of military personnel can be very challenging. You may find yourself battling with your career as you change location frequently with your spouse. However, you can switch the challenge to opportunity by continuous learning.
With the military spouse benefits of marrying a veteran, you can enroll in one of the many available military-friendly colleges. Also, an online college for a military spouse may just be what you need for flexibility in the study.
With the availability of cheap online colleges for military spouses and their family members, the cost of continuing education should be the least of your problems.
Also, several military education funding opportunities are available to spouses and dependents of active servicemen. All you need to do is look for a suitable military-friendly college to continue your education.
We have compiled some of the best colleges for military spouses who are quite affordable. But first, what are these military spouse benefits we speak of? Why are we trying to convince you to continue your education via an online school?
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Online Study Benefits for Military Spouses
When you’re married to a Veteran soldier or are a family member of one, you may find yourself constantly on the move. Thus if you had a job engagement in your former location, you might find it difficult to continue it.
Besides, you may have just one job, specialty, or skill. However, this specialty may not come in handy in your new location. So, what do you do to stay relevant?
Upgrade your skills and education!
Yes, you may just have to continue your education. Fill that career portfolio with enough skills to become a hot cake in your location. Also, because you may be staying in the military base, which, even in the US, is a long distance away from colleges, you may need to consider switching to online study.
Meanwhile, if you’re not stationed in the military base, you may live overseas, depending on your spouse’s transfer location. Getting a good school around the overseas location may not be easy, so you may still have to get that education online.
Additionally, online education will provide you with the flexibility you need. You may be too occupied with responsibilities and family to gather enough time to sit in a traditional classroom. Online education gives you the convenience and quality you crave.
Also, military funding is still available for your online study. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), for example, provides you up to $4,000 total for up to two years to pursue a certification, license, or associate degree in certain career fields.
You will agree that online schools are ideal for certification courses, associate degrees, and even a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Military Spouses Education Benefits
So, while you’ve decided to continue your education and take advantage of online colleges for military spouses, you have funding opportunities. Here are some of the military spouses’ education benefits.
#1. MyCAA
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), as discussed briefly above, provide up to $4,000 for the higher education of military spouses. Note, however, that this benefit is only available to people married to a service member on active duty and at certain pay grades. Also, the fund should be used to pursue degree programs, licenses or other credentials that can help boost employment options.
#2. GI Bill® Transfer
The GI Bill® is the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) registered trademark. It provides a certain amount of funding to service members to pay for higher education expenses. This bill allows service members to transfer all or the portion of the GI Bill they have not used to their spouse and children for their educational expenses.
#3. Dependents Education Assistance Program
The Dependents Education Assistance Program (DEAP) is available to people whose spouses died in the service of the country, are permanently disabled from injuries sustained in service, or are missing.
However, other categories of unfortunate situations qualify dependents for this program. Meanwhile, eligible dependents can receive up to 45 months of education benefits.
The John D. Fry Scholarship gives education benefits to the surviving spouses or dependents of veterans killed in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. You can get a fixed amount for in-state tuition to a public or private school each year. The scholarship also provides a monthly housing allowance and books and supplies stipends.
Applying for these scholarships are pretty easy and does not require many requirements.
Already, by gaining admission to your military spouse’s online US college, you are qualified for Federal Aid.
You will find scholarships like these ones while filling your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Therefore, you must complete your FAFSA application after gaining admission, while selecting through the funding opportunities available for military spouses and dependents.
Cheapest Colleges for Military Spouses
Now that you have seen the funding opportunities available to you to fund your online education, let’s proceed to show you the most affordable online colleges for military spouses.
#1. Central Texas College
In-District Residents, $90, Out-of-District Residents $113, and Non-Residents $235/Credi
Central Texas College (CTC) is a public, open-admissions community college which offers associate degrees and certificates of completion.
Also, CTC offers traditional classroom learning, hybrid or blended learning and online education.
Additionally, it is a military-friendly college, helping military staff, their spouses, and dependents reach their educational goals for over 50 years.
Furthermore, CTC’s new distance-learning terms start each month with 27 degrees and 33 certificates available 100% online.
Central Texas charges Texas In-District Residents $90, Out-of-District Residents $113, and Non-Residents $235/Credit for its Distance learning.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
#2. Brookhaven College
$118 per credit for In-State students. Meanwhile, for Out-of-State students, it is $348 per credit.
Brookhaven College is a two-year public community college strategically located in Farmers Branch, Texas. However, it serves surrounding communities like Carrollton, Addison, and North Dallas.
Brookhaven is a large institution with a growing population of 12,790 students. Meanwhile, the school offers over 17 associate degrees, 56 certificates, and several course options through its Workforce and Continuing Education Program.
Additionally, Brookhaven has a Veterans Services Program, which helps military personnel, veterans, and their dependents transition from military to civilian life via higher and post-secondary education.
Brookhaven’s tuition is $118 per credit for In-State students. Meanwhile, for Out-of-State students, it is $348 per credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
#3. Western Governors University
$215 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $216 per credit
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, online university offering over 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, and nursing.
WGU’s online learning model is flexible and allows students to use what they know to advance in their studies. Meanwhile, WGU is a veteran-friendly school.
The Montgomery GI Bill approves its degree programs as well as provides tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members. If you are considering this cheap online college, then you should consider WGU Student’s Scholarships too.
WGU’s tuition is $215 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $216 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, click the link below.
#5. Abraham Lincoln University
$250 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $350 per credit.
Abraham Lincoln University (ALU) is located in Los Angeles, California, and has the nation’s pioneering online law schools.
ALU also offers certificate/diploma associate programs and bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in several fields of study.
These fields of study include business administration, criminal justice, information technology, paralegal and legal studies, and general studies.
Additionally, ALU’s faculty and staff are dedicated to serving veterans and service members who have selflessly and courageously served in the United States military.
ALU’s tuition is $250 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $350 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#6. The University of Texas at Arlington
$257 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $273.33 per credit.
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has about 58,000 students taking campus-based and online degree programs. It is also the largest institution in The University of Texas System.
Additionally, UTA has expert faculty as well as dedicated resources that take care of its over 180 rigorous degree programs in 10 different schools and colleges. Meanwhile, the school has a long and proud tradition of serving veterans and their families.
The school’s President still assures this is his public commitment to helping serve Military-Connected Students better to achieve higher education.
UTA’s online tuition is $257 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $273.33 per credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
#7. Middlesex Community College
for In-state students is $252.00 per credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $505.00 per credit.
Middlesex Community College (MCC) offers over 70 certificates and degree programs and extensive support services.
It has two campuses – the Lowell Campus and the Bedford Campus. Additionally, MCC’s student population ranges from recent high school graduates to graduates returning to school.
Also, MCC is a military-friendly college ideal for military spouses. Its Bedford and Lowell campuses have a Veterans Resource Center (VRC). While this military spouse college is a traditional classroom college, it also provides online learning options to students.
Middlesex Online study tuition for In-state students is $252.00 per credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $505.00 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#8. CUNY-College of Staten Island
near-in-state students is $288.75/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $620/credit.
CUNY-College of Staten Island (CSI) is a college focusing on hands-on research. With its 204-acre campus, CSI is the largest single-site for a New York City college.
Also, the school provides international educational opportunities through its Center for Global Engagement. Furthermore, while CSI offers a traditional campus setting near New York City, it also offers online courses and programs.
These programs are suitable for Veteran spouses, especially with the help of CUNY’s Veterans Support Services, which offers “vet-friendly” services.
CSI’s tuition for in-state students is $288.75/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $620/credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#9. The University of New Mexico – Main Campus
$349.04 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $372 per credit.
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is New Mexico’s flagship research institution. This American college offers 94 bachelor’s degree programs, 76 master’s degree programs, and 45 doctoral programs.
UNM also holds Evening and Weekend degree programs, which offer approximately forty (40) degree programs. The college also offers online learning to its students and is military-friendly.
Its Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is the veterans, military service members, and their family’s greatest UNM asset.
UNM’s online tuition is $349.04 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $372 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#10. Eastern Michigan University
for In-state students is $350/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $512/credit.
This public university is the second oldest public university in Michigan. Eastern Michigan University (EMU) currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees.
Through EMU’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health & Human Services. Technology, and Graduate school, students can study in over 300 programs.
While this college is a traditional university in Michigan, it also offers online education and is military-friendly. Its Lt. Colonel Charles S. Kettles Military & Veteran Services Resource Center serves over 500 student veterans, spouses, and dependents annually.
If you are not a military spouse or family member but are looking for an online school in Michigan, then see these 15 Most Affordable Michigan Online Schools.
#11. The University of Kansas
tuition for In-state students is $347.80/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $901.65/credit.
The University of Kansas (KU) is the Kansas state flagship university. While Ku is the largest university in Kansas, it offers over 400 degree and certificate programs in 13 academic schools – including the state’s only medical and pharmacy schools.
Meanwhile, KU is also a veteran-friendly school. It is committed to serving military-affiliated students transitioning to higher education, persisting to graduation, and moving to the next chapter of their lives.
KU’s online education tuition for In-state students is $347.80/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $901.65/credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#12. Lively Tech
in-state students is $345.55 per credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $1,405.22 per credit.
Lively Tech provides quality education both traditionally and online to its students. Its faculty and staff are dedicated to making students’ experience at Lively both gratifying and fulfilling.
This Tallahassee college in Florida has faculty who are experts within their field and work hard to provide unique educational experiences. You will get hands-on and relevant instructional opportunities at Lively.
Additionally, the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 approved Lively Tech to train qualified veterans, making it a military-friendly college.
You may also be interested in the American Logistics Association’s updated Military Commanders Scholarship.
Lively’s tuition for in-state students is $345.55 per credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $1,405.22 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#13. Concordia University – St Paul
$420 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it ranges from $395 to $1,100 per credit.
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) is a comprehensive liberal arts university in Minnesota. It delivers academic programs designed to respond to marketplace needs by teaching relevant skills and abilities that employers seek.
Also, CSP has over 5,000 students and offers over 90 undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
CSP stands out as a military-friendly college through its Veterans Resource Center, which provides support and assistance with outside resources to veterans. Also, as a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, Concordia offers a $2,000 Military Scholarship and tuition assistance.
CSP’s tuition is $420 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it ranges from $395 to $1,100 per credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
If you’ll be attending this online Texas school, you may also be interested in these 30 Best Texas Scholarships.Students who enroll in ALU’s online law school find these Top 10 Criminal Justice Scholarships helpful.
You may also be interested in the Pat Tillman Military Scholarship for military partners.
#14. University of Colorado Boulder
$427 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $620 per credit.
The University of Colorado-Boulder is the flagship university for the state of Colorado. This comprehensive research institution offers its students outdoor recreation and a challenging academic experience.
Additionally, CU-Boulder’s business school is America’s 8th oldest business school. While this on-campus school also offers online courses, it is a military-friendly college.
You may also love to know which other schools are in the Best Business Schools list.
CU-Boulder has a Veteran and Military Office, Veteran Advisor, Veteran Academic Tutors, and a Student Veterans of America organization.
It is thus no surprise that CU-Boulder veteran student population has grown by over 30% over the past 3 years.
CU-Boulder’s online tuition is $427 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $620 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#15. Central Connecticut State University
tuition for In-state students is $445 per credit, while for Out of State students, it is $496 per credit.
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is a regional public university in New Britain, Connecticut. CCSU has four schools namely: School of Liberal Arts and Social Science, the School of Business, the School of Education and Professional Studies, and the School of Engineering.
Additionally, this university has a total enrollment of over 11,000 students, of which about 9,538 students are undergraduate students and 2,166 students are graduate students.
Meanwhile, this traditional college also offers quality online education and is military-friendly. Of its total number of students, over 400 students are veterans and service members receiving federal or state VA Educational Benefits.
CCSU’s Online study tuition for In-state students is $445 per credit, while for Out of State students, it is $496 per credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#16. Kean University
$471 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $823 per credit.
Kean University is a cosmopolitan public university that serves undergraduate and graduate students in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions. At Kean, you will learn to think critically, creatively, and globally.
You will also be groomed to adapt to changing social, economic, and technological environments and serve as active and contributing members of your community.
While Kean offers demanding programs that help students attain excellence, it is a veteran-friendly school. Its Veterans Educational Transition Services (V.E.T.S) Program assists veterans, service members, and dependents to transition to student life through its onsite and online programs.
Kean’s tuition is $471 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $823 per credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses, visit:
#17. Excelsior College
$510 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $645 per credit.
Excelsior College is a 100 percent online college. It has helped the US military service members and veterans earn the degrees they need to move up in the military or transition to a civilian career for over 45 years.
To date, over 70,000 military students have completed degree programs in this military-friendly college. Excelsior’s online courses, flexible credit options, and academic services are designed to make you succeed.
Also, check out how you can get this $2,500 NMFA Military Spouse Scholarship.
Excelsior’s online tuition is $510 per credit for undergraduates. Meanwhile, for graduates, it is $645 per credit. To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
#18. The University of Arizona-main campus
$500 to $610 per credit for Undergraduate. For Graduates, it is $650 to $1332 per credit.
The University of Arizona (UA), in addition to being a global leader, is also a leader in research, bringing more than $606 million in research investment each year.
Also, the UA is a member of the Association of American Universities and offers various courses towards degrees and certificates.
Additionally, UA offers online courses ideal for military spouses and family members.
Furthermore, UA has Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS). The VETS strives to provide the tools and help for students to achieve academic success while fostering camaraderie and engagement.
Even your child is eligible for a Military support scholarship! Check out these 31+ Military Children Scholarships. UA’s online education tuition is $500 to $610 per credit for Undergraduates.
For Graduates, it is $650 to $1332 per credit. This online school charges the same tuition for both In-State and Out-of-State students. To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
If you’ll be attending this online Texas school, you may also be interested in these 30 Best Texas Scholarships.
Students who enroll in ALU’s online law school find these Top 10 Criminal Justice Scholarships helpful.
You may also be interested in the Pat Tillman Military Scholarship for military partners.
#19. Angelo State University
in-state students are $742.20/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $1,164.20/credit.
Angelo State University (ASU) offers strong academic programs, is technologically sophisticated, and possesses a good nurturing environment. All of these features blend to help ASU students attain their full potential.
Meanwhile, Angelo State University is a Texas Tech University System member. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.
While this Texas on-campus university offers online programs for its students, it is also a military-friendly college.
It provides degree programs, certificate programs, and courses suitable for military members, veterans, and their families. ASU’s tuition for in-state students is $742.20/credit, while for Out-of-State students, it is $1,164.20/credit.
To learn more about this online college for military spouses.
Meanwhile, if military spouse online colleges in the US don’t interest you, these Top Military Schools in Canada may interest you.
In Conclusion:
Continuing learning is one of the best options for spouses of active servicemen who may have to switch locations occasionally. There is no need to fret about how much your education will cost as a variety of military spouse education benefits are available for you.
All you need to worry about is if you will complete your current study before it is time to switch locations again. However, you don’t need to worry about this if you choose an affordable online military-friendly school where you can enjoy the benefits of being a military spouse and dependents while upgrading your knowledge and skills.
We believe you could find a pocket-friendly college that meets your educational need from our list of military spouse colleges.
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