How Do Online Universities Assist Military Students?

Students who are current or former military members bring their unique experiences to the academic and civilian careers. To prepare them for their chosen field, it is important that these students receive services and support tailored to their unique needs and goals. Online learning may be an ideal path for military students, in the event that they may need to move or travel to another location at a moment’s notice.  Many active duty military personnel may also keep early or late hours, and need flexibility in their learning schedule. Regardless of where in the world a person may be, and what their schedule is, online learning can be done at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.

An online university dedicated to serving active military and veteran students will provide:

Financial assistance. A university serving these students should offer discounted tuition, options for financial aid, and waived application or additional fees.

Continuous support at all stages. When their goal is striving to serve their military-student population and set them up for the best chances of post-graduate success, a military-focused, higher-learning institution will offer and encourage students to take advantage of the following resources at all stages of the enrollment, attendance, and preparation for graduation processes:

• Rolling, continuous enrollment and course start dates.
• Academic advisors and faculty who are trained  work with military students and their families in a way that’s aligned with their academic and workplace ambitions.
• 24/7 availability of courses and tutoring services.
• Career Center
• Disability Services
• Honor Societies

Additionally, these resources and services may help students feel more connected with staff and their peers.

Career-relevant education and military experience counted as credit toward a degree. Military members have real-life experience to integrate with their education, and often know the direction they want to go from a career perspective. It’s important for current military and veteran students to know that their education is adequately preparing them for the career field of their choice. The American Council on Education (ACE) reviews military-training courses and occupational experiences, and it to makes recommendations to universities for potential transfer credit toward a student’s chosen degree program.

For current and former military members, their transition to student and civilian life requires support and assistance. Consistency and dedication are essential to meeting and exceeding the needs of military-affiliated students, in place of in-person meetings, courses, and appointments. Given the technology that is available, it is now more accessible than ever for military students to learn, be a part of an online learning community, and ultimately achieve their academic and career goals.