10 Affordable Online Colleges for Military in 2026
Service members, veterans, and military families deserve quality education at fair prices. Here are 10 military-friendly online colleges with special tuition rates and benefits.
Note: Tuition figures are approximate and change yearly. Always verify current rates on each university’s official website before applying.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.umgc.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1947
- 📍 Location: Adelphi, MD, USA
- 📞 Contact: (301) 985-7000
Tuition: $250/credit (military rate)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Military Benefits: $250/credit military rate; Yellow Ribbon participant; GI Bill accepted; Tuition Assistance accepted
One of the most military-friendly universities. 90+ online degrees, dedicated military advisors, deployment flexibility.
2. American Military University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.amu.apus.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1991
- 📍 Location: Charles Town, WV, USA
- 📞 Contact: info@apus.edu | 877-755-2787
Tuition: $250/credit (military rate)
Accreditation: HLC
Military Benefits: Preferred Military Rate $250/credit; Yellow Ribbon; All GI Bill chapters; Free ebooks for undergrads
Built for military personnel. 200+ online programs, monthly starts, majority military students.
3. Southern New Hampshire University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.snhu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1932
- 📍 Location: Manchester, NH, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@snhu.edu | (603) 668-2211
Tuition: $225/credit (military rate)
Accreditation: NECHE
Military Benefits: $225/credit military rate; Yellow Ribbon; Up to 90 transfer credits; Spouse discounts
Nonprofit with 200+ online programs. Flexible scheduling, veteran-focused advisors.
4. Liberty University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.liberty.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1971
- 📍 Location: Lynchburg, VA, USA
- 📞 Contact: luoundergrad@liberty.edu | (800) 424-9595
Tuition: $250/credit (active-duty)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Military Benefits: $250/credit active-duty rate; Free e-textbooks; Military advisors; Spouse benefits
600+ online degrees. Generous military discounts, free textbooks, personalized support.
5. Purdue University Global
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.purdueglobal.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 2018
- 📍 Location: West Lafayette, IN, USA
- 📞 Contact: (866) 522-7747
Tuition: $165/credit (active-duty)
Accreditation: HLC
Military Benefits: $165/credit military rate; GI Bill accepted; Credit for military experience; Deployment-friendly
Part of Purdue system. 175+ online degrees, one of the lowest military rates.
6. Columbia Southern University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1993
- 📍 Location: Orange Beach, AL, USA
- 📞 Contact: admissions@columbiasouthern.edu | 800-977-8449
Tuition: $250/credit (military)
Accreditation: DEAC
Military Benefits: $250/credit military rate; Yellow Ribbon; MyCAA accepted; Forever Hero Scholarship
130+ programs. Self-paced, branch-focused military support.
7. Western Governors University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.wgu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1997
- 📍 Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- 📞 Contact: 866-225-5948
Tuition: Flat-rate per term (near $4,500 TA cap)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Military Benefits: TA accepted; GI Bill accepted; Military scholarships; Competency-based
Nonprofit competency-based. Advance by mastery. Bachelor’s ~48% less than national average.
8. Arizona State University Online
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://asuonline.asu.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1885
- 📍 Location: Tempe, AZ, USA
- 📞 Contact: (855) 278-5080
Tuition: Varies; military scholarship available
Accreditation: HLC
Military Benefits: Active Duty Military Scholarship; Yellow Ribbon; Pat Tillman Veterans Center
300+ online degrees. Top-ranked online programs with strong military ecosystem.
9. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Worldwide)
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://worldwide.erau.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1926
- 📍 Location: Daytona Beach, FL, USA
- 📞 Contact: (800) 522-6787
Tuition: $250/credit (military)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Military Benefits: $250/credit military rate; TA accepted; Credit for military training
World’s largest aviation/aerospace university. Strong in pilot training, cybersecurity.
10. Troy University
University Details
- 🌐 Website: https://www.troy.edu
- 📝 Apply: Application Page
- 📅 Founded: 1887
- 📍 Location: Troy, AL, USA
- 📞 Contact: (334) 670-3100 | 800-414-5756
Tuition: $250/semester hour (military scholarship)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Military Benefits: Military & Family Scholarship; TA accepted; GI Bill accepted; Family discounts
Public university with long military history. Flexible online degrees, tuition capped at TA rate.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an affordable program doesn’t mean compromising on quality. All institutions listed above are regionally accredited, ensuring your degree holds value with employers and other institutions. Take time to compare total costs, not just per-credit rates, and explore financial aid options.
