The 8 Best Online Master’s Programs for Military Under $25,000

Are you military personnel seeking a master’s degree? The best online master’s programs for military members and veterans have distinct qualities just for you! Online programs alone offer several benefits. They’re flexible, affordable, and offer an education mirroring on-campus programs. Master’s degrees online are an excellent way to advance your current military career. And of course, they’re a great way to transition to a civilian career, too.

But that’s not all. The best online schools for military benefits offer even more to you specifically. Think, tuition assistance, accelerated programs, and more. If you are active-duty or a veteran of the military, consider this article to make your next move.

Article Navigation: What Qualifies As Good Online Master Programs for Military? | The 8 Best Online Master’s Programs for Military & Veterans | Accredited Military-Friendly Online Colleges | Types of Benefits from Online Military-Friendly Colleges | Discover Your Path with a Top Online Master’s Program for the Military

What Qualifies As The Best Online Master’s Programs for Military?

The quality of your online master’s program should be important to you. And trust us, there’s plenty to consider. Some of the first factors to check for include:

• Does the university hold Regional or National accreditation?
• Is the program you’re interested in Programmatically accredited?
• Are all the classes 100% online, or is it a hybrid program?
• How much does this program cost?

Of course, we’ll go over more of those factors later in this article. For now, let’s get into what qualifies as “military friendly” colleges for master’s degrees.

Advancing Position in Military

When you’re choosing a master’s program, chances are you want to align that education with your career goals. Professional development may be guaranteed, but which degree is best for which position? Any accredited online master’s program will provide you with skills, knowledge, and credentials. But if you’re seeking an advanced engineering career, you may not be looking for an MBA.

Thankfully, there are options for everyone. If you’re an engineer, there are master's in engineering online in just about every domain. If you’re seeking a position as an advanced officer, a Captain, etc., consider an MBA online or a degree in criminal justice. There are online master's degrees for nurses, psychologists, pilots, journalists, Chaplains, you name it.

Finally, online education is flexible. You can earn a degree with a full-time job and a part-time master’s. There are even accelerated options for those ready to double-down with a full-time degree online. One of the best things about online colleges that are military friendly is that you can even transfer in credit for your military training. These credits cut down the time and cost you have to spend on a degree!

Transitioning to Civilian Workforce – Best Online Master’s Programs For Military Students

Let’s say you are in the middle of a transition from military service to the civilian workforce. This can be a challenging change. Will your skills transfer? What about normal workplace culture shock? What about the hefty price of higher education? You may, as an active-duty military member, have concerns about unexpected deployment. But even in these instances, the best online master’s programs for military students provide a bridge.

First, in your search, check for military student resources. Schools such as Liberty University and Grand Canyon University offer resources including:

• Military enrollment services – a dedicated team of advisors
• Resource coordinators – administrators who help with questions and concerns about benefits
• Scholarships for veteran students
• Counseling and crisis lines
• Military-specific career resources
• Military and military spouse tuition assistance

Second, when it comes to online master’s programs, there’s more hands-on experiences than you may think. A lot of online programs offer direct connections with faculty. Degrees that lead to careers such as counseling, nursing, even business, will require experiential learning. That means in-person internships, field work, etc.

Finally, online degrees may seem like an isolating experience. But some of the best master’s online programs connect you to a diverse network of peers and experts. Often on a global scale!

There are plenty of factors to consider that may seem complex, but the best schools for military offer the resources to make a transition to civilian careers much easier.

Online Colleges That Accept Military Tuition Assistance

Earlier, we mentioned one of the best factors of military friendly schools: Military Tuition Assistance! Online colleges that accept military tuition assistance might offer discounts ranging from 10% of your tuition to 100%. In addition, you can apply tuition discounts to your spouse’s or your children’s college tuition. Some of the more popular discounts include:

• The GI Bill
• ROTC Scholarships
• The Yellow Ribbon Program

Each degree has its own criteria, application process, and restrictions, of course. Some schools offer to waive application fees for military members, scholarships specifically for veterans, and more.

Another great way that top military colleges online reduce the cost of a degree? Experiential credits. Your military training may count toward your degree, cutting the time and cost down to a more affordable price. Consider your Joint Service Transcript to find the right credits to apply to your education.

The 8 Best Online Master’s Programs for Military & Veterans

So, what are the best master’s degree majors for military? And which schools offer them? The list below encompasses online schools that hold accreditation, offer substantial military resources, and offer excellent online master’s for military members. These programs provide the benefits described earlier and do not exceed $25K in military tuition. Read on to discover the best online schools for military and veterans along with the top programs!

1. Business Administration

   School: Aurora University
   Degree: Master of Business Administration
   Accreditation: HLC (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $9,100

   Business administration can enhance your skills gained from military service. To begin with, this field emphasizes core leadership and management skills. If you’re seeking a leadership position in areas of finance, operations management, contracts and acquisition, or logistics, consider this type of degree! Aurora University’s online MBA offers a comprehensive curriculum. You’ll explore business concepts in accounting, organizational behavior, strategic leadership, and more. AU also features a selective MBA Plus One program, which is perfect for early career professionals. Consider this degree if you’re seeking an online MBA with a cohort structure, where you work closely with your peers throughout the entire program.

   Graduates from the AU MBA online may go on to civilian careers in:

   – Management Consultancy
   – Operations Management
   – Supply Chain Management
   – Human Resource Management
   – Financial Analysis

   Consider also Aurora University’s dedication to military and veteran services. This institution is acutely military-friendly. They participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, accept the Montgomery GI Bill, and take part in several other federal VA benefits. Aurora also boasts excellent military resources such as:

   – Military tuition of $9,100
   – An Academic Support Center
   – Counseling Center
   – Chaplain’s Office
   – Disability Resource Office

   An MBA is certainly one of the best online master’s programs for military students. And Aurora University’s MBA provides the resources, cost, and outcomes you are looking for!

   Find Out More:
   Master of Business Administration

    

2. Nursing

   School: Liberty University
   Degree: Master of Science in Nursing/ Nursing Administration
   Accreditation: SACSCOC (Regional Accreditation); CCNE (Programmatic Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $10,000

   If you’re already working with a BSN in the military, consider an online MSN to advance your career. A Master of Science in Nursing provides essential leadership and management skills. But it also comprises areas such as finance, advocacy, ethics, and legal aspects of the field. If you’re seeking a degree led by nursing professionals with a practical curriculum, Liberty University is a great choice. This eight-week, online MSN provides courses in areas such as:

   – Strategic planning
   – Resource management
   – Systems management
   – Organizational design

   LU’s MSN-Nursing Administration program features 36 credit hours and can be completed in about 1.5 years. There is also an accelerated option that takes only 12 months.

   Liberty is already a unique option for any college student, as its tuition hasn’t increased in almost a decade. Add on the military discount of $275 per credit hour, and you’ve got one of the best online schools for veterans and active members. This MSN online also provides a further discount to veterans serving as a civilian First Responder.

   To apply for this degree, you need an active RN license. In addition, you’re required to provide an application, your college transcripts, recommendations, etc. However, application fees are waived for military members, their spouses, and veterans.

   If you’re ready for more responsibility in your nursing career, a better salary, and an affordable advanced credential, consider Liberty University’s online MSN!

   Find Out More:
   Master of Business Administration

    

3. Political Science

   School: American Public University System
   Degree(s): MA in Political Science; MA in International Relations & Global Security
   Accreditation: HLC (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $11,800

   Political science connects to a military background in several ways. It focuses on governance, political analysis, and law. In addition, it leads to a variety of careers. Whether you’re interested in public relations, consulting with politicians, campaigns, urban planning, business, journalism, even education, this is a great liberal arts option for a military student! These professionals work in legislation, market research, policy analysis, and more.

   APUS provides specialized master’s programs for military personnel and veterans. The online Master of Arts in Political Science is a particularly excellent program. You can opt one of the following focus areas:

   – Comparative Government and Development
   – International Relations
   – American Politics and Government
   – Public Policy

   However, there is another political science master’s online from APUS, the International Relations & Global Security program. This degree is a comparative exploration of political systems. You’ll explore law, political interests, world order, conflicts, all on a global scale.

   Each degree comes with a substantial military discount via a military rate and veteran grant. The programs can take anywhere from eight to 16 weeks to complete, with 36 credits. Military students can take into account that 15 credits may transfer into these programs.

   APUS offers plenty of other military benefits for online students as well. Waived application fees and transfer credit fees, no entrance exams, and free Ebooks, to name a few. There are also many scholarship options to apply to any of the master’s programs for military members. With the help of one of APUS’ local military education managers, you’ll be on your way to a degree in no time.

   Find Out More:
   MA in Political Science
   MA in International Relations & Global Security

    

4. Criminal Justice

   School: Concordia University-Saint Paul
   Degree: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership
   Accreditation: HLC (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $12,600

   When it comes to the best online master’s programs for military, criminal justice is a no-brainer. This field encompasses law enforcement, legal systems, corrections, etc. A master’s in criminal justice explores your role as a leader in this dynamic field. With this advanced degree, active-service and veterans can gain specialized knowledge, transferable skills, and a deep understanding of legal systems. It complements military roles, aids in career transition, and enhances capabilities involving law enforcement within and beyond the military.

   Concordia University-Saint Paul serves as one of the best military friendly graduate schools online. This private institution’s MA in Criminal Justice online focuses on areas such as:

   – Multi-systems leadership
   – Applied ethics
   – Correctional design
   – Agency administration

   All in all this master’s is considered a “Human Service” criminal justice leadership program. It is particularly helpful for criminal justice professionals who work in the human services field. Student backgrounds include military, social service, law enforcement, and more, which benefits the cohort structure of this degree.

   This Master’s in Criminal Justice is 36 credits, although you can transfer in a lot of military credits. Concordia offers several other military benefits including:

   – Active military discount
   – Member of the Yellow Ribbon Program
   – GI Bill
   – Veteran Readiness and Employment Program

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

    

5. Information Security

   School: Southern New Hampshire University
   Degree: MS in Information Technology/Information Security
   Accreditation: NECHE (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $17,101

   Information technology is a great industry for anyone, but especially for military personnel! In this vein, we’ll focus on information security. Information security, or, cybersecurity, is a growing industry. Chances are, if you’re military, you’ve already encountered some training on it. These professionals work with computer systems, networks, data, etc. and protect it from unauthorized access. In an information security master’s online, you will explore complex topics, such as:

   – Network and software security
   – Data analytics
   – Privacy and confidentiality
   – Cryptology
   – Law

   SNHU’s Master of Science in IT is a perfect option for military students interested in this field. The Information Security focus offers foundational and advanced knowledge. You’ll grow your analytical skills while learning how to prevent security threats. The comprehensive curriculum covers policy, mitigation, system integrity, and more. Graduates can find technology-informed solutions to modern challenges. Overall, the program requires a total of 36 credits; however, students can transfer in up to 12 graduate credits. This means you can complete the program in as few as 15 months. Whether you’re advancing your military career or transitioning to the civilian workforce, this program suits your needs.

   This isn’t the only master’s degree for military students at SNHU. This institution is extremely military friendly all around. You can get a discount of up to 30% off your tuition and transfer in military experience credits. In addition, there are great benefits for military spouses, disability services, scholarships, and grants.

   Find Out More:
   MS in Information Technology/Information Security

    

6. Engineering Management

   School: University of Louisville
   Degree: Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
   Accreditation: ABET (Programmatic Accreditation); SACSCOC (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $19,200

   To become a military engineer or advance your current military engineering career, consider an online master’s! Chances are, you’ve already earned your bachelor’s. That’s the minimum education to become an engineer. But to become a leader, managing projects and services, you need the advanced credential. An online MEng, specifically the one offered by University of Louisville, leads to an exceptional number of career paths. From military, distribution, or manufacturing engineering to healthcare, government, and more. There’s no end to your options.

   The online MEng in Engineering Management is a program benefiting experienced engineers. It’s completely online, and requires no GRE or GMAT scores for entry. There is also the chance to earn a grad certificate in Six Sigma along with this degree. The general tuition is $791 per credit, but the active-duty rate cuts down to $250 per credit! Overall, this degree is 100% online, features an 8-week term for each course, and holds ABET accreditation.

   This school is one of the best online schools for veterans and active duty, offering benefits such as:

   – Application fee waiver
   – Priority Registration
   – Credit transfer
   – National Exam Reimbursement

   Find Out More:
   Master of Engineering in Engineering Management

    

7. Computer Science

   School: Franklin University
   Degree: Master of Science in Computer Science
   Accreditation: HLC (Regional Accreditation)
   Military Tuition: $19,381

   Computer science is a versatile field that intersects with almost every industry. It’s one of the best majors for military because it can advance a military career and easily transition you to the civilian workforce. An online master’s in computer science can offer focus areas such as:

   – Software engineering
   – AI
   – Machine learning
   – Computer networks and architecture
   – Data analytics

   And really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These degrees are applicable everywhere. You can work in the government and military, of course. However, this field also applies to healthcare, education, business, and more!

   The Franklin University MS in Computer Science is no exception. This program offers hands-on experience with software and an overall customizable program. The curriculum, designed by industry experts, optimizes your time, so you are as proficient, efficient, and profitable. Some core courses of this program include:

   – Advanced data structures and software development practices
   – Algorithm analysis
   – Distributed systems concepts
   – Database analysis and design
   – Testing strategies

   Classes are available 100% online and led by leaders in technology. As far as online master’s program for military education go, Franklin offers great benefits. There’s credit for military training, tuition discounts for military and family. There are also dedicated advisors just for military members and priority registration available.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Computer Science

    

8. Management Information Systems

   School: Florida Institute of Technology
   Degree: MS in Systems Management
   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Military Tuition: $23,076.90

   An excellent field for those who want to intersect social science with IT is management information systems. This field incorporates people, technology, and processes. Specifically, these factors apply to organizational environments. There is a lot of analysis and visualization involved, as well as investment, data collection, and more. The military benefits from MIS in areas from command and control systems to national security. Thankfully, an online MIS master’s degree can provide you with all the knowledge you need.

   Florida Institute of Technology is an excellent institution for an MIS degree online. The MS in Management with a focus in Information Systems explores attributes of systems thinking. You’ll learn about analysis, optimization, systems integration, etc. This degree also covers topics such as:

   – Systems engineering
   – Project and risk management
   – System innovation

   Graduates have the strategic decision-making skills to succeed in a diverse set of leadership careers. There are opportunities in public, private, and military sectors with this degree. The program requires 33 credit hours, including 15 core credits, 12 elective credits, and 6 capstone credits.

   Florida Institute of Technology is one of many accredited military friendly online colleges. Benefits for military include tuition assistance that pays up to $250 per credit hour! Also, for veterans, there is the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and federal student aid. In addition, FIT offers housing, medical, and career resources for military and veterans.

   Find Out More:
   MS in Systems Management

    

Accredited Military-Friendly Online Colleges – Best Online Master’s Programs for Military Students

Accreditation is an important factor when choosing an online college as a military student. It’s a quality assurance process. Accrediting bodies evaluate the academic standards and practices of an institution and its programs. This assessment has significant implications for the value, validity, and transferability of your degree. And, importantly, eligibility for financial aid.

Online military friendly colleges usually feature two main types of accreditation:

1. Institutional
2. Programmatic

Institutional accreditation encompasses two types of overhead. There’s Regional accreditation, granted by six regional agencies recognized by the USDE and CHEA. It’s widely accepted and recognized by colleges, employers, and professional associations. The regional accrediting agencies include:

1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
4. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
6. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Institutional accreditation also includes National accreditors. National accreditation focuses more on faith-based and vocational schools.

Then, there’s programmatic accreditation. This type of oversight is granted by specialized agencies and covers specific programs, departments, or schools within a college. Programmatic accredited military friendly online colleges feature the following standards of excellence:

• Industry-standard curriculum
• Trained and expert faculty
• Accessible student resources
• Outcomes that align with the standards and criteria of the field

While this is not mandatory, it does enhance a program’s reputation and recognition. If your program is accredited, it’s a top choice! It’s especially ideal for military students pursuing careers that require licensure, certification, or membership in a professional group.

Types of Benefits from Online Military-Friendly Colleges – Best Online Master’s Programs For Military & Veterans

Online military friendly colleges offer benefits tailored to meet your unique needs. Aside from providing flexible, accessible learning, they also offer a range of specialized support. Here are some of the most notable armed services academic benefits from military friendly online schools.

Tuition Assistance

This benefit cuts the cost of tuition and can completely reduce fees. Virtually all military service members are eligible. However, specific criteria for eligibility are determined by each branch and university.

Loan Repayment (LRP)

With this benefit, your service may partially or fully repay students’ college loans. This benefit is generally for enlisted members. Eligibility requirements depend on your service branch, MOS, and the terms of your contract.

Tuition Assistance “Top-Up” Program

This benefit intends to supplement tuition assistance from the military with GI Bill benefits. Eligible students must have approval for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and GI Bill benefits.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

This program provides education and training for eligible dependents of certain veterans. Students must be the child or spouse of a service member who died, is missing, or permanently disabled while on duty.

Work-Study Program

With this benefit, full-time or ¾-time students in a college degree program can earn while in school with a VA work-study allowance. Students generally earn an hourly wage equal to the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is greater.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

GI Bills are prevalent benefits for the best online master’s programs for military students. The Post 9/11 bill provides up to 26 months or 4 regular school years of benefits to service members and veterans. It’s for service members and veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since Sept 10, 2001. The survivors of military members who died on active duty during that time frame are also eligible for a similar program, the Fry Scholarship Program.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Best Online Master’s for Military

The MGIB provides education benefits for active duty members who have served at least two years. Veteran eligibility depends on when you joined the military and how long you served.

MGIB Selected Reserve: This is the same as the MGIB but at reduced rates. Students benefit from up to $466 per month for full-time institutional education.

Tutorial Assistance Program

This program provides tutorial assistance for subjects students are having difficulty with. It could be by providing students with a tutor or information for finding one.

Find The Best Online Master’s Programs For Military Students Here

If you’re ready to advance your career, consider these military friendly online graduate schools! Now you have everything you need to consider the top-quality schools. There’s accreditation, program format, and the types of majors that suit military members. With GetEducated’s extensive catalog of current online programs, there’s no end to what you can accomplish. Find your master’s degree online today!