Approximately 1.3 million individuals currently serve in the U.S. armed forces, and 20 million veterans and retirees have concluded their service. Nearly one million current and former service members use education assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The number of service members and veterans using military benefits to seek higher education continues to grow, and more military members are enrolling in higher education than ever before.
There are many ways for individuals with a military background to finance their education. Options include tuition assistance programs, discounted tuition rates, and flexible payment options. Military-friendly colleges honor federal programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill assists active-duty military personnel who served after September 10, 2001, while the Montgomery GI Bill rewards both active-duty and inactive-duty personnel. These programs help students pay for a variety education-related expenses, including tuition and books.
The Importance of Military Status
The federal government offer various financial aid programs to military personnel and their families. Benefits such as tuition assistance, work-study, grants, and scholarships assist different students based on their service. Here's a breakdown of different military statuses and how they relate to a student's eligibility for education benefits.
Active-Duty Military
Active-duty personnel serve in the military on a full-time basis. They often live on base or in military housing. Active-duty personnel may be sent on deployment at any time. After 90 days of aggregate service, active-duty personnel can receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.
Inactive-Duty Military
Inactive-duty military may be deployed or called to service in times of need. However, they do not serve full-time. They may work for the reserves or National Guard. For instance, many experienced soldiers serve in the Individual Ready Reserve. Reserves have access to various education benefits, including tuition assistance, student loan repayment options, and the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve.
Discharged Military
Discharged military members have been released from their obligation to serve. Discharge is based on various factors, including exceptional performance, medical reasons, disability, and dishonorable or poor conduct. Many veteran education benefits assist those who receive an honorable discharge or a discharge under other than dishonorable circumstances. Options include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Retired/Veteran
Veterans are former members of the military who receive an honorable discharge after completing time in the service. Veterans include those who received a discharge due to disability. Retired service members are veterans who served in the military for a minimum of twenty years. Several educational benefits specifically assist veterans and retired military.
Government Benefits for Military Students
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Post-9/11 GI Bill assists service members who served after September, 10, 2001. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to the full cost of tuition at the most expensive in-state public university in each student's state of residence. Students can use this educational benefit to pay for college, on-the-job training, vocational training, licenses, and certifications. In addition to tuition, the Post-9/11 bill covers housing, books, supplies, tests, and tutorial assistance. Students may use the GI Bill for 36 months, which equates to approximately eight semesters.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill encompasses several other programs and benefits. For example, the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program helps children of veterans who died as a result of service on or after September 11, 2001. The Yellow Ribbon program helps students pay unmet tuition and fees associated with private and out-of-state military-friendly colleges. Yellow Ribbon schools volunteer to offer additional funding to students. The VA then matches these contributions. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also allows service members to transfer their benefits to their dependents, including a spouse or children.
To be eligible for the Post-9/11 Bill, military members must serve on active duty for a minimum of 90 aggregate days or receive an honorable discharge after 30 days. To be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program, students must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Yellow Ribbon recipients cannot be on active duty. To apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, students must complete VA Form 22-1990. Applicants must submit their bank account numbers, social security numbers, detailed military background, and education history.
The Montgomery GI Bill®
The Montgomery GI Bill assists active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans. Students receive a monthly stipend that can help pay for tuition, books, housing, tutoring, or other educational costs. The Montgomery GI Bill assists students attending a military-friendly online college, on-campus university, vocational school, or training program. The program also covers certification tests and licensing fees.
Like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill helps students for up to 36 months. To qualify, students must serve on active duty for two years or agree to a six-year commitment with the Selected Reserve. Candidates should also hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must complete the VA Form 22-1990, submit bank account numbers and direct deposit information, describe their military background, detail their education history, and provide social security numbers.
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) network includes approximately 1,900 military-friendly colleges and universities. Coordinated by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support, SOC ensures service members can continue their education even when they move duty stations.
SOC schools feature reduced residency requirements for military students, simplified credit transfer policies, and flexible distance learning programs. SOC programs are available to members of the Army (SOCAD), Navy (SOCNAV), Marine Corps (SOCMAR), Coast Guard (SOCCOAST), and National Guard (SOCGuard). SOC also offers the ConAP program for Army and Army Reserve members. Through ConAP, students can select a college at the same time as they enlist in the service. The Air Force does not operate its own SOC program. However, Air Force members qualify for the Community College of the Air Force.
What Does it Mean for a School to be Military-Friendly?
There are a number of important factors to take into consideration when searching for the best place to earn an accounting degree. All service members and veterans should choose a military-friendly college that accepts VA benefits. By attending a military-friendly school, students also gain access to funds, resources, and opportunities. Other benefits include:
Tuition Discounts for Military
Military students should look for schools that offer financial assistance and reduced tuition rates for service members, veterans, and their families. Look for a military-friendly college that does not impose a cap on the number of students who can receive financial aid.
Credit Opportunities
A military-friendly school should allow service members and veterans to receive credit for their time in the armed forces. Military students should choose schools that grant credits for work experience, training, and military service.
Financial Aid
Yellow Ribbon schools offer exceptional financial aid and assist with expenses not covered by the GI Bill. Other schools may offer special scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities for veterans, dependents, and active-duty personnel.
On-Campus Benefits
Military-friendly colleges and universities host a strong military community and support network. Military students may receive on-campus benefits such as discounted housing, healthcare, counseling services, military student organizations, post-graduation job resources, and an extensive military alumni network.
Academic Programs
Many colleges and universities offer academic programs geared towards veterans and service members. For example, some schools offer a major in military history or military studies. A best-in-class military-friendly college offers semester-by-semester check-ins with military students to ensure they stay on track with their studies.
Flexibility
Military-friendly schools understand that service members must work around demanding schedules, deployments, and other obligations. Military students should choose schools that offer adjustable schedules, online and distance learning opportunities, and asynchronous classes. Students should have the opportunity to work with their counselors to resolve schedule conflicts. Many schools also offer flexible benefits; for example, some service members can transfer their benefits to dependents.
Top Military-Friendly Accounting Programs
Former and current military members often have unique preferences and needs for college. Our 2023 list of military-friendly colleges covers five schools with accounting programs that can benefit service personnel and their families.
Discover how we rank accounting programs with the following link.
Learn about our ranking methodology
#1 Best Military-Friendly Colleges
University of the Ozarks
- Clarksville, AR
- 4 years
- Campus
The University of the Ozarks is a small private university in Clarksville, Arkansas. Founded in 1834, it is the oldest postsecondary institution in the state and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Today, Ozarks enrolls around 900 students.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Students who complete the bachelor's degree program in accounting at the University of the Ozarks meet the state credit requirement for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam after graduation.
Though students need to meet additional requirements to receive the certification and license to practice, they can take the exam in Arkansas after completing 120 semester hours of college coursework. Some classes students take during their programs include intermediate accounting, cost accounting, and auditing.
After graduating and meeting certification requirements, students enter many different accounting professions, including becoming public accountants, tax accountants and preparers, internal auditors, and corporate accountants. Other graduates continue to master's degree programs after finishing their undergraduate studies.
Ozarks' Benefits for Military and Veterans
The University of the Ozarks has many tuition benefits for eligible service members or veterans. For instance, students can apply for the Yellow Ribbon program. Ozarks will pay 50% of eligible students' tuition, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay for the other half. The Ozarks' financial aid office will also answer students' questions when preparing necessary benefits paperwork.
Enrolled students can also join the ROTC program at Ozarks. The ROTC program awards scholarships for current students based on grades and merit. These scholarships offer full tuition for two, three, or four years, along with living stipends.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $24,950/year
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an Ozarks application, transcripts from high school or colleges, and ACT or SAT scores (optional). A candidate who opts out of standardized tests must submit a letter of recommendation, an academic writing sample, and a resume/student profile. These applicants must also complete admissions interviews.
- GPA: None
- Standardized Tests: None
- Cost: $30
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Military-Friendly Colleges
Calvin University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 years
- Campus
Calvin University, founded in 1876, is a selective Christian college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. One hundred percent of the student body receives financial aid through loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Students can enroll in Calvin University's bachelor's degree program in accounting for a Christian-oriented education. They study with professors who have professional experience with an ethical focus.
Enrollees also gain real-world experience while in college. Many classes offer hands-on projects for learners to build connections and experiences before their internships. Calvin students have secured jobs at Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and Meijer after graduation.
Calvin reports that its accounting program graduates have an average first-time CPA exam pass rate 25% higher than the national average. The university offers both an accounting major and a minor.
Calvin's Benefits for Military and Veterans
Calvin University offers many tuition benefits for former and current military students. Many students use the GI Bill® to fund their education. Calvin participates in the Yellow Ribbon, which supports 100% funding for military members' or veterans' tuition. The university pays half of students' tuition, while the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers the remainder.
As military students progress through Calvin, they have several points of contact for assistance. These veteran-specific professionals work in the admissions, registration, financial aid, and career services departments.
Calvin also offers an ROTC program in connection with Western Michigan University (WMU). Interested students can take general education and accounting courses at Calvin while also enrolling in ROTC classes at WMU.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $38,370/year
- Required Credits: 124
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an application through Calvin or Common Application, along with high school and college/university transcripts.
- GPA: None
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: $35
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Military-Friendly Colleges
Augustana College
- Rock Island, IL
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective liberal arts college in Rock Island, Illinois. With a 12-to-1 faculty-to-student ratio and an average class size of 18, learners can easily connect with their instructors.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
Augustana College offers majors and minors in accounting, and many students complete double majors in accounting and other fields. The college also helps learners prepare for postsecondary success.
The Accounting Extended Learning Program provides the additional 26 credits graduating students need to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam at a discounted rate. Many enrollees also participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program while in college or connect with accounting alumni for scholarships or internships.
Some students have secured competitive internships with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and Financial Accounting Standards Board. Many Augustana graduates pursue full-time jobs as accountants.
Augustana's Benefits for Military and Veterans
Augustana has many benefits for former and current military members. The college participates in several Veterans Affairs (VA) tuition programs, including Yellow Ribbon, funded under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The Yellow Ribbon program splits qualifying veterans' tuition and fees between Augustana College and the VA.
The college also helps students secure funding through the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, and the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides funding for children of military members who died while in active service.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $49,674/year
- Required Credits: 124
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Submit an Augustana application or Common App, high school or college transcripts, a Secondary School Report from a counselor, and a teacher recommendation (optional).
- GPA: None
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: Free
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Military-Friendly Colleges
Dordt University
- Sioux Center, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Dordt University is a small postsecondary institution that enrolls fewer than 2,000 students. This Sioux Center, Iowa-based school maintains an affiliation with the Christian Reformed Church of North America. More than 98 percent of students receive financial aid.
Accounting Major
In 2021, 100% of graduates of Dordt College's accounting bachelor's degree program found jobs or enrolled in graduate school. Since the major was created, graduates have secured national and international employment at firms like EY, KPMG, Williams & Company, and elsewhere.
Some students pursue double majors in business administration, computer science, or another field. The university also offers an accounting minor. Enrollees typically take coursework in business administration, economics, and statistics in Dordt's Accounting program. Sample classes include principles of financial accounting, auditing, and principles of macroeconomics.
Dordt's Benefits for Military and Veterans
Dordt University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, in which the university and the VA fund full or partial tuition and fees for military personnel. Current or former military personnel should report their service to determine their eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Dordt's Office of Financial Aid helps military members prepare application materials.
Dordt's policy for military members and their spouses specifies that the school will refund 100% of tuition for the semester a student withdraws from campus. If an enrollee withdraws after the midterm, their instructors may issue final grades or "incompletes" to be finished later. After their service, the individual will be reinstated at the college if they re-enroll within three years.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $35,960/year
- Required Credits: 124
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Submit a Dordt application, high school transcript for 9th-11th grade, ACT, SAT, or CLT test results (unless high school GPA requirement is met)
- GPA: 2.25
- Standardized Tests: If American students earn a minimum GPA of 3.2, they do not need to submit standardized test scores for admission. Otherwise, the minimum ACT scores for acceptance are as follows:
- ACT: 37 English/reading, 18 math, 19 composite
- SAT: 500 reading/writing, 500 math, 1010 composite
- CTL: 45 verbal reasoning, grammar/writing, 16 quantitative reasoning, 64 composite
- Cost: Free
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Military-Friendly Colleges
Gustavus Adolphus College
- Saint Peter, MN
- 4 years
- Campus
Gustavus Adolphus is a liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minnesota. The school reports that more than 75% of its students graduate within four years, which is higher than other postsecondary institutions in Minnesota.
The Accounting Major
Gustavus Adolphus College's bachelor's degree program in accounting allows students to reach the credit hour requirements to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam in four years, rather than five. The accounting program's faculty are also all CPAs.
Enrollees can build industry experience while still in college. The Gustavus Mentoring Program connects students with alumni accountants, and the Gustavus Career Development Center helps them apply for and secure professional experience. These resources help some accounting students land paid internships during their final semesters.
Learners also have three accounting program enrollment choices at Gustavus. They can opt for the accounting major, the accounting major with a finance concentration, or the public accounting major.
Gustavus' Benefits for Military and Veterans
Gustavus participates in the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®. If an enrollee qualifies and has reached the national maximum during the school year, the college and the VA will cover the student's tuition and fees for the rest of the academic year through the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Students in Minnesota can also apply for the Minnesota GI Bill, which offers full-time students up to $3,000 each academic year up to $10,000. Part-time students can receive up to $500 per semester.
Gustavus also offers special considerations for active military students who are called for duty during the regular semester or during the January term.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $53,570/year
- Required Credits: 136
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Submit a Gustavus Select Application or Common App, high school transcripts, recommendations (optional), test scores (optional), FAFSA (optional).
- GPA: None
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: Free
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
* 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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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