Top 7 Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans
Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans
Not all colleges are not created equal. Find the best fit for your Coast Guard experience at one of the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans.
Top Public University: University of Florida
As one of the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans, UF boasts a 60% graduation rate. UF is consistently ranked as one of the best public universities and ranks high on “Best of” lists including:
- #1 Best Colleges in Florida (Niche)
- #6 in Top Public Schools (US News)
- #3 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
- #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (US News)
- #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs (US News)
- #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (US News)
- #30 in National Universities (US News)
UF is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and awards credit for the CLEP exams. The University of Florida also proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Best for Aviation: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
One of the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans is a perfect choice for those in aviation. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has multiple campuses with campus-based and hybrid degrees as well as a renowned Worldwide campus. Keep in mind that Embry Riddle Worldwide has a graduation rate of approximately 25%. This program is designed for serious students only. Embry Riddle Worldwide consistently ranks high on “Best of” lists including:
- #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
- #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (US News)
- #7 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs (US News)
- #23 in Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans (US News)
- #29in Best Online Colleges in America (Niche)
Best of Both Worlds: Arizona State University
One of the Best Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans, ASU has a fantastic 60% graduation rate. ASU ranks high for campus-based programs and for online programs, offering students the best of both worlds. ASU offers an abundance of campus-based degrees, over 80 online bachelor’s degree programs and nearly as many master’s programs. ASU offers the same excellent curriculum and instruction on campus and online. ASU consistently receives top national accolades including:
- America’s Best Value College (Forbes)
- #3 in Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (US News)
- #6 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
- #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs (US News)
- #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (US News)
- #7 in Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs (US News)
- #10 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs (US News)
- #1 in Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs (US News)
ASU is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and awards credit for both the DSST and the CLEP exams. ASU also proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Top Ranked for Veterans: University of Virginia
The University of Virginia has an astounding 85% graduation rate. It consistently ranks high in national “Best of” lists including:
- #10 in Best Colleges for Veterans (US News)
- #10 in Online Graduate Programs (US News)
- #3 Top Public Universities in America (Niche)
- #26 in National Universities (US News)
- #32 in Best Value Schools (US News)
- #4 in Top Public Schools (US News)
- #7 in Business Schools (US News)
The University of Virginia is a GI Bill approved school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. The University of Virginia proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Best Kept Secret: Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers an abundance of programs including over 85 online programs. As one of the Best Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans, Oregon State consistently receives top national accolades including:
- #3 Best Online Colleges in America (Niche)
- #4 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
- #3 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs(US News)
- #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (US News)
- #16 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs(US News)
Oregon State University is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and offers credit for the CLEP exam. Oregon State also proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Best Overall: Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
Pennsylvania State University is a four-year, public institution with multiple campuses spread out through the state of Pennsylvania. The university is also known for its World Campus where students can earn their Penn State degree online, from anywhere in the world! Penn State World Campus offers over 120 Master’s degrees and graduate certificates. Its campus-based programs include more than 275 undergraduate majors and more than 300 graduate and professional programs.
As one of the Best Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans, Penn State consistently ranks high in national “Best of” lists including:
- #3 in Best Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering Programs(US News)
- #4 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs (US News)
- #7 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs (US News)
- #5 in Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs (US News)
- #7 in Best Online MBA Programs (US News)
- #8 in Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs (US News)
- #10 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (US News)
- #1 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (US News)
Penn State World Campus is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and awards credit for the DSST exam. Penn State World Campus proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Best Online HBCU: Hampton University
One of the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans is also one of the Best HBCUs. Hampton University offers a variety of online degrees including associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in online 8-week sessions.
Hampton University is a well-known HBCU and receives many accolades including:
- #5 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (US News)
- #52 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (US News)
- #58 Most Liberal Colleges in America (Niche)
Hampton University is a GI Bill approved school, participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, and awards credit for both the DSST and the CLEP exams. Hampton University also proudly offers college credit for military experience.
How We Determine the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans
The following features are common practices among the best online military friendly colleges for Coast Guard Veterans:
- Military Credit Transfer: Military training, courses, and specialty schools can transfer to college credits. This can result in saving veterans valuable time and money. To get started, request a copy of your military joint services transcript.
- CLEP: With the College-Level Examination Program, students can earn approximately 3 credits for each successful exam. There are over 30 introductory-level college subject exams including Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science, Math, and Business. Go here for more on CLEP.
- DSST: With the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests students have the opportunity to test for credit. There are six categories of exams including Business, Humanities, Math, Physical Science, Social Sciences, and Technology. Go here for more on DSST Exams.
Additional desirable features among the Best Online Colleges for Coast Guard Veterans include:
- Accreditation: Regional accreditation is preferable, but nationally accredited can be acceptable under the right circumstances.
- GI Bill and Additional Tuition Assistance: Must accept the GI Bill. They will also take part in additional tuition assistance such as the Yellow Ribbon Program and other funding specifically earmarked for veterans.
- Graduation Rates: Your prospective school should have a graduation rate of 30% or higher. The higher the rate the better.
- Career Assistance: The best schools in terms of job placement will have an excellent network to help students succeed in their chosen career after earning their degree. Post-graduation career assistance can be found in programs such as internships, apprenticeships, strong alumni connections, veteran/student help centers, etc.
RELATED:
- 11 Best Scholarships for Coast Guard Members
- Coast Guard College Education Programs
- Cost Guard Tuition Assistance Overview
About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.