What are the best online degree programs for the military?

I'm currently working on my MBA through Arizona State University and I've found their program to be excellent. They have a Veterans assistance office called the Pat Tillman Center that is extremely helpful with everything. Definitely consider any of the ASU online degree programs.

Back before there was an on-line program, I started my college education on post through the University of Maryland and City Colleges of Chicago. I transferred those credits to a community college and then to a private college where I received my BS and MA. I have taught at my former school on a part-time basis working with adults. I cannot speak to the on-line experience, but I can say that everyone needs to pay attention to the school's accreditation. Every school, on-line or not is now calling themselves a college. Even the states have changed the name of vocational schools to Technological College or College of Technology. This does not make it a college. Be sure that the school is accredited by the proper authorities and that your hours will transfer to another college. I personally know of people who started off on-line and then went traditional and found out that their previous credits did not count.

Sarah, If you do your research you'll find that when it comes to veteran's programs, both in-residence and online, California University of Pennsylvania continually ranks among the top schools in the country. They've been named a "military-friendly" school 6 years in a row. I completed my Masters of Science degree online, beginning while in Iraq commanding an MCT in Mosul, and finishing up back home in a year. The program was tough and demanding and required serious focus and dedication to finish on time. After seeing how beautiful the actual campus was I decided to actually attend commencement. It was well worth it.

As far as those to stay away from... For my taste, any of the for-profit schools. After all, what's their focus providing an education or making a profit? There's a reason teachers salaries are often the brunt of jokes. For profit schools seem to have a conflict of interest...

I attended Colorado Technical University on line. I already had an AA from Columbia Basin College at Pasco, WA. I picked up both a Bachelors and a Masters. I started my Doctorate with them until I started having some medical problems.

CTU is not too bad. They run 5.5 week courses, which you take two courses in a quarter. There is no GMAT, GRE, or any of these if someone wants to pursue a Masters. If anyone wants to know a little more about CTU, let me know.

LCDR Jaron Matlow, Phoenix needs to be avoided. They will graduate anyone with a pulse to maintain standing with FAFSA.

I've found a AS/BS in computer science is a great way to go. You're already on a computer and anything you have to do in the way of labs etc is right in front of you.

I completed my BS at Colorado State University online. I didn't find it to be any different than going to the university as far as being treated as a student. Now if I could only find a university for my masters that meets my company's standards that would be great.

I did not receive my degree from an online university, but I did take some of my course work online. I have also instructed online courses. There are two very important aspects of any online course or class. First, the university has to have investment in the program/class. Meaning, if a university views the online program as a necessary evil to financial inclusion than your degree/program/class will show that disinterest in the selection of instructors, quality of class and instructional involvement. The interest of this type is exemplified in student approval rates and instructional changeover. The second is instructor involvement. Instructor feedback/involvement is critical to any class, face to face or online. Students need feedback and instructional involvement. A way to check instructor involvement is message board inputs. if a professor is fully vested you will see comments throughout the message board feedback, making provocative and insightful comments. Another way is to check the feedback loop required of a university. When I instructed online courses we where required to provide feedback within 10 days of the assignment turn in date, or before another like type assignment. Online instruction is difficult and requires more "offline" work by an instructor that face to face classes. Many instructors have the impression their workload will decrease when instructing online. This misconception often leads to poor instruction.

Good luck in your search.

Early in my career I tried the brick and mortar classes. I was stationed in Hawaii, so the obvious choice was Honolulu Community College. Once I PCS'd, there was no way to continue with them so I chose to transfer to UMUC-Europe while I was in Italy. I used the combination of attanding actual classes in the Ed Center, as well as online classes. It was going well until I PCS'd back to CONUS and UMUC-E didn't provide the proper resources here for me to continue. I transfered my classes to Troy University and have been with them since. I am a few classes away from my BS in Sport and Physical Fitness and have found the experience to be awesome.

Rumor has it, most employers will not accept degrees from Phoenix. I've read a ton of complaints about this school. DO NOT ENTER!

I earned my graduate degree at Central Michigan University while on Active Duty ($300/credit). Good experience! And of course, I will give a shameful plug for Penn State's online programs - Ranked by US News & World Report "#1 for online undergraduate degree programs - 2015".