What are the best online degree programs for the military?

I'm all for online education for the right people. I'm not the right person. I need the structure of a classroom

I started the Norwich online MA in Diplomacy. Finished 1/6 th of it when I had to PCS to a fully funded resident MBA (ACS). They became difficult when I had to withdraw as I was not continuing with them. Distance is not my thing but I worked hard. Would recommend them if you see it all the way through. They are a prestigious brick and mortar but expensive. They have a one time resident piece two weeks in the summer prior to graduation.

American Military University - MBA

Researched many other online programs, this one seemed the best since it targets military and government employees. Won't talk negatively against other programs since I don't have personal experience with them. Very easy to use GI Bill benefits, easy to get a hold of administration.

Generally, the students that were in my classes were military, former military or government employees with an occasional civilian thrown in. As with anything, you get out of it what you put in. The professors gave the students their work/home phone numbers and of course email. I had little to no trouble getting a hold of professors on the phone with questions. They were very adaptable to my schedule and would allow me to turn in work early or late if I had arranged it with them....those reasons could be military commitments or personal/family issues. If I wanted more schooling, and if AMU offers it, I would go with them again.

CPT (Join to see) I wasn't sure about the online colleges at first. I was close to enrolling with the University of Oregon; if not Portland State University had I moved up to Portland metropolitan area at the time. My job schedule then kept me from attending one of those two college choices and I looked into online just to see if it would be a viable option for me. I took one class with Columbia Southern University just to try it out at first and eventually ended up completing my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. It was challenging at times with my schedule and also keeping up with my grades and GPA. Some of the classes were a hard fought battle in their own right i.e. Business Law, Principles of Accounting, Information Systems Management and Business Policy and Strategy. I spent some long nights pounding the books and writing term papers each semester. I'm glad it worked out for me and would recommend everyone to try one after they do their research on programs and accreditation. I experienced great class discussion and interaction on topics for all my business curriculum. The professors were very supportive too with all questions/discussions.

I personally looked for a reputable brick-and-mortar school that had a strong online presence. In Sept of 2014, I completed a MS in Psych from Grand Canyon University, and it was overall a very worthwhile experience.

Former students of mine who attend GCU "on the ground" report that they also love it.

I'm currently pursuing a Master's Degree at Missouri State University Springfield. I looked at a number of different universities out there, but MSU was the only school that offered the program I wanted. Overall I've had a positive experience. Many of the classes were challenging and thought provoking. I've had few I would call easy. My average weekly workload entailed 20-70 pages of reading, a 2 page essay on the subject, and multiple discussion posts on the online forum per class. My professors have all been very engaged with one exception. My capstone course was so challenging I ended up withdrawing and will be retaking it in the fall.

I'm also a little leery of schools that are nationally accredited v. regionally accredited. While I'm sure there are plenty that are good, there's also the "University of Phoenix" stigma to contend with. I've had friends and peers attend some national accredited universities and transfer to a traditional school due to many of the reasons already mentioned. The bottom line is that you need to do your research before you enroll anywhere.

My daughter got her bachelors degree in accounting from Phoenix. It was a good program.

I fought college for 19 years after high school. My wife finally conned me in to going in 2009. I spent 4 years, 1 month and 3 days doing online classes through Colorado Technical University. I earned an ASBA, a BSN and an MS in that time. Outstanding online program. One of the top 5 military - friendly universities, and had classmates deployed all over the planet. I highly recommend their program.

Great question CPT Sarah S. I attended NGCSU in the 98, 99, and 2000. It was an awesome school, professors enjoyed their jobs, and over all it was a positive experience. I also went to school online with Rio Hondo College in Southern California earning an associates degree in Corrections. It was not too challenging, although I had already attended the Correctional Academy. But the content was right on target, I learned more than at the academy and had the opportunity to learn to manage / supervise and analyze this subject. I also went to school online at Columbia College (of Missouri; satellite college in San Luis Obispo Cuesta College) toward a bachelors degree in Administration of Justice. Challenging yet enjoyable classes. I really liked the 8 week sessions with a two week break in between classes. I would recommend both of these online schools. But I would recommend taking all of your core classes first in class / on campus. Once you have your general education classes out of the way, that better prepares you to take the classes towards your specific major. Rio Hondo College is affordable and Columbia College is quite expensive. But your GI bill will cover the cost. I highly recommend to those needing to, use your education benefits asap, time flies by fast, you earned that benefit, use it. It is like having a second job. Good Luck and I hope this helps some one.

I completed my A/S without ever doing "college," as in no classroom time, whether online or at a college.

It consisted of 100% Service Schools, CLEP, DANTE, & Excelsior examinations. All of this was FREE. And is still free to the service member, at any base education. For the Vet/Retire, the cost per credit is "minimal" ($95~ per test which is 3-6 credits).

My goal with my A/S was to "document & formalize" what I already knew. While I was doing that, I knocked out enough credits to get me VERY close to my B/S (which I am actually completing now).

When deciding on a school, you have to account for your actual goal. Mine was to be able to put B/S on a resume. The name of the school doesn't matter because I have a Liberal Arts degree with an Administrative Management focus. If I was trying to get an Engineering, or a "hard sciences" degree, I would care.

My wife went through the University of Phoenix online program for her A/A & B/A, which allowed her to pursue her Masters. That was her goal. The B/A was a check in the box to get to the Masters, which she went to Penn State for (online).

So, what does all that mean? Depending on what degree you want to pursue is going to change your college choices, and even whether you want to be a resident or non-resident program. There isn't one right answer. Resident programs at specific schools have great benefits, namely in networking, but that is often a younger persons game (like fraternities).