Where is the best school to earn an online degree while on Active Duty?

2018-06-24T22:43:12-04:00

What places give you the most bang for your buck, the most military friendly, and the most flexible? What are your experiences and do you have any advice to give on the subject?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 10:44 PM

2018-06-24T22:44:53-04:00

It depends. Some schools offer a degree completion program that awards credits for your MOS. I only have to take 5 classes to get my associates.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 10:46 PM

2018-06-24T22:46:47-04:00

So far I’m doing my first graduate degree with UMUC right now which is fairly priced especially since I can’t get TA at the moment. In Europe it is $10900 when said and done. In the states the same degree from the same school is $19000 so location can play a factor. I guess the better question is what do you want your degree in sir?

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jun 24 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-06-24T22:48:52-04:00

My advice for enlisted is to be able to manage time. That is the first one, sometimes you bring your textbook on a field exercise or even on deployment. Second is Central Texas College because they are accredited regionally rather than nationally. That means if you get out or continue to pursue a bachelors you can transfer to a 4 year. From my experience. Most Enlisted from E-4 to First Sergeant have earned a diploma and working on to get a 4 year. E4 to E7 is not a walk in the park because time, approval from CO to give you TA and also behaving to keep that previledge.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 11:08 PM

2018-06-24T23:08:23-04:00

I got my MBA at Liberty University online. Finishing up my DBA at Capella for a good price as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-06-24T23:27:03-04:00

Personally, I attained my Associates and Bachelors degrees from UMUC, and my Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma - all online while deployed and stateside. It truly comes down to your learning style, pace, program of interest, and long term goals. Big decision, take your time in choosing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 11:36 PM

2018-06-24T23:36:25-04:00

Such a great question sir! It all depends on your learning style. Can you do fast pace learning? Or need more time to comprehend? I personally am attending AMU. Being a 15R and in the army gave me 42 credits towards my BA in Management. I am using TA and after my current 2 classes I am capped and will have a total of 58 credits after only taken 5 classes. I’d say take your time and pick a college that would best suit you. Best of luck to you sir.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 12:30 AM

2018-06-25T00:30:36-04:00

I know of many SGM's and other enlisted personnel have had a great experience with TRITON UNIVERSITY. Its always worth giving it a look. My SGM said they are pretty flexible and are easy to work with on timelines and what not you may need.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-06-25T00:31:59-04:00

University of Maryland University College and Columbia Southern University

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 1:38 AM

2018-06-25T01:38:27-04:00

Bellevue University is top-rated for military. Top!!!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jun 25 at 2018 2:31 AM

2018-06-25T02:31:14-04:00

AMU is really flexible with military commitments. But another good one is Columbia Southern University. Many brick and mortar schools are now offering online degrees too. Arizona State has an incredible program and you get a degree from a Division 1 school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 6:52 AM

2018-06-25T06:52:28-04:00

My personal experience with umuc was grear. I was a combat engineer at the time, they transfered 50 some credits from my training and used my NCOERs as real world experience. I also tested in Spanish to cover some general credits. They are not flexible with the class schedule, but it was easy to plan iot take courses during my down time. They also offer classes during lunch, evenings and weekends, or at least they did when I was attending classes with them. I earned my AA and BS with them. I am currently doing my Master's degree with AMU, they have not accepted any credit transfers as of right now

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jun 25 at 2018 8:21 AM

2018-06-25T08:21:07-04:00

Depending on your degree field lots of great answers. When I first looked into it Norwich was an option not requiring the GMAT. I'd look into all the options mentioned! Good Luck 2LT Daniel Fahey

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 9:35 AM

2018-06-25T09:35:33-04:00

I recently looked into this for getting a Masters. I searched based on 3 criteria: cost, offered online, and offered the course of study I was looking for. Those will narrow the field quite a bit. At least they did for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-06-25T11:07:03-04:00

I received my 1st Bachelors degree from Columbia Southern University and working on my Masters degree from them. I am currently finishing up my 2nd Bachelors degree at University of Maryland University College this year.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 25 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-06-25T11:37:09-04:00

Depends on the degree... be careful! Don’t throw your money away!

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jun 25 at 2018 9:57 PM

2018-06-25T21:57:33-04:00

For a bachelors program I'd say look into the University of Alabama's New College Life Track. Multiple ways to take a course. From traditional on campus, online with blackboard, a learning contract where you basically follow the syllabus and turn in what is required and you have 6 months to complete, to a group learning contract where there is a small campus component and the predominant learning is online. I found it very manageable blending what courses I took. Loved the learning contracts.

I'm doing a masters in education, training and development from Central Michigan University. They are great to work with and are very military friendly.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 3:45 AM

2018-07-09T03:45:24-04:00

I am currently at Arizona State because they offer Electrical Engineering online (I think medical stuff also). I haven't paid for anything but books and they are extremely (almost overly) helpful with whatever I would need. Though I got my AS from a community college so I'm not sure how entrance into the program would be without that.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 13 at 2019 9:52 PM

2019-04-13T21:52:45-04:00

My two recommendations are:
- University of Maryland University College (UMUC)
- Central Michigan University (CMU)

Send them your civilian and military transcripts to see what they can give you.
After ILE both UMUC and CMU will give you 5 classes (15 graduate credits) towards a masters degree.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2020 3:50 AM

2020-02-21T03:50:49-05:00

I received my Bachelor's Degree at University of Phoenix online. I completed at least five classes online when I was deployed to Iraq (OIF 2010). They gave me credit for my military experience as well as accepted most of my previous college credits as long as the grades are a "C" or better. Also, it depends on your learning style as well. Online worked best for me, but for others they may prefer the traditional brick and mortar.