Online Colleges with Benefits for Military Spouses: Tips for Finding Schools

There are a number of ways for military spouses to find online colleges that are military friendly, including utilizing an Internet search engine, checking military-based websites for education and career information, and talking to academic advisors. Military spouses can find a wealth of information on tuition assistance, including how to apply for assistance and what programs of study are eligible.

How Do I Find Online Schools with Benefits for Military Spouses?

Search Engines

An online search is a viable option for individuals looking for online colleges offering benefits for military spouses. Entering keywords such as 'online college', 'benefits' and 'military spouse' into any preferred search engine can yield a number of relevant results. To narrow down search results to show only college and university websites, students can also include 'site:.edu' in the search box. Once results are provided, students can click on related links to get more information from each individual college.

Military Websites

Military OneSource

MilitaryOneSource.com is an online resource for military members and their families. After logging into the Military OneSource website and choosing the appropriate branch, prospective students can search for benefits for military spourses. Search results include links to information on tuition assistance, the GI Bill for spouses and other financial aid information. Students can also utilize the 'tools' tab, which currently includes links to benefits, scholarship opportunities, and military spouse education and career resources.

Academic Institution Portal

The Academic Institution Portal (AI Portal) is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. This website contains information about the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. Most colleges and universities use MyCAA to provide benefits to military spouses, although some institutions may have their own financial assistance programs. In order to receive benefits, spouses must attend schools that participate in the MyCAA program. MyCAA pays for education, training and high school completion courses, GED tests, continuing education units, ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, and professional certification, licensing and credentialing programs.
MyCAA also pays tuition for educational programs that prepare students for 'portable' careers. Portable careers are careers that let military spouses take their work with them wherever they go. Types of portable careers include Web designer, graphic designer, programmer, transcriptionist, event planner, freelance writer, photographer and virtual assistant.

Offline Resources

Academic Advisors

Academic advisors have access to a wealth of career and education information, including information on benefits for military spouses. Academic advisors can help students select a school and appropriate programs of study to coincide with MyCAA guidelines. Academic advisors may also have access to a list of schools that participate in the MyCAA program.

Military OneSource

In addition to visiting the Military OneSource website, spouses can also call one of Military OneSource's career and education consultants. These individuals can help students explore portable career options, compare schools, and develop a MyCAA education and career plan.