While online education presents a great opportunity, some military-affiliated students may prefer to pursue a master's degree on-campus. Below are several schools that offer in-person master's degree programs that are military-friendly.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Graduate Tuition (2022-2023)* | Tuition Assistance/Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | 4-year, Private | Boston, MA | $61,050 (Boston location) | On-base locations |
| Regent University | 4-year, Private | Virginia Beach, VA | $16,028 | 25% off graduate tuition, up to 90 transfer credits based on military experience |
| George Washington University | 4-year, Private | Washington, D.C. | $33,930 | Military-affiliated scholarships available |
| College of Saint Rose | 4-year, Private | Albany, NY | $15,228 | New program incentives, up to 15 transfer credits |
| Syracuse University | 4-year, Private | Syracuse, NY | $43,428 | Special military-affiliated programs, National Veterans Resource Center (opening 2020) |
| Quinnipiac University | 4-year, Private | Hamden, CT | $19,710 | Up to $15,000 VA benefit match |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Description
Military-affiliated students should consider many factors when choosing a master's degree program. The schools below offer a variety of financial and experiential benefits such as tuition discounts and scholarships, proximity to military bases, experienced veteran admissions staff, and special facilities and programs designed to help veteran students thrive.
Boston University
Boston University's Metropolitan College offers master's degree programs in leadership, project management, computer science and computer information systems at their Hanscom Air Force Base, Lejeune and Cherry Point locations. Additionally, Boston University's main campus offers over 200 master's degree programs.
Students can take classes at BU's three military locations while receiving full access to the same resources as the main campus. Depending on the concentration, students can take courses for master's programs either full-time or part-time.
Regent University
Regent University offers 28 on-campus master's degree programs in fields including business, government and cybersecurity law. Military-affiliated graduate students either receive a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for select master's programs or a 25% discount off standard graduate tuition.
Regent University employs a dedicated team of advisors specializing in military students. The school's leadership, enrollment and admissions advising staff has a combined total of over 180 years of military experience. The school offers all students a free evaluation of military training, which students can use to receive up to 90 transfer credits.
George Washington University
George Washington University (GW) offers over 100 master's degree programs across 14 schools and colleges. GW offers several funding opportunities for military-affiliated students through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services: the Tillman Military Scholars Program, the Professional Credentialing Grant and the Learning Supplement Stipend.
The Center for Career Services at GW offers military students tailored support including career consulting, as well as workshops on resume writing and interviewing techniques. The office provides additional support and resources to military students transitioning from the military to a civilian career. Military students can also make use of GW's Military Community Center, which the school describes as a 'home away from home' where military-affiliated students can study and socialize.
College of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Rose offers 24 master's degree programs in fields including business, computer science and education. The school works constantly to develop new, innovative programs like dual degrees and new majors such as business analytics. The New Program Incentives initiative provides tuition grants each semester to students enrolling in select graduate programs when they first become available. Military-affiliated students can receive up to 15 transfer credits for military training.
In 2015, Saint Rose opened its 1,300-square-foot Veteran Center where military students can socialize and receive necessary services. It was named a 'Battle Buddy Center' by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. Saint Rose ranked #1 among Military Friendly private colleges with fewer than 10,000 students from 2016-2018. The school also ranked #20 on the 2018 'Best for Vets: Colleges' list by Military Times.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers over 200 graduate degree programs across 13 schools and colleges. The school partners with several government agencies, including the U.S. Army Signal Center, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy and the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, to create specialized programs of study. Students can also take advantage of several career transition and entrepreneurship programs through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the nation's first interdisciplinary academic program focused solely on veterans.
The National Veterans Resource Center, a 3,700-square-foot facility dedicated to military programs, is under construction at Syracuse to be completed in 2020. This facility will train and support 40,000 veterans per year and house the school's various military-affiliated programs.
In addition to VA benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program, military-affiliated students may be eligible for a book stipend, tutoring coverage, and a $3,000 housing grant for on-campus housing.
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University offers 17 in-person master's degree programs in fields such as business, education, communication and health sciences. Community service is an integral part of the school's mission and curriculum, and students are given many opportunities to participate in outreach projects to benefit the community. For students who want to maintain military-ready physical fitness standards, Quinnipiac has an indoor track and weight room in the Athletics and Recreation Center, as well as several outdoor athletics courts and hiking trails.
In addition to standard VA benefits, eligible students can receive matching benefits from Quinnipiac through grant and scholarship programs of up to $15,000 per year.
