There are many military-friendly colleges in Virginia and a wide range of on-campus and online options for prospective students. Public, private, and for-profit educational institutions all count armed forces members among their full-time and part-time students.
Military-affiliated students, active duty military members, military spouses, and military dependents are all eligible for the wide range of veteran services and educational benefits available at the best military colleges in Virginia. Our list will help you decide which public or private institution is right for you as a veteran.
Is It Hard to Get Into a Military-Friendly College in Virginia?
It is not hard to get into a military-friendly college in Virginia. There are many educational options for military members in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some schools do waive some requirements based on military service, but service members, veterans, and military spouses must all still meet the same admission requirements for each school.
Funding for Military-Friendly Schools in Virginia
There are over 246 schools listed in the state of Virginia by the US Veterans Administration. Some of these are also the best and most prestigious colleges in the state. There are several funding options for students, including the GI Bill, the Corps of Cadets scholarships at Virginia Tech, and ROTC options for those not already in the military. Some schools also accept service and experience in place of credits.
These programs currently offer benefits for veterans’ education in Virginia:
- ROTC Programs
- Post-9/11 and other GI Bills
- Corps of Cadets
- Credits for service and other experience
Is College Free in Virginia if You Are a Veteran?
College is not free in Virginia if you are a veteran. However, your college tuition and fees may be reduced or even waived in some cases, depending on how long you have served. The GI Bill, for example, is calculated based on how long you have served. If you join an ROTC program, much of the cost of your college education is covered by the military in exchange for service.
Is Virginia a Good Place to Go to a Military-Friendly College?
Yes, Virginia is a good place to go to a military-friendly college. Veteran students wanting to earn an undergraduate degree or a more advanced graduate degree can rest assured that there are many options for students in the state.
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Factors Vets Need to Consider When Choosing a School in Virginia
- Military benefits. All schools included in this article accept the same benefits included as part of the GI Bill. However, many schools offer additional military benefits such as tuition discounts and ROTC tracks. Some credits may even be waived if students have certain experiences.
- Military affairs office. A good military affairs office can be invaluable in pursuing military benefits, staying on track throughout your academic career, and organizing social events where students can meet their fellow service members.
- Degrees offered. Going to a great school doesn’t matter if it doesn’t offer the degree you want to get. Many degrees are not fully covered by ROTC programs. In addition, some schools may give more credit to service members pursuing a specific degree path.
- Location. While Virginia is not the largest state, it is not small either. With several military bases across the state, its proximity to the nation’s capital, and many military-adjacent institutions, students will have no problem choosing a school that meets their location needs.
Best Military-Friendly Colleges in Virginia at a Glance
| College | # of Students Earning Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits | Average Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Polytechnic Institute | Undergrad: 1,983Grad: 62 | Undergrad: $10,849Grad: $9,482 |
| George Mason University | Undergrad: 1,098 Grad: 484 |
Undergrad: $11,373Grad: $10,687 |
| James Madison University | Undergrad: 452Grad: 34 | Undergrad: $10,190 Grad: $8,900 |
| Liberty University | Undergrad: 5,284Grad: 4,043 | Undergrad: $9,581Grad: $4,979 |
| Old Dominion University | Undergrad: 1,905Grad: 297 | Undergrad: $15,514Grad: $13,028 |
| Regent University | Undergrad: 462Grad: 537 | Undergrad: $10,055Grad: $9,597 |
| University of Virginia | Undergrad: 304Grad: 247 | Undergrad: $15,315Grad: $48,210 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Undergrad: 660Grad: 106 | Undergrad: $12,057Grad: $16,442 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute | Undergrad: 689Grad: 155 | Undergrad: $11,554Grad: $12,063 |
| William & Mary College | Undergrad: 199 Grad: 200 |
Undergrad: $20,552Grad: $20,623 |
Best Colleges for Veterans in Virginia
How Does the Post-9/11 GI Bill Work?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill or GI Bill is a college benefit for active-duty service members who served after September 10th, 2001. It is similar to other GI Bills offered during previous wars or previous eras of military service. The benefit is based on your rank at the current time, and covers some or all tuition expenses, including a stipend for housing and books.
Who Is Eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is available for students who were on active duty after September 10th, 2001. The bill is available for a service member’s dependents, including spouses (immediately) and children up to age 26 (after 10 years of service). Military members must transfer their benefits by applying online, in person, or by following the VA transfer guide.
What Does the GI Bill Cover?
The GI Bill covers books and supplies along with some or all tuition, depending on a service member’s rank and time served. Housing benefits are available to service members’ spouses and children in some cases.
Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the GI Bill
- Benefits must be transferred to dependents if a service member does not wish to use them.
- Many schools have their own separate department for handling military affairs, and in most cases, these departments must be contacted first when applying to any school.
- It is necessary to read all documentation carefully and follow all steps to receive GI Bill aid before, during, and after the semester.
- The housing stipend is based on the college’s physical location and increases or decreases based on the current military housing rate.
- Generally, the bill only covers the first attempt at a class, and if the student fails, they must pay the difference out of pocket upon retaking.
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How to Apply for the GI Bill and Related Benefits
Applying for the GI Bill is simple, but in some cases, your application can take over a month to process. Be sure to start at least two months before the desired acceptance date. Students must fill out a 22-1099E form for individual or transferring benefits and submit all military and civilian paperwork. Once your application is approved, you can apply to your schools of choice.
Step 1: Fill Out the 22-1099E Form to Begin Benefits
Whether transferring or using benefits, the first step you should take is to fill out the 22-1099E form and follow the application steps on the VA website. Like filling out the FAFSA, be sure to have any tax, employment, identity, or other necessary records handy along with all current orders and military documentation.
Step 2: Wait for Approval of Benefits
Waiting is the hardest part, but you can always check the status of your benefits request. You can do this online using the login set up during the application process or by calling your local VA office to find out the current status of your application.
Step 3: Apply to Your Schools of Choice
Once you’re approved, you can apply to your schools of choice. Make sure to read every school’s requirements carefully and ensure you have the proper test scores, grades, and other requirements necessary to apply.
Step 4: Contact the Military Affairs Office at Your School
Once you have been accepted, you should reach out to the military affairs office. They can help you find and submit all the proper paperwork to pay for your schooling and ensure the VA is notified of your enrollment so you can receive any non-tuition benefits.
Step 5: Sign Up for Classes
If you made it this far in the process, the only thing left to do is sign up for the classes needed for your first semester. Generally, it takes around two weeks to receive housing and tuition benefits, which will help you pay for college and meet the financial demands of your program.
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What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the GI Bill?
You will need several documents to apply for the GI Bill. These documents include proof of ID, current residence, employment information, any previous education, current military orders, and tax returns. If you are transferring benefits, the same applies to the dependents who are receiving the benefits.
These are the documents you need to apply for the GI Bill:
- Proof of ID
- Proof of current residence
- Employment information
- Any previous education
- Current military orders
- Tax returns
What Are the Best Online Military-Friendly Colleges in Virginia?
The best online military-friendly colleges in Virginia include the East Coast Polytechnic Institute, George Mason University, and Liberty University. These schools are ideal for service members who are looking for flexibility and convenience or have other obligations like work and family.
These are the best online military-friendly colleges in Virginia:
- East Coast Polytechnic Institute
- George Mason University
- Liberty University
- Old Dominion University
- Regent University
Best Online Colleges for Veterans in Virginia
Can I Get College Credit for My Military Training?
Yes, you can receive credit for military training at many of the colleges on our list. Depending on time served, position served, previously completed certificate programs, and previous training in specific fields, schools may waive certain requirements, classes, or prerequisites.
Full-time and part-time students are both eligible for discounts like these, and many online schools also offer these discounts. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are generally more likely to receive these discounts than graduate students.
As Vet, Do I Have to Meet the Same Requirements as Regular Students?
Yes, all students at any institution on our list must meet the same requirements as other students. All schools have their own academic policies, class requirements, and codes of conduct. However, military students might have additional requirements and standards to meet.
Military students attending college are also active-duty military personnel, which means that their conduct in their civilian, military, and academic life must meet the standards set out by the military’s code of conduct. Issues like academic expulsion or disciplinary action could also result in the loss of military education benefits.
Applying to College: 5 Tips for Veteran Students
Applying to college as a veteran student or dependent is similar to applying to a school as a civilian. The main difference is the number of forms that need to be filled out and who you contact once you are accepted. Veteran service centers or military affairs offices at each school can help answer any questions you have when applying.
- Begin the application process early. Many students apply for early enrollment, but many military students should start applying even earlier to ensure enrollment.
- Ensure benefits are available when applying. Students must be aware of what benefits they or their dependents are entitled to and make sure those benefits are available for use. Some benefits are contingent on service time, while others may have been used up previously.
- Contact the VA. During the course of their college search, students should contact the Veterans Administration for any changes in benefits or status of forms. The VA is also a helpful resource for students that have any questions during the admissions process.
- Apply to as many schools as you wish. Many schools have a specific number of military students they would like to have in a given year. While they won’t turn you away, some schools may overlook your low test scores or a not very good GPA in order to meet their military student goal.
- Contact student affairs once you are accepted. This may be the most important tip on the list. After you have been accepted to your school, contact the military affairs office. This office will help you sign up for classes and get your paperwork filed, as well as answer any questions you may have.
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Should You Attend a Military-Friendly School in Virginia?
Yes, you should attend a military-friendly school in Virginia. Virginia is home to several military bases, and its close proximity to Washington DC provides a great opportunity for military members or their families to attend college in a welcoming and friendly state. Virginia also offers plenty of online options and several large and nationally esteemed universities.
Military-Friendly Colleges in Virginia FAQ
Virginia Tech is the best military-friendly school in Virginia. Because Virginia Tech has a Corps of Cadets, its veteran services, career services, tuition discounts, and educational benefits are top-notch.
Virginia Tech is not technically a military academy. Virginia Tech is one of the best schools in Virginia, and it includes a Corps of Cadets, dormitories for military students, and a dedicated military affairs office to help students achieve their best. It is not, however, officially recognized as a military academy.
No, the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not pay out-of-state tuition. However, if a student wishes to attend a school in a different state, the student would be responsible for the difference in Post-9/11 GI Bill coverage.
Yes, veterans get in-state tuition in Virginia. Military members, both current and former, and their families can earn in-state tuition by meeting the domicile requirements put forward by the state. However, Virginia waives the one-year requirement for military veterans, and many military students can take advantage of in-state military benefits as soon as the next academic term.
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