A useful place to beginHow Military Tuition Rates Work in Degree Completion
Each card names who the rate covers in the school’s own words. Some rates apply only to active-duty members using Tuition Assistance, while others include Guard and Reserve members, veterans, or family members. Check your status against that wording before you count on the rate.
Most schools here set their military rate at $250 per credit, which Columbia Southern describes as the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance cap. Fees, course materials, and charges outside tuition can still apply. A military rate lowers tuition; it does not change which of your credits transfer, so compare the transfer maximum on each card as well.
This shortlist includes 15 online degree offerings at 15 colleges. Compare transfer credit policies with the requirements of your chosen major. Check each program’s schedule and any laboratory, fieldwork, or campus commitments before enrolling.
How this list is rankedWe use the military per-credit rate each school publishes for this undergraduate program or its online division and order the list from the lowest rate to the highest. When rates are equal, programs with a published transfer maximum come first, ordered by the share of the degree that maximum covers. Remaining ties appear alphabetically. The ranking does not establish your eligibility for a rate or for Tuition Assistance.
Read our program selection method ↗ Compare Online Military Degree Completion Programs
The programs, with context
Online Degree Completion Programs Ranked by Military Tuition
#1Service Member Rate on a Cybersecurity DegreeFranklin University
BS in Cybersecurity
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #1 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75.8% of the degree (94 of 124 credits).
Franklin charges current service members $250 per credit, compared with its $398 standard rate, and its cybersecurity degree accepts up to 94 earlier college credits toward 124. That pairing helps a service member whose training and prior coursework already cover networking basics. Six- and twelve-week online courses fit around duty schedules, and virtual exercises cover cloud, Linux, and security scenarios.
Before you apply: At least 30 credits and the capstone must be completed at Franklin. A $100 semester resource fee applies on top of tuition.
- Where You Start
- Provide qualifying high school completion or an equivalent, or an eligible accredited college degree, and have previous college coursework evaluated.
#2A Military Rate for Emergency Services AdministrationAdelphi University
BS in Emergency Services Administration
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #2 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
Adelphi offers a $250-per-credit military tuition rate for its online emergency services administration degree, available to active duty service members, veterans, National Guard members, and eligible dependents who submit a Certificate of Eligibility. Up to 90 credits from a four-year college can transfer, and life-experience credit may also apply. The 50-credit major takes an all-hazards approach to emergency services.
Before you apply: At least 30 credits must be completed at Adelphi, and both capstones fall in the final year of study.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Special military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for this degree; active duty service members, veterans, National Guard members, and eligible dependents submit a Certificate of Eligibility.
#3Preferred Military Rate for Homeland SecurityAmerican Public University System
BA in Homeland Security
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #3 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
American Public University’s Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit for active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families. Its online homeland security BA can apply as many as 90 approved transfer credits and covers infrastructure protection, intelligence, risk, and border security. Courses start monthly and run eight to sixteen weeks, which helps when training or deployments shift your calendar.
Before you apply: The senior seminar requires at least 106 program credits before entry, so plan your final courses with an advisor.
- Military Tuition Rate
- The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses, available to U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families.
- Where You Start
- A high school diploma or equivalent and required undergraduate documentation are needed. APU evaluates previous coursework for transfer.
- Study Schedule
- Online courses start monthly and vary from eight to sixteen weeks.
#4The TA-Cap Rate for Emergency ManagementColumbia Southern University
BS in Emergency Management, Homeland Security Concentration
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #4 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit hour. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
Columbia Southern sets its bachelor’s tuition at $250 per credit hour for active-duty military members using tuition assistance, matching the Department of Defense cap of $250. Its online emergency management degree with a homeland security concentration can apply as many as 90 approved transfer credits. Eleven start dates a year and around-the-clock course access suit shift work and field duty.
Before you apply: The rate excludes students using a Learning Partner discount. Confirm your TA approval with your branch before each term.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Bachelor’s tuition is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance, keeping the rate at the DoD cap of $250.
- Study Schedule
- Fully online courses offer around-the-clock access, with eleven start dates each year.
#5Military Tuition and a Sport Management DegreeLiberty University
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, General
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #5 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree. 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
Liberty’s military undergraduate rate is $250 per credit, and its military benefits list active duty, Reserve and National Guard members, veterans and retirees, spouses, and current Department of Defense employees among those who may qualify. Up to 75% of the sport management degree can transfer. Coursework blends the business of sport with recreation management, adds a required internship, and is taught from a Christian worldview.
Before you apply: Eight-week courses have no set login times, though practicums and internships can be exceptions. Plan the internship around your duty station.
#6Active-Duty Pricing for Healthcare AdministrationSouthern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #6 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
SNHU lists an online undergraduate active-duty military rate of $250 per credit, or $750 per three-credit course, against its $354 standard rate. Its healthcare administration degree can apply as many as 90 transferred credits toward coursework in reimbursement, delivery systems, policy, and strategic management, and you can add a concentration in Health Information Management or in Patient Safety and Quality. Eight-week terms suit a service member taking one course at a time.
Before you apply: Students paying the active-duty rate are not eligible for additional SNHU discounts. At least 30 credits must be taken at SNHU.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Online undergraduate active duty military tuition: $250 per credit hour, $750 per 3-credit course.
- Where You Start
- Apply online, complete the required attestation form, and submit a transcript request for each previous college. Confirm any additional requirements for your program.
#7Military Rate Plus Portfolio Credit for TrainingUniversity of Louisville
BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning
OnlineDegree completion route
Ranks #7 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit hour. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
The University of Louisville offers members of the U.S. Armed Forces a $250 military tuition rate in its online organizational leadership and learning degree, and tuition assistance can be used. Military training and work experience can earn up to 48 credit hours through its prior learning assessment course and portfolio. Up to 90 credits from four-year schools or 60 from community colleges can transfer.
Before you apply: The prior learning assessment course is billed at standard tuition, and portfolio credit depends on a committee decision. Online courses also carry a $10 per credit fee.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who provide documentation are eligible for the reduced military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.
- Study Schedule
- Online, asynchronous 8-week courses
#8Military Pricing on a Criminal Justice DegreeUniversity of Maryland Global Campus
BS in Criminal Justice
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #8 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Here, its published transfer maximum covers 75% of the degree (90 of 120 credits). 7 programs share both figures, so they appear in alphabetical order.
UMGC lists a $250-per-credit military rate on its online criminal justice degree, below both its in-state and out-of-state rates. The 33-credit major covers criminal law, investigation, corrections, juvenile delinquency, and victimology, a natural next step for military police and security forces members. Up to 90 credits from four-year schools can transfer, and courses run year-round.
Before you apply: Credits from two-year schools cap at 70. At least 30 credits, including half the major, must be earned through UMGC.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Tuition rates: $337 per credit in-state, $499 per credit out-of-state, $250 per credit (military).
- Transfer Maximum
- Up to 90 credits from four-year institutions or 70 from two-year institutions, subject to evaluation and degree requirements. 120 total credits; at least 30 through UMGC, including half the major and 15 upper-level credits.
- Where You Start
- Meet UMGC's undergraduate admission requirements. Previous criminal justice experience and professional certifications are not required for the degree.
- Study Schedule
- All courses are available online, with courses offered year-round.
#9Active Military Discount on Biblical StudiesBelhaven University
BA in Biblical Studies
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #9 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit hour. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
For its fully online Bible degree, Belhaven lists an active military undergraduate rate of $250 per credit hour, against $465 standard, while military spouses and veterans receive a 20% discount that brings the rate to $372. The program studies Scripture from a Christian perspective and offers a human services concentration for students who want to serve others after the military.
Before you apply: Military discounts cannot be combined with other Belhaven scholarships or discounts, so compare which benefit saves you more.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Active military discount, undergraduate program: $250 per credit hour (standard $465).
#10A $250 Military Rate in Accelerated Project ManagementBellevue University
BS in Project Management
OnlineDegree completion route
Ranks #10 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
Bellevue lists a $250 military preferred cost per credit for its online project management degree, compared with $459 standard. Its accelerated completion major is open once you bring an associate degree or 60 transferable credits, which fits service members who finished an associate degree while serving. Coursework covers the project lifecycle, leadership, risk, and an integrated project plan.
Before you apply: The degree totals 127 credits and includes the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, so confirm how many credits remain after evaluation.
- Where You Start
- The accelerated major requires 60 transfer credits or an associate degree before starting.
- Study Schedule
- Online, accelerated degree-completion cohort
#11A Servicemember Rate for CybersecurityChamplain College
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #11 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
Champlain charges military servicemembers $250 per credit, or $750 per three-credit course, for online undergraduate study, while veterans and military family members pay $290. Its cybersecurity degree uses virtual labs with Linux environments, web-security tools, and vulnerable applications, and selected certifications can receive course credit, which helps if your military role came with IT certifications.
Before you apply: A one-time $150 graduation fee applies. Bring certification records along with transcripts to the transfer review.
- Military Tuition Rate
- $250 per credit ($750 per 3-credit course) for military servicemembers.
- Where You Start
- Champlain evaluates earlier college study and other eligible learning for transfer; selected certifications can receive course credit.
#12A Flat Active-Duty Rate in Public AdministrationPoint Loma Nazarene University
BA in Public Administration
OnlineDegree completion route
Ranks #12 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per unit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
Point Loma Nazarene sets a flat $250 per unit for all active-duty service members enrolled in its online public administration program, part of its adult degree completion division. If you serve in base administration, logistics, or community relations, the degree connects that work to public service management, and asynchronous eight-week courses can travel with you between assignments.
Before you apply: The rate is written for active-duty members; veterans should ask admissions which rate applies to them before enrolling.
- Where You Start
- PLNU accepts transfer credits and requires official transcripts from each institution attended; the program can also admit students with no completed college units.
#13Active-Duty TA Rate for Social ScienceUniversity of North Dakota
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #13 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
The University of North Dakota charges $250 per credit for active-duty undergraduates using federal Tuition Assistance; the rate excludes Guard and Reserve members. Its online Social Science BA lets you build an interdisciplinary major of at least 36 credits across three approved disciplines, with optional plans such as Health and Human Services or Economic and Political Science Studies.
Before you apply: Apply to UND before submitting TA paperwork; the rate is adjusted once UND receives it. Nine credits are required in each chosen discipline.
- Military Tuition Rate
- UND offers an Active Duty Military (not including Guard or Reserve) tuition rate of $250 per credit for undergraduate students using Federal Tuition Assistance.
- Where You Start
- Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
#14A TA Rate for Organizational LeadershipWestern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #14 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit. 14 programs on this list share that rate, and ties are broken by the published transfer maximum. Programs with a published transfer maximum come first, then the rest follow alphabetically.
Western Kentucky offers a $250-per-credit tuition assistance rate for military students in its online organizational leadership degree, with added help through Military Student Services. Courses in leading change, leadership ethics, teams, and global leadership build on supervisory experience from the military, and an extended major gives applied associate degree holders an upper-level waiver.
Before you apply: Plan for the required Practicum in Leadership, and confirm how your TA approval lines up with WKU’s term dates.
- Military Tuition Rate
- WKU offers a TA rate of $250 per credit for military students.
- Where You Start
- Transfer students can enter the degree; the extended major includes a specified upper-level waiver for students with an applied associate degree.
#15A Reduced Rate for Military, Veterans, and First RespondersSaint Louis University
Bachelor of Science in Project Management
OnlineTransfer entry route
Ranks #15 of 15 because its published military tuition rate is $300 per credit. 14 programs on this list publish a lower military rate.
Saint Louis University charges $300 per credit for active-duty members, reserve members, honorably discharged veterans, and first responders in its online project management degree, compared with $660 standard. The rate also covers veterans using the GI Bill, not only service members on Tuition Assistance. The degree runs six eight-week terms a year within a 42-credit major.
Before you apply: The standard transfer route expects a 2.5 GPA, with conditional admission possible. Admitted students meet virtually with an academic coach.
- Military Tuition Rate
- Active duty/veteran (TA eligible or GI Bill) and first responder tuition: $300 per credit (standard $660).
- Where You Start
- The standard transfer route requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA, with conditional admission possible; admitted students meet virtually with an academic coach.
Build a Plan Around Your Transfer Credits.
Organize your previous college credits in the degree planner, then take your course list and questions to a school’s transfer advisor. The school’s evaluation determines which credits count toward your degree.
Build your degree plan ↗Who Each Military Tuition Rate Covers
Eligibility wording differs from school to school. The University of North Dakota limits its $250 rate to active-duty members using federal Tuition Assistance, not Guard or Reserve members. American Public University extends its Preferred Military Rate to active-duty servicemembers, Guard members, Reservists, and military families. Saint Louis University’s $300 rate includes honorably discharged veterans and first responders.
Veterans and spouses often fall under a separate rate or discount. Champlain charges veterans and military family members $290 per credit, and Belhaven gives military spouses and veterans a 20% discount. Ask the school to confirm your rate in writing before registration.
Read the official guidance: Turning Military Training Into College Credit
Military training can count in two ways: through transcript review or through a portfolio. UMass Global, for example, reviews Community College of the Air Force, SMART, AARTS, or JST transcripts for active military applicants. Louisville’s organizational leadership degree awards up to 48 credit hours for documented work experience and military training after its prior learning assessment course.
Then compare the transfer maximum. A school that accepts 90 of 120 credits leaves at least 30 to take, while Franklin’s cybersecurity degree accepts up to 94 of 124.
Read the official guidance: Planning Courses Around Deployments and Duty
Short courses and frequent starts make it easier to pause and restart. American Public University starts courses monthly, Columbia Southern offers eleven start dates a year, and Liberty runs eight-week courses with eight start dates a year.
Before each term, confirm your Tuition Assistance approval with your branch and the school’s deadlines. North Dakota, for example, adjusts its rate only after it receives your TA paperwork.
Read the official guidance: Before your next conversationQuestions About Military Degree Completion Programs
Which Degree Completion Program on This List Has the Lowest Military Tuition?+
Franklin University ranks #1 on this list for its BS in Cybersecurity, because its published military tuition rate is $250 per credit, and among programs at that rate its published transfer maximum covers 75.8% of the degree (94 of 124 credits), the largest share among them. The next program, Adelphi University, publishes $250 per credit with a transfer maximum covering 75% of the degree. Confirm your eligibility with the school.
Does Tuition Assistance Cover a $250-per-Credit Rate?+
Columbia Southern describes $250 per credit as the Department of Defense cap, and most programs here charge that rate. Your branch approves the Tuition Assistance itself, and fees, books, or other charges can still apply. Confirm the approval before each course.
Read the official guidance: Can Veterans Use These Military Tuition Rates?+
Some can. Adelphi’s rate covers veterans who submit a Certificate of Eligibility, and Saint Louis University’s covers veterans using the GI Bill. North Dakota’s rate is limited to active-duty members using Tuition Assistance. Read the rate wording on each card before you plan your budget.
Read the official guidance: Can I Get College Credit for Military Training?+
Often, yes. Schools review military training through records such as the Joint Services Transcript (JST), and some also offer portfolio credit. Louisville awards up to 48 credit hours for documented military training and work experience after its prior learning assessment course.
Read the official guidance: Are These Rankings Based on Payments From Colleges?+
No. The order comes from the published number described in the ranking method, sorted the same way for every school. Separate sponsored listings are labeled advertisements, and DegreeCompletion.com may receive compensation from them or their referrals. Sponsored placements do not change the order of this list.
