15 Military Friendly Colleges in Alabama

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Top Military Friendly Colleges in Alabama

 

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Alabama

There are many military friendly colleges in Alabama. According to the VA, in 2022, 154 Alabama schools received Post 9/11 GI bill funds. These funds were given to over 15,750 students totaling nearly $87 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Alabama colleges, 65% of veterans that took advantage of aid, used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2023 veterans eaRNING aid at alabama colleges
Post 9 / 1110,142
MGIB – AD304
MIGB – SR1,388
REAP0
DEA8,500
VEAP0
TOTAL20,334

 

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

 

 

15 MILITARY FRIENDLY COLLEGES IN ALABAMA 2024

These 15 military friendly colleges in Alabama are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2023 / 2024 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa
152 S. College St | Auburn, AL 36849

The school has an Office of Veteran and Military Affairs that serves as a centralized hub for student veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors. This office provides various facilities, including a computer lab, free printing, lounge areas, study rooms, a stress-free zone, a Skype room, and additional amenities. Military training can be applied for academic credit, and they accept open applications for VA work study each semester.

Through the Yellow Ribbon program, the school offers an unlimited annual maximum school contribution for an unlimited number of students each year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,816
Grad: $7,483

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 810
Grad: 104

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 71%

 

 

2Columbia Southern University
21982 University Lane | Orange Beach, AL 36561

The first military friendly college in Alabama on our lists has over 3,000 students who receive benefits.  They have a dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service members, and their families. CSU has developed programs with each branch of the United States military. 

The School offers credit for military training. More funds to pay tuition and mandatory fees are available through the Yellow Ribbon program. They offer an unlimited number of students each year with an unlimited max annual school contribution.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad:  $3,559
Grad: $3,190

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,648
Grad: 619

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 81%

 

 

3 Auburn University
152 S. College St | Auburn, AL 36849

Auburn University offers a Veterans Resource Center (VRC) to help students make the transition from military life to civilian life. The Auburn Warrior Orientation and Learning program (A.W.O.L.) is an orientation for incoming student veterans.

Military training can be used for credit though it is according to degree plan.

Auburn University’s Yellow Ribbon participation allows up to 75 undergrad students per year with an unlimited school contribution per year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,230
Grad: $12,918

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 711
Grad: 152

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 57%

 

 

4 Troy University
University Ave | Troy, AL 36082

Troy University has served and supported the United States Armed forces since 1950. They have a presence on or near over 30 military installations worldwide and participate in online learning programs with all service branches. 

Troy University’s TROY for Troops Centers help service members transition into college life. Troy University has been recognized as a leading institution for members of the military and veterans by U.S. News and World report, GI Jobs, Military Times Edge, Advanced Military Education, and others.

Credit may be granted for military training based on MOS (Army), AFSC (Air Force), or equivalent ratings by Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. 

As a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Troy allows unlimited students each year with an unlimited school contribution per year for both grads and undergrads.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,884
Grad: $5,297

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 559
Grad: 211

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 70%

 

 

5 The University of Alabama at Birmingham
1720 2nd Ave South | Birmingham, AL 35294

This college offers all student veterans priority registration for classes. A dinner is given by UAB Veterans Services at the end of each semester to all graduating veterans. The student can invite family and friends to join in the event. Student veterans are awarded a challenge coin and a graduation cord. 

Military training can be used for credit although it is according to degree plan.

UAB offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon benefits to both Grad and Undergrad students who meet the requirements.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,223
Grad: $12,505

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 269
Grad: 152

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 71%

 

 

6University of South Alabama
307 N University Blvd | Mobile, AL 36688

The staff at this school’s Office of Veteran Affairs has many years of experience helping students with questions and issues involving veteran benefits. The University offers priority registration to students using veterans benefits and participates in VITAL (Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership). This program aims to help student veterans succeed in their academic and career goals. 

Based on military experiences and training, college credit may apply toward a degree requirement or program of study. 

USA offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon benefits to both Grad and Undergrad students who meet the requirements.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,193
Grad: $7,188

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 197
Grad: 85

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 41%

 

 

7Auburn University at Montgomery
7440 East Drive | Montgomery, AL 36117

Auburn University at Montgomery has earned the 2019 / 20 Military Friendly School designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM JobsSM, and Military Spouse.

The University has a Veteran Students Organization (Student Veterans of America) that brings military veterans together in order to foster fellowship and mentoring among those attending the AUM.

Auburn University at Montgomery is a part of the Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program. The school allows up to 10,000 students per year with an unlimited max school contribution per year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,108
Grad: $5,224

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 124
Grad: 16

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 70%
Part Time: 54%

 

 

8University of Alabama in Huntsville
301 Sparkman Dr | Huntsville, AL 35899

The Military & Veterans Program (MVP) aims to provide military affiliated students with the resources they need to adapt and succeed. They offer an Outreach program to help with admissions, VA benefits, and other help.

UAH also has another program called Veterans Mentor a Charger. This program pairs students with veteran faculty and staff, a UAH Veterans Network, and a Veterans Lounge on campus.

The school may offer credit for military training. UAH offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon benefits to both Grad and Undergrad students who meet the requirements.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,510
Grad: $8,058

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 288
Grad: 63

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 74%
Part Time: 100%

 

 

9Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy | Montgomery, AL 36109

Faulkner University – Montgomery provides military members, veterans, their spouses and dependents educational opportunities at all levels from undergraduate to doctoral and has a dedicated point of contact for veterans, military service members, and their families.

Veterans are eligible for transfer of credit for military training. Faulkner offers the Yellow Ribbon Program to an unlimited number of students with an unlimited tuition benefit per year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,333
Grad: $11,751

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 60
Grad: 51

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 50%

 

 

10University of North Alabama
One Harrison Plaza | Florence, AL 35632

The University of North Alabama is recognized as a military-friendly institution, and it hosts the UNA Military and Veteran Alliance, a collective comprising military and veteran students, faculty, staff, and community supporters advocating for veteran student concerns.

Veterans have the potential to receive academic credit at UNA.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,823
Grad: $5,336

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 221
Grad: 48

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: N/A

 

 

11Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Rd N Jacksonville, AL 36265

Jacksonville State University caters to busy military students by providing online degree programs.

Additionally, they offer special tuition rates designed for Service Members. To access this specialized rate, individuals must be part of the active component of the US military (active duty, guard, or reserves) and need to apply for the specialized rate every semester through JSU’s Military Student Services office.

By requesting a Joint Services transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcript, students may have the opportunity to receive credits for their service based on ACE guidelines.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,983
Grad: $5,556

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 105
Grad: 21

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 25%

 

12Tuskegee University
Kresge Center, 3rd Floor | Tuskegee, AL 36088

Tuskegee University may offer credit for military training and experience.

The school has a 100% retention rate for full time students. And, hosts Naval, Air Force and Army ROTC programs. If already enrolled, you may be able to begin the program by taking the Military Science 101 class as an elective in place of physical education.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,938
Grad: $12,037

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 76
Grad: 12

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

 

 

13John C Calhoun State Community College
6250 U S Highway 31 N, Tanner, Alabama 35671

John C. Calhoun State Community College might grant credit for military training. Additionally, the institution serves as a dedicated support center for veterans, military service members, and their families.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,946
Grad: NA

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 128
Grad: NA

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 73%

 

 

14Alabama State University
915 S Jackson Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-0271

Alabama State University may grant credit for military training and serves as a dedicated support center for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.

The university boasts a recognized student veteran organization and a center designed to meet the needs of service members, ensuring they’re informed about various educational benefits.

Among the potential scholarship opportunities is the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) Hap Arnold Grant. It’s a need-based grant ranging from $500 to $4000 per academic year, available to eligible undergraduate students who are dependents of active duty or retired United States Air Force or United States Space Force members.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,747
Grad: $4,946

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 99
Grad: 15

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 25%
Part Time: 100%

 

 

15University of Montevallo
Station 6001, Montevallo, Alabama 35115-6000

The University of Montevallo participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, also known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Additionally, the university may provide credit for military training and serves as a dedicated support center for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,865
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 22
Grad: 4

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: N/A

Is the University of Alabama military-friendly?

The University of Alabama is recognized for its award-worthy services. It holds a Top 10, gold-ranked Military Spouse Friendly® School for 2023-2024, and the U.S. Veterans Magazine has acknowledged UA as one of the 2023 Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Schools.

Are military colleges prestigious?

While notably rigorous, these institutions are prestigious, offering free tuition, exceptional academics, and a monthly stipend. The competitive entrance process includes standard college application requirements and a thorough medical and fitness examination.

What GPA is required for admission to a military college?

For optimal admission chances, target the 75th percentile with a 1430 SAT or a 33 ACT. It’s also advisable to maintain a GPA of 4 or higher. If your GPA falls below this threshold, consider compensating with a higher SAT/ACT score.

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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