Ever since the GI Bill of 1944, the U.S. has put a considerable effort into making sure that military members have access to a quality college education before, during, and after their military service. But with varying academic schedules, scholarships, and health services available, it’s important to make sure that the college you choose is compatible with your long-term career goals. We’ve put together this list of the best military-friendly colleges in the U.S. to help you find the support you need to pursue higher education.

Military Friendly Colleges

The UMass Global online content team recently published our "Jobs After the Military" page in which we provide an in-depth hub of education information and career supportive resources for Veterans and their families.

Jobs After the Military

Jobs for Former Military

Truck driving may not be for everyone, although veterans may be uniquely suited for the task with the valuable skill sets they developed while on active duty. Work Wave’s guide titled Veterans in Trucking: Career Guide for Finding Success After Service outlines the types of truck driving jobs, CDL and certification requirements, as well as financial programs veterans can use to pay for truck driving school. This could be a fantastic career option for veterans who are seeking excellent benefits, a flexible work schedule, and job security.

Veterans in Trucking

A huge Thank You to Mike Miller from the Military Guide for sharing these resources with us. We appreciate you looking out for us and our military families.

Veteran Resources for Buying a Home

The Department of Defense offers several relocation resources to all branches of the armed forces. Military personnel are often faced with both personal and economic obstacles when moving as active or retired service members. Veterans and active duty service members can use this guide to help them navigate PCS orders and homeownership after service. 

Relocation Services

Thank you Melissa Hansen for sharing this with us and Good Luck to your son Jacob! Thanks to you and your family for all your service and sacrifice.

Financial Resources and Discounts for Military Families

Moving to a new post can spark anxiety in military families over the quality of the schools in and around a military installation. But families with children in preschool through high school can take certain actions to mitigate these concerns and help their children transition effectively to a new school. This guide has been compiled by military spouses with decades of experience in an effort to help simplify that process.

A Military Family's Guide to School Transitions

To ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation. The enduring strategic goals that the Military Child Education Coalition seeks are:

• Military-connected children’s academic, social and emotional needs are recognized, supported and appropriate responses provided.
• Parents and other supporting adults are empowered with the knowledge to ensure military-connected children are college, workforce, and life-ready.
• A strong community of partners is committed to supporting an environment where military-connected children thrive.

Military Child Education Coalition

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
This was developed jointly by The Council of State Government’s National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Department of Defense, with input from policy experts, and stakeholders from 18 different organizations and national associations, including representatives of parents, teachers, school administrators, military families, and federal, state, and local officials.

The Interstate Compact eases education transition issues faced by the children of active duty service members transferring between school districts and states. The Compact allows for uniform treatment of military children when dealing with issues of enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation when transferring schools.

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) - Overview
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) - Website
MIC3 - Law
MIC 3 - Parent Guide
MIC3 Brochure

Resource for Parents - Military One Source

National and Ohio Resources

Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program - Youth Programs
Ohio National Guard - Educational Resources for Military-Connected Youth
Ohio Military Kids
Our Military Kids
Ohio Association of Purple Star Schools
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Department of Defense Education Activity
Military Kids Connect
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission
Military Parent Technical Assistance Center
National Military Family Association
Sesame Street Military Family Resources for Young Children

The School Liaison Office is the central point of contact for commanders, military families, and local school systems on school-related matters for grades K-12. School Liaison services are open to all military families in Ohio. 

The United Service Organization (USO) has three locations in Ohio and hosts events for military families across the state. 

Blue Star Families has a chapter that serves Dayton and Southwest Ohio. The Ohio chapter hosts events and is committed to strengthening military and veteran families.  

Ohio Military Kids provides positive development experiences for youth whose parents are deployed in military service, as well as opportunities for military-connected youth to connect, learn, and have fun. Contact omk@osu.edu with any questions.

The Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program (OhioMVEP) assists service members, military veterans, and their spouses with starting a career in an Ohio school. Contact Ohiomvep@education.ohio.gov with any questions. 

Best Bully Sticks - Why Military Working Dogs Are So Important  highlights the vital role of military working dogs (MWDs) in U.S. service, showcasing their courage, intelligence, and unbreakable bond with their handlers. From detecting explosives to tracking and rescue missions, these highly trained dogs perform tasks no human or machine can replicate.

Mental Health Guide for Veterans and First Responders - article offers essential mental health resources, covering therapy options, crisis services, and peer support networks. It's designed to help veterans and first responders easily access the support they need for challenges like PTSD, substance use disorders, and depression.