The University of Alabama is ranked the second most military-friendly college in the country, according to BestColleges.com, a site that “seeks to empower students by providing the information needed to make informed higher education decisions.”
“Since September 11, 2001, enrollment and subsequent retirement of U.S. military has surged, producing millions of new veterans,” explains Best Colleges. “Our nation is now home to a larger population of veterans than those on active duty, yet American military veterans and current service members alike face a number of challenges as they make plans to attend college and advance their career.
“Our goal is to provide a resource for veterans, active service members, reservists and military dependents to find comprehensive support in the form of military-specific financial aid and student services on campus.”
With that goal in mind, Best Colleges recently released its list of the most military-friendly schools around the country.
The University of Alabama ranked number two, just behind the University of La Verne in California, on the list of “Best Colleges for Veterans.”
Nationally recognized as a “military- and veteran-friendly university,” University of Alabama is home to a variety of comprehensive programs and services to ease veterans into college life and assist them in completing their degree. In addition to unique on-campus programs, including the Campus Veterans Association and Veteran Work Study Program, the University of Alabama offers support to veterans in the form of a VA Certification Program, Outreach Mission, special housing options and Transition Assistance, which comprises career transitioning and family support services. The university offers financial aid options for veterans, service members, dependents and survivors.
QUICK FACTS
— UA offers unlimited slots for the Yellow Ribbon Program and does not cap financial contributions to the program.
— In addition to the Yellow Ribbon Program, UA offers the Fry Scholarship to children of active duty members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
— The university also supports the Leadership Scholar Program through a partnership between UA and the U.S. Marine Corps.
UA also ranked number two on Best Colleges’ list of the best online colleges for veterans.
The University of Alabama developed its own extensive distance learning system with the needs of military personnel and other non-traditional students in-mind. Active-duty service members may complete a range of degrees in an online format designed to accommodate unpredictable deployment schedules. Through a partnership with GoArmyEd, the university offers special tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate military students enrolled in distance learning programs. In addition to federal benefits, the Leadership Scholar Program and the Fry Scholarship are also available, among other forms of financial aid specific to military students.
No other Alabama colleges made this year’s lists. To view the full list of America’s most military-friendly colleges, check out BestColleges.com.
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