Service members earn degrees at online universities

Service members earn degrees at online universities

Due to an increasingly unstable job market, many adults are returning to college. A growing number of these nontraditional students are military members who wish to prepare for careers after service. In an effort to better serve government personnel, online universities are creating distance learning programs that benefit those who are completing tours of duty.

In order to help service members choose a degree program that meets their needs, GI Jobs magazine has released a list of the country's most military-friendly schools. For the second year in a row, Grantham University has made the list, due in part to its participation in programs such as the Air University associate's-to-bachelor's degree cooperative.

"With the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, service members and veterans have many educational options and often the choice can become overwhelming," said Jeffrey Cropsey, vice president of strategic initiatives at Grantham University. "Lists like the 2011 Military Friendly Schools can help these students narrow down their options and select the higher education institution that's right for them."

The list, which was released this month, honors the top colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to accommodate the educational needs of America's soldiers and veterans.

An increasing number of service members and other nontraditional learners are engaging in web-based education, as the online education sector grew by nearly 17 percent during the 2009 academic year, according to a recent Babson-Sloan report.

By Mark Danson