Why military and veteran students should choose Ohio State Online

Making the jump to a civilian career after your military service can be exciting, as well as overwhelming. But choosing the right university – and the right degree – is the first step. 

The Ohio State University is an ideal institution for veterans and military students who want to earn their degree online. Our online programs range from associate degrees through doctoral degrees, in fields like nursing, business, engineering and more. If you’re ready to transition your military career to a civilian role, Ohio State can help. 

Why is Ohio State one of the best online colleges for military and veteran students?

So what specifically makes Ohio State Online such a good option? Soon, we’ll dive into the university’s military-specific resources, plus the best online degrees we offer for veterans. But first, let’s start with the basics: Ohio State’s online degrees are flexible, respected, and affordable. 

Does Ohio State offer flexible online degrees and certificates for veterans and military students? 

Yes, our online programs are highly flexible, allowing veteran and military students to learn from anywhere. Many classes offer a mix of live discussion and asynchronous coursework – meaning you can complete assignments on your own time. Plus, you can choose to complete your degree on a part time or full time schedule, as you balance other responsibilities, such as work and family. 

Are Ohio State online degrees and certificates respected? 

You bet. The Ohio State University name carries weight – no matter if you earned your degree online or on campus. That’s because the same faculty who teach in our online programs also teach on campus in Columbus. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that our online programs are consistently ranked as the best in the nation. Put simply, the quality of instruction at Ohio State is top-notch, and it’s a highly ranked and well-respected institution. 

Let’s talk about accreditation and state authorization. The Ohio State University as a whole is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which means we adhere to certain standards of quality set by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, we are mindful of state authorization – a regulation that pertains to degrees such as nursing, where specific licensing requirements vary by state. Ohio State Online has a dedicated state authorization team who work to ensure that an Ohio State degree will be recognized and that a student will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Ohio.  

But no matter where you live, you’ll still be a Buckeye. Another benefit to Ohio State is our massive alumni network. We’ve got more than 600,000 grads worldwide. That kind of network is beneficial for job searching, mentorship and finding fellow Buckeyes wherever you go.

Are Ohio State’s online programs affordable for veterans and military students?

Yes, and financial aid is often available. Even better: You’ll pay the same tuition and fees, no matter where you’re located – making your education even more affordable. 

It’s important to note that the cost of your degree depends on if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, and if you’re attending full or part time. Ohio State Online offers a tuition calculator to help you estimate your costs. 

Do Ohio State’s online programs accept the GI Bill®? 

Yes! For veterans, in particular, there’s added financial assistance available in the form of GI Bill® benefits, which cover educational costs like tuition and textbooks, and you can apply this benefit to your online degree. Check out our guide to navigating the GI Bill® process at Ohio State. 

How can I use military benefits at Ohio State?

While guides and FAQs are great, sometimes it’s nice to know you aren’t going it alone. Currently, Ohio State enrolls over 2,000 veterans and military-affiliated students, and employs another 1,600 as faculty and staff. Additionally, Ohio State’s Military and Veterans Services office supports students as they work toward their degree – whether they’re on campus or online. They can help with things like applying your GI Bill® benefits and transitioning to college life, while providing mentorship and career support. These services are designed specifically for veterans and military students embarking on their educational journey. 

Another benefit to completing your online degree at Ohio State: Veterans and military students can earn college credit for their service. You can translate certain military training and international experiences into Ohio State credit, which saves you time and money. 

Finally, you should know that Ohio State has been recognized as a supportive and inclusive university for veteran and military students. We’ve earned the Collegiate Purple Star designation, and are proud partners of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and Pat Tillman Foundation. Learn more about using your military benefits with Ohio State Online. 

What is the best online degree or certificate for veterans and military students at Ohio State? 

Short answer: It depends. (Sorry, no one-size-fits-all answer here!)  Consider what you’re interested in and what you want your civilian career to look like after graduation. Researching median salaries and career outlook data for your home state is a good start. Put simply, the best online degree for veterans and military students is the one that leads to a career you actually want to have. 

While we can’t tell you definitively what degree you should choose, we can share the experiences of two veterans – and now Buckeye grads – who used their military benefits to earn their degrees online at Ohio State. 

First, if you’re interested in a career in nursing, hear from Army veteran Jesse Glass. Jesse enrolled in Ohio State’s online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program while working full time as an RN at a correctional facility. With the online RN to BSN program, nurses can expand their career opportunities and advance into leadership roles. Bonus: The program is also ranked #5 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

Randall Moores took another path. After his military service, Randall dreamed of reviving his family farm. He enrolled in the Master of Plant Health Management degree at Ohio State, learning online to hone his agriculture knowledge, while staying close to home. 

If you’re interested in an advanced business degree (but aren’t sold on an MBA), here’s two more programs to consider: The Master of Supply Chain Management and the Specialized Master in Business Analytics from the Fisher College of Business. Both of these programs offer an alternative, more specialized graduate business education – and both are great options for veterans and military students. 

Don’t just take our word for it: U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio State #3 in the nation for its Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans (excluding MBA). The rankings were based on factors such as accessibility, affordability and reputation. Check, check, check. 

Ready to explore your options for online degrees as a veteran or military student? Find your program and take your next step.