Many people, including military service members and their families, think about their higher-education options in May, but with the availability of flexible, online classes that fit into your busy, military-centered lifestyle, every month is a good month to think about -- and start -- your next college class.
Why Is College Important for Active-Duty Military?
A college education is incredibly beneficial to service members, both while they are in uniform and when they leave the military. A report from Georgetown University showed that within the next 10 years, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require education and training beyond a high school diploma. So when veterans enter the workforce, they will need to further their education to stay competitive.
Service members are also finding that additional education makes them more competitive for promotion within the military. The U.S. Army’s 2023 Master Sergeant Board review noted: “Board members looked favorably upon candidates who were pursuing and completing a college degree,” and, “The board recommends SMs (service members) continue to seek Civilian Education opportunities.”
But how can active-duty service members balance work, their families and their education? The answer is to find a program, such as those at National University, that understands the military lifestyle, offers flexible online classes and more than 190 career-focused degrees, credentials and certificates.
What Do Military-Connected Students Need from a College or University?
Military-connected students are a diverse group of students who need their education to fit into their lifestyle and not the other way around. The traditional, four-year, full-time, brick-and-mortar college experience doesn’t always work for them and might not be what they’re looking for. When an active-duty service member, or their spouse, can block off time to take a college class, they need a class that fits their schedule, because that schedule can quickly change.
Over the past few decades, higher education has changed how they structure classes and schedules to make it easier for nontraditional students to attend. These changes benefit working parents, part-time students and military-affiliated students. With online classes that last 4-8 weeks, students can start -- and finish -- when it works for their schedule, and not the other way around. This flexibility is a game-changer for the military community.
What About Military Spouses?
Since the 1960s, dual-income households have increased, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Based on the 2015-2017 Consumer Expenditure Surveys data, dual-income households with children make up 66% of total households. With rising interest rates, food prices and overall expenses, many military families feel the need to have dual incomes.
Military spouses are looking for fulfilling employment, but ever-changing schedules, family priorities and frequent permanent change-of-station, or PCS, moves can create barriers. However, access to education can help bridge these gaps, increasing the competitiveness and opportunities available to military spouses.
Affordable educational opportunities that can work into the busy military spouse lifestyle are incredibly beneficial for spouses looking to further their careers. Universities that offer scholarships specifically for military spouses rise to the top of the list when considering options. This past quarter, National University awarded the Whisper Scholarship to 25 military spouses, providing up to $10,000 in tuition benefits and other financial support, and continues to offer more than 50% off the tuition rate for military spouses.
Whether you’re a service member in uniform or their family member, National University is ready to help you make higher education fit into your military lifestyle. Learn more about how National University supports active duty, veterans, spouses and dependents pursue educational goals.
