Joining the civilian workforce with a degree can positively impact lifetime earnings. According to the Social Security Administration, men and women with bachelor’s degrees earn $900,000 and $630,000 more, respectively, in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates. Men with graduate degrees earn $1.5 million more than high school graduates, with women holding advanced degrees making $1.1 million more.
Degrees may also open doors to jobs and career paths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that a bachelor’s degree is typically required for 178 occupations they track. And a report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that “by 2031, 72% of jobs in the US will require postsecondary education and/or training.”
Despite the compelling case for veterans and military members to get a degree, some school settings can be disruptive to military life or may not offer the flexibility or benefits a veteran or military member needs to complete their degree. Universities who serve the military and veteran community are known for accommodating the military lifestyle, but what exactly does that include and how does it help in getting your degree?
Below is an in-depth look at one university that supports military members and veterans and goes beyond by supporting the whole family with education benefits.
Spotlight on American Military University
Military culture and family are important parts of the community surrounding American Military University (AMU), a leading provider of higher education to the U.S. military. More than 90% of enrolled students are military or affiliated with the military, and those students find support and understanding not only from AMU’s faculty, but also from peer groups, staff and academic advisers, some of whom are also veterans.
The average age of the student body is 34, and 91% of them are working adults. When taking higher education classes, it is helpful to be in a class with people of a similar age and stage of life. Small class sizes and an extensive alumni network are also positive benefits during enrollment and after graduation.
Military-Affiliated Students Are Eligible for Reduced Tuition
Several benefits are available to students interested in attending AMU, including two tuition reduction programs the whole family can use.
Preferred Military Rate
The Preferred Military Rate reduces the cost of undergraduate and master’s-level courses to $250 per credit hour and applies to active-duty service members; National Guard members; reservists; and family members, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings and dependents.
Veteran Grant
The Veteran Grant reduces undergraduate tuition by 10% and master’s-level tuition by 15%. The same family members eligible for the Preferred Military Rate are eligible for the Veteran Grant.
Additional Savings and Benefits
In addition to tuition savings, AMU offers other benefits that may help reduce costs and provide extra support for military families.
No Entrance Exams, No Application Fees
For students ready to embark on their master’s journey, AMU simplifies the process by removing the barriers that often get in the way. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is not required for entry into a master’s-level program, and there is also no application fee to get started.
$0 E-Books
Purchasing college textbooks is a financial burden for many military families. AMU offers no-cost e-books to all undergraduate and doctoral students. Military-affiliated, master’s degree students who are eligible for the Preferred Military Rate can also benefit from no-cost e-books.
Career Coaching and Mental-Health Support
All students have access to academic advisers, mentoring, career coaching and alumni support groups, and the university also provides 24/7 mental-health support through programs such as Uwill®, TalkCampus and AMU’s own chaplains who are available by text or email to support student needs.
Flexible Online Classes
AMU accommodates the busy military and post-military lifestyle with monthly start dates and eight-week class formats. Students can work online so deployments, PCS moves and other life events will not interfere with progress toward a degree.
Credit Transfers
AMU evaluates and applies transfer credit from military service, training and job experience, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests and American Council on Education (ACE)-evaluated training. Ninety-five percent of military-affiliated undergraduate students apply transfer credits toward their degree, and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits means a student can be three quarters of the way through their degree when they begin classes.
Joining the AMU Family
AMU's programs are extensive and robust, numbering more than 200. Emergency and disaster management, homeland security, intelligence and nursing are among the areas of study in which those with a military background may be interested. Each of those areas offers more specific degree programs, allowing students to advance their knowledge within their particular interests.
With its focus on providing reduced costs and benefits to the whole family, not just the member who served, AMU is redefining what it means to serve the military and veteran community as they pursue a degree.
Learn more about what it means to join the AMU community and advance your education.
