Online education programs can be an attractive option for numerous reasons, and many offer discounted tuition to military spouses. Earning a degree online can be done from any location and at any time. The schedule that works best for each individual can easily be accommodated by an online university. Some online universities offer discounted rates by the credit hour and some offer overall tuition discounts of up to 20 percent. Ellis Online and Western Governors University are two examples of online universities with discounts.
A discount in tuition for a military base school is another option for military spouses. Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges is an organization of colleges that offer college degree programs on or near military bases all around the world. Individual colleges and universities join the organization and work together to assure students that credits can be transferred to colleges in the network at other bases. Because Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges is funded by the Department of Defense, tuition rates are reduced.
For military spouses located near a state university or college, a tuition discount can come in the form of in-state tuition even for those who are not residents of the state. Many states participate in offering this option to military service members and their families. While scheduling is not as flexible, state schools have a larger number of degree programs from which to choose. Find eligibility requirements for each state by contacting that state's higher education agency.
The Department of Defense operates a program called the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, which offers tuition assistance. The program will pay up to $6,000 toward tuition for military spouses. The advantage of this option is the large number of universities and colleges that are eligible. If a particular school is not currently eligible, it can be submitted to the Department of Defense for consideration and possible acceptance in the future.