Georgia has a rich military history. From Fort Benning in Columbus which, at one point, was the largest infantry training school in the world, to the University of Georgia which helped the Navy train over 2,000 combat pilots during World War II, Georgia has played an integral role in the nation’s military preparedness.
To this day, the people of Georgia continue to honor their country and those who serve. When COVID-19 cases and deaths were at their worst in the state, the Georgia Red Cross Service to Armed Forces (SAF) Hero Care Network stepped up to help. A key member of that team was Evelyn Rollie, a proud Army veteran who first joined in the late 1960’s and continued her service to Atlanta’s active duty and veteran community as a social worker for decades after her military service career.
Over fifty years later, and now retired, Mrs. Evelyn Rollie still serves the men and women of the military as a Red Cross volunteer, continually giving back to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
And she is not alone in her passion to serve the veteran community here in Georgia. With a deep and ongoing commitment to those who choose to serve, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is committed to providing education benefits that help make it possible for veterans to make a successful transition to college so they can enjoy the kind of fulfilling careers they always dreamed of – just like Evelyn Rollie.
Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) Military Education Benefits
Of course, all veterans are eligible for numerous federal educational benefits. The GI Bill® is there to cover the entire cost of tuition at state schools for vets who meet the full eligibility requirements, and even pitches in to help with housing costs and more. But there’s even more assistance available to Georgia’s vets at the state level.
Georgia Residency for Nonresident Military and their Dependents
The Georgia Department of Veterans Services understands that you don’t often have a choice where you are stationed, and they want to help.
If you are stationed in the state of Georgia, you are eligible for in-state tuition, substantially lowering the cost of education for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members prior to discharge, even before meeting the requirements for full tuition coverage under the GI Bill®.
To qualify, you must be:
- On active-duty and within three years of separation, and intending on becoming a Georgia resident
OR - A dependent child of an active duty service member and attended at least one year of high school in the state
HERO Scholarship For Reservists and National Guardsmen
The Georgia HERO (Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring) Scholarship is an educational assistance program offered to members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists who served in combat zones. Their spouses and children are also eligible to apply for and obtain the HERO Scholarship.
Eligible recipients may receive up to $2,000 per academic school year, prorated for students attending less than full-time.
To apply, first check to see if your school is considered an eligible institution. If so, file for a Georgia HERO application no later than two years after gaining eligibility. You will need:
- A copy of your DD214 military record as well as other Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reservist documentation
- A copy of your birth certificate, adoption, or legal guardian document
- Copy of death certificate (if filing as a spouse or dependent of a deceased Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserve parent)
- And/or a copy of military record of injury if you are the dependent of a Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserve parent who is receiving 100% disability as a result of injuries incurred during eligible active duty.
Mail your completed application and required documents to the financial aid office of the school you hope to attend.
This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and is available for as long as there are funds.
Convert Military Experience into College Credit
Using the recommendations and guidelines from the American Council on Education, most universities and local community colleges in Georgia will grant you college credit for some of the military training and experience you already have.
All you need is your “Joint Services Transcript” to claim the credit.
Your transcript will also contain data on test scores for exams you may have taken, including USAFI Subject Standardized Tests (USST), End-of-Course Tests, and more. These exam scores may allow you to transfer in college credit, reducing your time spent in the classroom.
Waiver of Mandatory Fees
If you are a Georgia resident who is an active member of the U.S. Military Reserves or the Georgia National Guard and were deployed in a combat zone on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for a waiver of all mandatory fees, just so long as you fulfill one of the following eligibility requirements:
- You served an accumulative time of ninety (90) days in a combat zone
OR - As a result of a combat zone injury, you are receiving full disability
OR - You were evacuated from a combat zone due to severe injuries while on active service.
In addition, all eligible participants must meet the admissions requirements of their desired college or university and be accepted for admission.
The waiver applies only to school-related tuition fees, NOT housing, elective food service, any other elective fees, special fees, or other user fees and charges.
To receive the waiver of mandatory fees, reach out to your school’s registrar’s office right away and request the paperwork needed. Proof of service will be expected.
Military Service Refunds
Although subject to specific institutional policies, full refunds of tuition and mandatory fees as well as a prorated refund of elective fees are available for Georgia college students who are:
- Military reservists (including members of the National Guard) who, after being accepted, enrolled, and paid for their education, are reassigned and unable to complete their term
OR - Commissioned officers of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) and who, after enrolling in a Georgia college or university and paid their tuition and fees, is deployed outside of the state of Georgia for a public health crisis or national emergency and is unable to complete their term
OR - Active duty military personnel who, after having enrolled in a Georgia college or university and paying their fees, receive reassignment that prevents them from completing the term
OR - If you are a military veteran who has a rather unusual or detrimental experience and are in need of exceptional equitable relief and are unable to complete the term.
To receive your refunds, contact your school’s registrar’s office right away, letting them know the circumstance and requesting any paperwork needed. Submit as soon as possible.
Possible Station Assignments and Military Bases in Georgia
On any given year, hundreds of thousands of service members transfer locations and stations around the country, and around the world.
Many of which find themselves in the Peach state of Georgia.
Throughout the state of Georgia there are 13 military bases, 7 of which are Army, 3 are Air Force, 2 are Navy, and one is the Marine Corps. The names and locations are as follows:
Army
- Camp Frank D Merrill Army Base, located in Dahlonega
Site for the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, Camp Frank D Merrill hosts the Training Battalion and anyone attending school to become a ranger. The University of North Georgia, Dahlonega campus, is also located in Dahlonega.
- Fort Benning Army Base, located next to Columbus, straddling the Alabama-Georgia border
With over 182,000 acres, Fort Benning consists of active-duty members, reservists, retirees, and civilian workers, totaling more than 120,000 people.
- Fort Gillem Army Base, located in Forest Park
A small satellite base that houses more than 400 active military troops, 1600 reservists, and 1600 civilians.
- Fort Gordon Army Base, located in Fort Gordon
The largest training base, Fort Gordon hosts 40+ units from various domains and is the housings for the US Army Signal Corps. Georgia Military College, Webster, and Troy University – Fort Gordon are also located here.
- Fort McPherson Army Base, located in Atlanta
Was built in 1867, was influential in both World Wars, and is currently the host of the Army Reserve Command, Army Forces Command, Army Central, and Southeast Command.
- Fort Stewart Army Base, located in Hinesville
In partnering with the Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart provides world-class training for military members who are ready to deploy anywhere, anytime. It is one of the largest bases in the Eastern United Stated. With online and military base options, Webster University Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield provides a quality education right next door!
- Hunter Army Airfield Army Base, located in Savannah
Serves as a landing site for NASA’s Space Shuttle operations and hosts 8 permanent units.
Air Force
- Moody Air Force Base, located in Lowndes County
Established in 1941, Moody Air Force Base played a key role in the Second World War as well as the Korean war.
- Robins Air Force Base, located in Houston County
Like Moody Air Force Base, Robins was influential in the Second World War, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, as well as the Persian Gulf War. It hosts the Air Logistics Center. Georgia Military College’s Warner Robins Campus is located five minutes from Robins Air Force Base.
- Dobbins Air Reserve Base, located in Marietta
Built in 1943, Dobbins Air Reserve Base is the largest base with over 2000 reservists and 2,500 civilians. There are over 7000 takeoffs every month.
Navy
- NAS Atlanta, located in Atlanta
Since 1959, NAS Atlanta has continually renovated and upgraded its systems to become one of the most advanced bases in the country. The famous recreational site Navy Lake is located here.
- Kings Bay Submarine Base, adjacent to the city of St. Mary’s in Camden County
With over 16,000 acres, Kings Bay hosts some of the Navy’s most advanced war machines, providing the Navy with everything, from ships to combat-ready fleets.
Marine Corps
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, located just outside of Albany
Home to one of the only Logistics Command Maintenance Centers in the country, and with over 1,000 permanent military troops and 3,000 civilian contractors and workers, Marine Corps Logistics Base manages the Easter coast’s combat equipment and is the head command base for multiple facilities.
Georgia is a fantastic place to live. With its deep history of support for the military and its ongoing pursuit to provide a quality education and life after service, Georgia – like Evelyn Rollie – is committed to helping those who offer their life and service to their country. If you are fortunate enough to call yourself a resident of Georgia, don’t hesitate to take full advantage of all the education and career opportunities the state has to offer. You have helped America and Georgia stay safe. Now let the Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs help you in the next phase of your life.
Military Friendly Colleges in Georgia that Accept GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon Program Benefits
Of the more-than 2,000 colleges and universities that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, only around 500 provide full funding and place no limits on the number of eligible students who can take advantage of it. These schools ensure that every eligible veteran who enrolls can count on full coverage of all tuition costs that exceed GI Bill® limits.
You’ll be glad to know that a number of those military friendly colleges and universities are located right here in Georgia:
American Intercontinental University
Atlanta, GA
Accreditation: HLC
- business
- criminal justice
- design
- education
- healthcare management
- IT
Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- visual design
- interior design
- marketing
- animation and effects
- film and production
- gaming and technology
- fashion
- culinary
Belhaven University
Atlanta, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Accounting
- Art (Visual)
- Biblical Studies and Ministries
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Business with Sales Management Specialization
- Business with Supply Chain Management Specialization
- Chemistry
- Classical Education
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Dance
- Digital Media
- Elementary Education
- Engineering (Dual Degree)
- English
- Film Production
- Global Mathematics
- Global Psychology
- Graphic Design
- Health Administration
- History
- Intercultural Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- International Studies
- Leadership and Coaching
- Mathematics
- Mathematics with Actuarial Science Specialization
- Music
- Nursing: BSN / RN to BSN
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Relations
- Social Work
- Sports Management
- Sports Medicine and Exercise Science
- Theatre
- Tradigital
- Pre-Professional Programs
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Associate of Arts in Business
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
- Christian Ministries Concentration
- Criminal Justice Concentration
- Human Services Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Human Services Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
- Christian Ministries Concentration
- Criminal Justice Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- IT Management for Business Leaders Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Management
- Criminal Justice Concentration
- IT Management for Business Leaders Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
- Bachelor of Health Administration
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Biblical Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Finance
- Graduate Certificate in Health Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resources
- Graduate Certificate in Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Administration
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership
- Entrepreneurial MBA
- Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Business Administration
- Finance Concentration
- Health Administration Concentration
- Human Resources Concentration
- Leadership Concentration
- Project Management Concentration
- Public Administration Concentration
- Sports Administration Concentration
- Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Technology
- Master of Education in Reading Literacy
- Master of Education
- School Leadership and Supervision
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Public Administration
- Finance Concentration
- Human Resources Concentration
- Master of Science in Information Technology Management
- Master of Science in Leadership
- Human Resources Concentration
- Ministry Concentration
- Public Administration Concentration
- Master of Sports Administration
- Mississippi Teacher Certification
- Online High Scholars Dual Credit for high school students
Chamberlain University
Atlanta, GA
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Nursing
- College of Health Professions
Columbia College
Fort Stewart / Kings Bay / Savannah, GA
Accreditation: HLC
- Business Administration
- Computer & Mathematical Sciences
- Education
- History, Philosophy, Political Science & Criminal Justice
- Language & Communication Studies
- Nursing
- Physical and Biological Sciences
- Psychology, Sociology & Human Services
- Visual Arts & Music
Devry University (Keller Graduate School Of Management Decatur)
Alpharetta / Atlanta / Decatur / Duluth / Stockbridge, , GA
Accreditation: HLC
Associate Degrees
- Technology
- Engineering
- IT and Networking
- Network Systems Administration
- Business
- Healthcare
Bachelor's Degrees
- Business
- Computer Information Systems
- Healthcare Administration
- Accounting
- Liberal Arts
- Media Arts
Undergrad Certificates
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Business Essentials
- Cloud Computing
- IoT
- Technology
- Media Arts
Master's Degrees
- MBA
- Accounting
- Project Management
- Technology
- Business
- Healthcare
- Public Administration
- Human Resource Management
Graduate Certificates
- Human Resources Management
- Project Management
- Healthcare
- CPA Preparation
- Big Data and Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Global Supply Chain Management
Heavy Equipment Colleges Of America Georgia
Conyers, GA
Accreditation: ACCSC
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level I
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level ll
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Mobile Crane
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Lattice Boom Crawler Crane
- Associate of Occupational Science in Heavy Equipment
Lagrange College
Lagrange, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Business
- Education
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Mathematics and Sciences
- Nursing
Reinhardt University
Waleska, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- The School of Arts and Humanities
- The McCamish School of Business and Sport Studies
- The Price School of Education
- The School of Mathematics and Sciences
- The Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- The School of Performing Arts
- The School of Professional Studies
Savannah Technical College
Savannah, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Accounting
- Air Conditioning
- Aircraft Technology
- Aviation Maintenance
- Advanced Aviation Maintenance
- Avionics
- Automotive Technology
- Barbering
- Basic Law Enforcement- Peace Officer Academy
- Business Management
- Business Technology
- Commercial Truck Driving
- Computer Support
- Construction Management
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Cyber and Related (Information Technology, Networking, Computer Support)
- Cyber Forensics
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Drafting
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Early College Essentials
- Economic Development
- Electrical/Computer Engineering
- Electrical Technology
- Electrical Utility Technology
- Emergency Medical Services Professions (EMT, AEMT, Paramedicine)
- Film-Savannah Film Academy
- Fire Science
- Health Care Assistant
- Health Care Science
- Historic Preservation
- Hospitality – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
- Industrial Maintenance Systems
- Information Technology
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Logistics Management
- Marketing Management
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding/Insurance Data Entry
- Networking
- Nurse Aide (Accelerated)
- Paralegal Studies
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Precision Manufacturing
- Surgical Technology
- Technical Specialist
- Technical Studies
- Welding and Joining Technology
South College
Atlanta, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- School of Business
- School of Computer Science and Engineering
- School of Physical Therapy
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Physician Assistant Studies
- Allied Health
- Ministry
- School of Legal Studies
- School of Nursing
- School of Education
South University
Savannah, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Business & Technology
- Counseling and Psychology
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Theology
Strayer University
Augusta / Atlanta / Columbus / Douglasville / Lithonia / Morrow / Roswell / Savannah, GA
Accreditation: MSCHE
- Associate in Arts in Accounting
- Associate in Arts in Acquisition and Contract Management
- Associate in Arts in Business Administration
- Associate in Arts in Information Technology
- Associate in Arts in Marketing
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Certificate of Education in Corporate Learning
- Certificate of Education in Educational Administration
- Diploma in Acquisition Contract Management
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Entrepreneurship
- Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Finance and Accounting for Entrepreneurs
- Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Branding for Entrepreneurs
- Jack Welch MBA
- Jack Welch Management Institute Executive Certificates
- Jack Welch Management Institute Graduate Certificates
- Joe Gibbs Performance Management Certificate
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education
- Master of Health Services Administration
- Master of Human Resource Management
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Science in Management
Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Administration
- Biology
- Biomedical Laboratory Science
- Business Administration MBA
- Counseling
- Computer Systems Management
- Creative Technologies
- Criminal Justice
- Education –Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- Middle Grades – Language Arts
- Middle Grades – Mathematics
- Middle Grades – Science
- Secondary – English
- Secondary – Mathematics
- Teacher Leadership
- Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching – Pedagogy
- Exercise & Sport Science
- Homeland Security
- Human Resource Management
- Humanities
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Justice Administration
- Law Enforcement
- Liberal Studies
- Literature and Media
- Management
- Management Marketing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Natural Resources and Conservation Management
- Nursing RN- BSN
- Nursing RN-MSN
- Nursing MSN
- Nursing MSN-MBA
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Studies
- Social Work
- Supply Chain Management
Troy University
Albany / Atlanta / Augusta / Brunswick / Columbus, GA
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Communications & Fine Arts
- College of Education
- College of Health & Human Services
- Sorrell College of Business
University of Maryland Global Campus
Fort Benning / Ft Gordon, GA
Accreditation: MSCHE
- Business & Management
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Education & Teaching
- Healthcare & Science
- IT & Computer Science
- Liberal Arts & Communication
- Public Safety
University of Phoenix
Sandy Springs / Augusta / Columbus, GA
Accreditation: HLC
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Technology
- RN to BSN
- MBA
- Health Administration
Information Systems - Criminal Justice and Security
- Business Fundamentals
Webster University
Ft Gordon / Hunter AAF / Fort Stewart / Moody AFB, GA
Accreditation: HLC
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
- Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Education
- Educational Leadership
- Health Administration
- Human Resources Development
- National Security Studies
- Management & Leadership
- Marketing
- MBA
- Media Communications
- Nurse Anesthesia Practice
- Procurement and Acquisitions Management