Military-Supportive GI Bill® Approved and Yellow Ribbon Program Colleges Online and in New York

As one of the nation’s original colonies, dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War, New York’s military history is as storied and colorful as you’d imagine. But on September 11, 2001, the New York Air National Guard led what would become the most historically significant military effort in the state’s history.

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Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Program: SNHU has been helping military service members reach their goals for nearly 80 years—from those coming home from WWII, to those still serving around the globe. See all the ways we can help you maximize your benefits, save time, and save money on the path to your next transition.

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UMass Global

Featured Program: Educating members of the military is at the root of who we are. It’s how we got started more than 65 years ago — providing outreach education to Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro — and our dedication to supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and their families has grown ever since. Military Times ranked us 14th nationwide for primarily online institutions and 19th in the western region in 2023.

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By dusk on this fateful day, more than 8,000 members of the New York Army National Guard were mobilized—National Guard jets were performing combat air patrols over NYC and surrounding cities, and Army Guard soldiers were at Ground Zero working alongside first responders. The mission of the New York National Guard extended for many more weeks, and their duties slowly transitioned from search and rescue to security augmentation duties that still continue today.

These tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the people of NYC are a testament to the bravery of those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. New York’s response to the events of 9/11 remain one of the key reasons American men and women continue to be inspired to serve our nation today.

As a service member or veteran, your devotion to our nation is met with gratitude and outstanding benefits that help make the transition to civilian life a little easier. Chief among these are benefits designed to make a college degree more accessible.

Whether you’re new to the service, have been serving in an active duty or reservist capacity for some time, or have retired from your time in the U.S. military and hold veteran status, you probably know that being able to access a college education is one of the biggest perks of serving.

You’ve made a commitment to our nation and worked hard for the benefits you’ve earned. Now it’s time to put those benefits to work by pursuing a degree through a military friendly college that will prepare you for a new civilian career, or advancement in your military career if you choose to reenlist.

From the GI Bill® to the Yellow Ribbon Program and beyond, our nation’s gratitude for your service is met with a host of programs that allow you to earn your college degree either free of charge or at a steeply discounted rate. And in addition to federal benefits, you may also be eligible for state-level education benefits, programs, and resources that can help make your academic journey even more successful.

With so many state and federal programs to consider, the task of identifying them all and then finding a military friendly college that recognizes those programs can be daunting. So, we’ve simplified the process and gathered the information and resources you need to kickstart your mission.

New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (NYDMNA) Military Education Benefits

The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (NYDMNA) manages the state’s military forces, which includes about 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia, and the New York Guard.

The NYDMNA maintains and secures the more than 50 military installations located across the state, including air bases, armories, Armed Forces Readiness Centers, and other logistical and training sites. The NYDMNA has also operated the Joint Task Force Empire Shield since 2001 – a partnership between Army and Air National Guard and Naval Militia members who conduct operations related to the Homeland Security Operations in NYC related to deterring and preventing terrorist acts.

In-state tuition is one of the perks of being a service member (or spouse or dependent of one) who is on full-time active duty and stationed in New York State. New York also offers its share of tuition assistance/scholarship/grant programs for its service members, vets, and their dependents.