More than 10 percent of Florida’s adult population are veterans, and there’s a reason for that.
Florida goes above and beyond to show its appreciation for the community of active-duty service members, veterans, and military families who call the state home. This community has sacrificed for their country – some giving everything. That sacrifice is never forgotten here.
Florida is home to important military installations for every branch of the armed services, and the state’s contributions to military campaigns have always been critical to winning the fight.
In Florida, military members, veterans, and their families who’ve dared to risk everything have a number of generous state benefits enshrined in state law. Chief among these are education benefits, a salute to the sacrifice made by Floridians who don the uniform in service to their state and nation.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) Military Education Benefits
With offices in Tallahassee, Largo, and Bay Pines, the FDVA is your point of contact in Florida for assistance with your state and federal education benefits. It pledges to return all veteran claims calls within 24 hours.
It can help you navigate claiming benefits like the GI Bill® and paying for your education through the Yellow Ribbon Program. For a school to be eligible to admit you on the GI Bill® it must first be approved by the FDVA.
Florida’s Tuition-Based Assistance Programs
In-State Tuition
If you live in Florida and are honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, Reserve Forces, or Florida National Guard (FLNG) then you’re eligible for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, and at charter technical career centers. This applies to undergrad and graduate education.
Known as the Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program, this benefit is named after the Florida representative who served the state in the US House from 1971 to 2013. It also extends to cover the spouses and dependent children of the honorably discharged.
- Active-duty military
- Active-drilling members of the FLNG for schools within 50 miles of a station assignment
- Spouses and dependents of active-duty troops for schools within 50 miles of a base assignment
Normally a person would have to reside in Florida for 12 consecutive months to qualify for in-state tuition, but if you qualify in any of the categories above you get the in-state rate instantaneously. Savings quickly add up.
According to our research for military friendly colleges in Florida, the average annual savings for an undergraduate student paying the in-state versus out-of-state tuition rate at a public school is \$10,800. That’s money you could put towards the down payment on a house, car, or boat…or simply in your pocket.
Purple Heart and Combat Tuition Waiver
If you’re a Florida resident and have earned a Purple Heart or have a combat decoration that’s superior in precedence then you’re eligible for a 110% tuition waiver at a Florida public college, university, or charter technical career center.
You can apply this benefit to an undergraduate certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree, and you can choose to study full or part-time.
This benefit is obviously flexible: you can study in a range of programs and even work or raise a family simultaneously as a part-time student. The fact that 110% of your tuition is covered means you have the option for academic exploration. This could potentially mean a double-major, change of major, or bonus exploratory electives.
Florida College System (FCS) Military Benefits
There are 28 public colleges that comprise the FCS system. If you’re active-duty or an honorably discharged veteran, schools in the FCS system will grant you academic credit for qualifying training and education you’ve received in the military.
FCS schools will also give you priority registration for classes if you’re a veteran of the Armed Forces, or if you’re a spouse or dependent child thereof who is using GI Bill® benefits.
Free Seat Program
This Florida-Legislature-created program can be considered a military friendly online colleges benefit.
If you’re active-duty, a veteran, or actively drilling with the FLNG then you could be eligible for this benefit, which covers 100% of the tuition and fees in the first term of an online bachelor’s program.
Not all bachelor’s degree programs offered in Florida are approved for this benefit. Check with the Florida Board of Governor’s Approved Online Program Inventory to determine eligibility. Right now University of Florida online bachelor’s degree majors are approved for this benefit. You’re ineligible if you already have a bachelor’s degree.
Created in 2021, this program is appreciated because it gives participants a taste of what they can expect when studying for a bachelor’s degree. There are stark differences between the average take home pay of people who have a bachelor’s degree versus those who don’t. This program provides a flexible option for veterans to understand what it’s like to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Florida National Guard (FLNG) Dollars for Duty
This benefit could be applied throughout the duration of an Air or Army FLNG service member’s term of service. It’s applicable to programs offering a technical certificate, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.
It covers the in-state public school cost of tuition, and this could be applied to both public and private schools in Florida. If a private school charges more than the in-state tuition rate of a public school than the FLNG service person must pick up the difference.
This benefit is potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars, and paves the way for FLNG guards persons to have a bright future in a career that’s as professionally stimulating as it is financially stable.
Possible Station Assignments and Military Bases in Florida
Florida is home to more than a dozen critically important military bases representing all six branches of the Armed Forces. If you’re active-duty in the military there’s no small chance that you’ll be passing through Florida as either part of training or a base assignment.
Military education benefits start to kick in the moment your duties take you and your family to Florida.
- Patrick Space Force Base – Brevard
As the commanding authority of the Cape Canaveral space launch station (also known as the Kennedy Space Center) this base has a long history of putting objects into orbit and outer space, including moon landing missions on both our moon and Saturn’s. Today PSFB’s mission areas include launch operations and contingency readiness, and space range monitoring for the entire Eastern Seaboard.
There’s at least one university with an on-base presence and at least five schools located in nearby proximity to this facility. PSFB’s education office provides resources for on and off-base colleges and can help you facilitate your application of military education benefits. Its office is located on-base at 1020 Central Avenue.
- Naval Station Mayport – Jacksonville
With unique capabilities to host naval aircraft and carrier-sized ships, it’s no surprise that NSM is home to the Navy’s 4th Fleet. Management of shore installations and 18 facilities, including Guantanamo Bay, are directed out of this facility.
More than a dozen cutters, destroyers, and littoral combat ships call NSM their home port.
NSM’s Adult Education Center is located on base in Building 460 at 460 Massey Avenue. From here you can take classes from five different colleges and universities. NSM’s host county, Duval, is also home to six colleges where you and your family members can pursue your educational goals and apply the appropriate military education benefits.
Air Force
- Eglin Air Force Base – Valparaiso
- Hurlburt Field Air Force Base – Mary Esther
- Tyndall Air Force Base – Panama City
- MacDill Air Force Base – Tampa
- Homestead Air Reserve Base – Miami
Space Force
- Patrick Space Force Base – Brevard
Army
- Camp Blanding – Starke
Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater – Clearwater
- District 7 Coast Guard Base – Miami
- Coast Guard Station Key West – Key West
- Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet – New Smyrna Beach
Marines
- Blount Island Command – Jacksonville
Navy
- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville – Jacksonville
- Naval Hospital Jacksonville
- Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West – Key West
- Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola – Pensacola
- Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station
- Center for Information Warfare Training
Military Friendly Colleges in Florida 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 Florida:
Asa College
Orlando / Melbourne, FL
Accreditation: MSCHE
- division of arts and sciences
- division of business
- division of engineering and technology
- division of legal studies
- division of health disciplines
- division of nursing
Ave Maria School of Law
Naples, FL
Accreditation: ABA
J.D.
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Bachelor
- theology
- accounting
- American studies
- biochemistry
- biology
- business administration
- catechetics
- Catholic studies
- classics and early Christian literature
- communications
- economics
- elementary education
- environmental science
- exercise physiology
- finance
- global affairs and international business
- health science
- history
- humanities and liberal studies
- literature
- managerial economics and strategic analysis
- marine biology
- marketing
- mathematics
- music
- nursing
- philosophy
- physics
- political economy and government
- politics
- psychology
Master
- theology
- MBA
Doctoral
- theology
Beacon College
Leesburg, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Anthrozoology
- Business Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Human Services
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Studio Arts
Belhaven University
Orlando, FL
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
Jacksonville / Miramar, FL
Accreditation: HLC
- College of Nursing
- College of Health Professions
Columbia College
Jacksonville / Orlando / Patrick AFB, FL
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
Concorde Career Institute
Jacksonville / Miramar / Orlando / Tampa, FL
Accreditation: ACCSC
Diagnostic Programs
- Cardiovascular Sonography
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Polysomnographic Technology
Dental Programs
- Dental Assistant
Nursing Programs
- Practical Nursing
Allied Health Programs
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Administration
Patient Care Programs
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Devry University
Jacksonville / Miramar / Orlando, FL
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
ECPI University
Lake Mary, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Associate
- Cyber and Information Security Technology
- Software Development
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics
Bachelor’s
- Accelerated Cyber and Information Security Technology
- Cloud Computing
- Cyber and Information Security Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Digital Forensics Technology
- Mobile Development
- Software Development
- Web Design and Development
- Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics (ESET)
- Mechatronics
Master’s
- Systems Engineering Master’s – Mechatronics
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Information Systems
Florida Coastal School of Law
Jacksonville, FL
Accreditation: ABA
School of Law
Florida International College
Kissimmee, FL
Accreditation: FDE (Florida Department of Education)
- Nursing (RN)
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- ESL
- Phlebotomy
- Equine Management
- Intl. Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt
- Global Exchange Program
- Exercise & Sports Science
- Health Service Administration
Florida National University
Hialeah / Miami, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
ASSOCIATE
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Developer
- Computer Information Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Technology
- Medical Assistant Technology
- Networking System Administrator
- Nursing
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Web Page Developer
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Health Services Administration
- Hospitality Management
- Public Administration
- Paralegal Studies
BACHELOR’S
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Finance
- Health Services Administration
- Information Technology
- Marketing & Sales
- Legal Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing (BSN)
- Psychology
- Respiratory Therapy (BS-RRT) (Advanced)
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
MASTER’S
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Forensic Psychology (FP)
- Health Services Administration
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Nursing (MSN)
- RN to MSN (MSN)
Florida State University
Tallahassee / Panama City, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- College of Applied Studies
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Communication and Information
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
- College of Education
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health and Human Sciences
- College of Law
- College of Medicine
- College of Motion Picture Arts
- College of Music
- College of Nursing
- College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
- College of Social Work
- Dedman College of Hospitality
Florida Technical College
Deland / Kissimmee / Lakeland / Pembroke Pines, FL
Accreditation: MSCHE
- Healthcare
- Business
- Information Technology
- Construction Trades
- Beauty
- Criminal Justice
- Hospitality
- Spanish Programs
- Online Programs
- Hybrid Programs
- FTC Continuing Education
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
Accreditation: ACCSC
- Art & Design
- Business
- Film & Television
- Games
- Media & Communications
- Music & Recording
- Sports Technology
International College Of Health Sciences
Boynton Beach, FL
Accreditation: FDE (Florida Department of Education)
- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Diagnostic Sonography
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- College of Interdisciplinary Studies
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Health Science
- College of Arts and Sciences/Education
- Business
- School of Aviation (Mgt)
Johnson University
Kissimmee, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Associate
- Applied Linguistics
- Biblical Studies
- Business Administration
- Intercultural Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ministry Leadership
- Music
- Psychology
- Sport and Fitness Leadership
Bachelor’s
- Applied Linguistics
- Bible and Theology
- Business Administration
- Business Administration/MBA 4+1 Program
- Elementary Education K-6 with Endorsements in ESOL and Reading
- Intercultural Commerce
- Intercultural Studies
- Ministry Leadership (TN & FL)
- Missions
- Musical Arts
- Organizational Psychology
- Psychology
- Sport and Fitness
- Leadership
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Visual Media Production and Design (BFA)
- Worship Leadership
Johnson Wales University
North Miami, FL
Accreditation: NECHE
Online:
- business
- criminal justice
- culinary management
- health science
- hospitality
- HR management
- liberal studies
- MBA
Lincoln Memorial University
Tampa, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Associate of Science Veterinary Medical Technology
- Associate of Science Veterinary Health Science
- Associate of Business Administration
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Science
- Bachelor of Art (BA)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Animal Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Health Industry (BS)
- Bachelor of Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Conservation Biology
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Communication and Media
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Veterinary Medical Technology
- Veterinary Health Science
Miami International University of Art and Design
Miami, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- visual design
- interior design
- marketing
- animation and effects
- film and production
- fashion
Millennia Atlantic University
Doral, FL
Accreditation: ACICS
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
- Master of Arts in Human Resource Management (On-Campus and Online)
- Master of Business Administration (On-Campus and Online)
- Master of Business Administration | Accounting (On-Campus and Online)
- Master of Science in Global Finance
- Master of Science in International Business Management (On-Campus and Online)
- Master of Science in International Logistics Management (On-Campus and Online)
National University of Health Sciences
Seminole, FL
Accreditation: HLC
College of Professional Studies:
- Doctor of Chiropractic
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
NUC University Florida Technical College
Orlando, FL
Accreditation: MSCHE
- Healthcare
- Business
- Information Technology
- Construction Trades
- Beauty
- Criminal Justice
- Hospitality
- Spanish Programs
- Online Programs
- Hybrid Programs
- FTC Continuing Education
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- College of Liberal Arts
- Crummer Graduate School of Business
- Hamilton Holt School
South University
Royal Palm Beach / Tampa, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Business & Technology
- Counseling and Psychology
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Theology
Southern Technical College
Port Charlotte, FL
Accreditation: ACICS
- allied health
- business
- technical trades
- IT
- nursing
- veterinary
Strayer University
Coral Springs / Fort Lauderdale / Jacksonville / Maitland / Miramar / Orlando / Palm Beach Gardens / Tampa, FL
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
The Art Institute
Fort Lauderdale / Tampa, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Visual design
- Interior design
- Marketing
- Animation and effects
- Film and production
- Gaming and technology
- Fashion
- Culinary
Troy University
Ft Walton Beach / Tampa / Pensacola / Orlando / Tyndall AFB, FL
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 Eglin
Okaloosa, FL
Accreditation: MSCHE
- Business & Management
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Education & Teaching
- Healthcare & Science
- IT & Computer Science
- Liberal Arts & Communication
- Public Safety
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Accreditation: SACSCOC
- School of Architecture
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Miami Herbert Business School
- School of Communication
- School of Education and Human Development
- College of Engineering
- School of Law
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
- Miller School of Medicine
- Frost School of Music
- School of Nursing and Health Studies
- The Graduate School
University of Phoenix
Maitland / Jacksonville / Plantation / Temple Terrace, FL
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
Jacksonville / Lakeland / Palm Bay / Ocala / Orlando / Longwood / Sarasota / Tampa, FL
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
