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5 Compelling Reasons Why AMU Really IS Best for Veterans

Since it was established in 1991 by a retired military officer, AMU has a rich history of being known as one of the leading military and veteran‐friendly institutions of higher education around the nation that extends services beyond providing affordable quality education to our veterans.

It’s not uncommon for veterans to – at first – question their ability to earn a college degree or to feel anxiety about the unique challenges that it will bring. I know I did.

Our mission and our in-depth knowledge of the U.S. veteran community allow us the opportunity to create a thriving community presence that can truly and positively impact lives.

We’ve grown over the last 30 years by staying focused on student outcomes. Today, AMU is the #1 provider of education to U.S. active-duty military and veterans, based on FY 2019 DoD tuition assistance and student enrollment data, as reported by Military Times, 2020.

Here are the top five reasons why we feel that AMU is best for vets.

Quality, Affordable & Flexible Education

Veterans deserve access to quality educational opportunities, but also to a college that comes with affordable tuition so that they can focus on their next career without the burden of debt. AMU was built for that mission, not only as a Yellow Ribbon school, but because we’re always committed to keeping the rising costs of higher education in check.

Our undergraduate tuition is $285 per undergraduate credit hour, and most of the programs are offered entirely online so that you can fit education into your busy life without disrupting your work schedule. There is no application fee. No transfer credit fee. No entrance exam required. And books are provided at no cost through an undergraduate book grant.

AMU is respected by employers in part because it does not sacrifice quality. AMU is a part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the courses are taught by expert practitioners – many of whom are leaders in their industry.

Plus, AMU offers over 200 programs that include exciting fields like intelligence studies, emergency and disaster management, homeland security, business and management, IT, cybersecurity, military history, transportation and logistics management, reverse logistics, general studies, and more.

Best-in-Class Career Services

AMU offers best-in-class career services at no cost to students and alumni, which include everything from coaching and resume reviews to virtual career fairs that can connect you with leading employers whether they’re corporations or federal agencies. These services are no cost and available for life – whether you’re a student or an alumnus.

AMU’s Career Services team holds the latest in coaching credentials and are highly skilled in helping you be at your best while performing a career search or preparing to make the best first impression with hiring managers. The team helps veterans and transitioning servicemembers define their career goals and outline key steps to achieve those goals.

“A common misconception is that military experience defines your career path and limits future opportunities in other industries. But this viewpoint could not be further from the truth. We also work with many veterans who use their military service experience and skills to build new careers and transition to a field they always dreamed about entering. With proper insight, research and planning, it becomes easier to find a rewarding career after leaving the military.”

Kim Slaughter, AMU Career Coach, GCDF

Less Complicated – More Transfer Friendly

AMU is less complicated and more transfer (credit) friendly. Previously earned credits and even your career background may accelerate degree completion at any degree level. If you have any academic credits from other universities, professional training or military service, don’t leave previously earned credits on the table.

AMU provides you with a dedicated, helpful team and our $0 transfer credit evaluation (TCE) service. Even as a prospective student, you can request a free preliminary transfer credit review. It’s important to understand that previously earned credits and even your career background can accelerate degree completion at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

AMU works hard to ensure that transfer students get all the credit they deserve. Students can earn up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. We’ll review your college credits, JST and CCAF transcripts, DANTES, POST, ACE-evaluated training, and credits by exam.

One of the Largest SVA Chapters Nationwide

Our student body includes 11,000+ veterans and 4,000+ active members in our Student Veterans of America chapter. Veterans helping veterans is perhaps the most powerful and compelling reason that AMU is fortunate to serve so many. There is a camaraderie and esprit de corps that transcends branch. When a fellow veteran needs help navigating a difficult task, other veterans step in to help no matter the era they served in.

This pride, fellowship and common loyalty shared by all former military members means that you are never truly alone. AMU also has highly active student groups – even at a distance – like IAEM, the Military Spouses Club, the Military Intelligence Corps Association, the Nursing Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society and the Homeland Security Network, among many others. All of our student groups can be found on our student organizations page.

A Yellow Ribbon school

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (a.k.a. the Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, also known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Chapter 33. The Yellow Ribbon Program enables institutions of higher learning to enter into a voluntary agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contribute funds to veterans’ unmet tuition and fee charges when those charges exceed the amount payable under Chapter 33.

I have always been a strong advocate for veterans’ education and entrepreneurship. After all, veterans are uniquely suited for success in a post-military career thanks to traits learned while on active duty.

I earned my MBA at AMU while working full-time at Siemens. AMU’s culture and dedication to servicemembers were a perfect fit for me. Remember, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is a benefit that you earned through your service and sacrifice. Make sure that you are getting the most out of your educational entitlements.

Since first recognized by Military Times as a “Best for Vets” college in 2013, AMU has been recognized every year since with that distinction. “Military” is more than AMU’s middle name. With many faculty and staff members who have either served or are military-affiliated – they truly “got your six.”

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Wes O'Donnell

Wes O’Donnell is an Army and Air Force veteran and writer covering military and tech topics. As a sought-after professional speaker, Wes has presented at U.S. Air Force Academy, Fortune 500 companies, and TEDx, covering trending topics from data visualization to leadership and veterans’ advocacy. As a filmmaker, he directed the award-winning short film, “Memorial Day.”

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