Benefits of Online Schooling for Military Families
Military families face unique challenges, especially when it comes to higher education. The constant relocations, deployments, and unpredictable schedules that are part of military life can make it difficult for service members and their spouses to complete traditional college programs. Self-paced, online schooling for military families offers a flexible and effective solution, enabling military members and their families to pursue career training no matter where they are stationed.
In this article, we’ll discuss three key benefits of online schooling for military families at the post-secondary level. We will also highlight the advantages Blackstone Career Institute offers to military families seeking higher education.
Flexibility
The most significant advantage of online schooling for military families is the flexibility it provides. Service members often must juggle their education with demanding training schedules, deployments, or transfers to different bases. For military spouses, there may be the added challenge of managing household responsibilities or childcare, especially during their spouse’s deployment.
Online schooling for military connected students can allow them to pursue their education on their own schedule, whether they are working full-time, stationed overseas, or balancing other commitments. Many online programs are self-paced, giving students the flexibility to study when it suits them best. This makes it easier to continue their education, regardless of frequent moves or temporary deployments. Even synchronous online programs, which require students to attend live virtual classes, typically offer more flexibility than traditional in-person classes.
Additionally, military service members and their spouses can take advantage of the ability to study from any location. As long as they have access to the Internet, they can continue their education from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for those stationed overseas or in remote locations where access to a traditional college campus may not be feasible.
Continuity
Frequent relocations are a hallmark of military life, and this can make pursuing an education challenging. Traditional programs often require students to physically attend classes on campus, meaning a move to another state or country can disrupt their education. Transferring to a new school usually means navigating different requirements, credit transfer policies, and academic calendars, which can delay graduation or force students to repeat coursework.
With online schooling, military families can avoid the hassle of transferring schools. Since online programs are accessible from anywhere, students can continue with the same school regardless of where they move. This continuity is a major benefit for military families who may relocate multiple times during their post-secondary education program.
For military spouses, this continuity in their education, allowing them to achieve a credential, can be especially important when trying to build a career. Frequent moves often make it difficult to find stable employment, but a certificate from an online school can travel with them, helping to open up career opportunities, regardless of their location.
Affordability and Military Education Benefits
Online schooling is often more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, making it an appealing option for military families. Many online programs have lower tuition costs, and students can avoid the additional expenses associated with commuting, campus housing, or relocating to attend classes. For military members and their spouses, who may already face financial strains due to frequent moves or periods of unemployment, the cost savings associated with online schooling can be a huge relief.
Additionally, military members and their families can take advantage of a range of government-funded benefits and scholarships designed specifically for them. One of the most well-known benefits is the GI Bill®, which provides financial support for tuition and other education-related expenses for veterans. Online programs approved by the GI Bill® allow qualifying students to access these benefits for their education.
Many institutions also offer special scholarships and financial aid packages tailored for military families. For example, some schools waive certain fees, offer discounted tuition rates for active-duty military personnel and their spouses, or provide additional support through grants and scholarships aimed at veterans and military families.
Why Blackstone Career Institute is a Great Option for Military Families
Blackstone Career Institute stands out as a leading choice for military members and their spouses seeking higher education through online schooling. Blackstone offers DEAC and MSA accredited, self-paced online programs in a variety of in-demand fields, including healthcare, legal studies, and service careers.
One of the key benefits Blackstone offers military families is the ability to use their military education benefits, including the GI Bill®, the MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) Scholarship, and the Army Credentialing Assistance Program. This means that qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses can receive financial assistance to pursue select career training and certifications that fit their lifestyle and career goals. The school’s programs are portable, meaning they can be completed from anywhere in the world, which is ideal for those who are frequently relocated.
Blackstone also understands the unique challenges faced by military spouses. Their flexible career-focused programs can allow spouses to gain valuable skills and certifications that are easily transferable, no matter where they live. Whichever field they choose, Blackstone’s MyCAA approved programs provide military spouses with opportunities to build portable careers that align with the demands of military life.
Conclusion
Online schooling for military families at the post-secondary level offers a wealth of benefits, from flexibility in balancing education with military commitments to the elimination of the hassle associated with transferring schools. For military members and their spouses, online programs provide a way to pursue higher education without compromising their responsibilities or uprooting their academic progress with each move.
Institutions like Blackstone Career Institute further enhance the value of online schooling for military families by offering flexible, career-focused programs. With opportunities to use military education benefits and portable programs that can be accessed from anywhere, Blackstone helps military families achieve their educational and career goals, no matter where they are stationed. Online schooling for military families is a valuable and effective option for those looking to pursue higher education while navigating the unique challenges of military life.
Written by Colt Parris
Disclaimer: Blackstone Career Institute, an accredited school, cannot guarantee employment, job promotion prospects, passing exam performance, or income increases.