Online Degrees for All Military-Affiliated Students
We Welcome Active Military, Veterans, and Their Families
Best for Vets School
National Center of Academic Excellence
Now you can advance your career with confidence — Utica University is proud to offer high-quality, flexible, online academic programs that prepare our military-affiliated students for excellence in their next career move. Our award-winning programs are built upon innovation and leadership and have a strong student-veteran focus on service and opportunity.
We’re honored to welcome all active duty, guard and reserve service members, veterans, and their families and are prepared to help you use the benefits you’ve earned.
- One-to-one support
- Dedication to student success
- Career-ready programs
- 10% tuition discount
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about our programs.
Use Your Military Education Benefits
GI Bill®
Yellow Ribbon
We’re committed to helping you acquire the education you’ve earned and ensure your out-of-pocket expenses are as low as possible.
Government-Based Education Assistance
Veterans and active-duty, guard and reserve service members, and their spouses and dependents can use a variety of GI Bills to help fund their education.
You can compare benefits easily by using the GI Bill Comparison Tool and viewing current payment rates.
Forever GI Bill®
The Forever GI Bill® expands the eligibility for and amount of education benefits provided in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® as well as the length of time veterans have to use them. See Full Details >>
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Get help with tuition and fees, money for housing, books, and supplies. If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33).
If you’re a member of the Reserves who lost education benefits when the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) ended in November 2015, you may qualify to receive restored benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill® — Active Duty
If you have served at least two years on active duty, the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) can help you pay for up to 36 months of education benefits. You must meet eligibility requirements in one of four categories. See Full Details >>
Montgomery GI Bill — Selected Reserve
The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. If your obligation started after June 30, 1985, or for some types of training, after September 30, 1990, you may be eligible for this benefit. See Full Details >>
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E; Chapter 31)
Formerly referred to as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, this program helps you explore employment options and addresses training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits. See Full Details >>
Designed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, this program aims for the VA and degree-granting institutions to pay the difference between what is covered by GI Bill® benefits and the total cost of the program. The Yellow Ribbon Scholarship is automatically applied if your tuition costs exceed the maximum state cap for tuition reimbursement and if you are qualified for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% rate. It does not apply for active-duty personnel, their spouses, or veterans receiving less than 100% of the benefit.
We’re proud to contribute the maximum percentage rate of 50% for a limited number of students per term.
DoD Tuition Assistance (DoD TA)
Active military students may be eligible to use DoD TA to cover tuition expenses up to $250 per credit hour if they’re eligible.
Visit your service branch for more information:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Military and veterans’ education benefits may not cover all college expenses. Remember to apply for all the federal and state student aid you are eligible for by completing the FAFSA — Utica’s code is 002883.
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
If you are a New York State resident and plan to attend a college or university in New York, you may be eligible for the Veterans’ Tuition Award for New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Learn more.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits
If you’re a qualified service member, you can transfer all 36 months or a portion of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child. The DoD approves a transfer of benefits. Learn about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
If you’re the child or spouse of a veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities, you may be able to receive between 36 and 455 months of benefits to pay for school or job training through the DEA program — also called Chapter 35. See Full Details >>
For more information regarding the GI Bill or Tuition Assistance benefits, contact Andrea Curley, associate director of student success and veteran coordinator at amcurley@utica.edu, 315-792-3008.
Get Dedicated Military Support
As you step into both civilian and academic life, sometimes while you continue to serve, it’s important you have the support you need to navigate the road to success. At Utica, you won’t be penalized academically or financially if you’re deployed, and there are a number of military-student support services dedicated to your success.
We’ll help you to connect your military service to a civilian career and explore the degree programs that fit your goals. Using tools such as Focus Career and Educational Planning Solutions and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, you’ll be well prepared to step into an academic program that supports your long-term goals. This support team is here to help you in all aspects of career development including:
- Major and career exploration
- Graduate and professional school preparation
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Job search strategies, networking, and social media assistance
- Mock interviews
- Connecting to Handshake, our career management system and app
Contact the Center for Career and Professional Development at careerdevelopment@utica.edu or 315-792-3087.
Connect with alumni to be mentored toward informed career decisions. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your understanding of professional trends, market conditions, career tracks, opportunities for advancement, and much more. You can read the guidelines for the program and contact the Center for Career and Professional Development at careerdevelopment@utica.edu or 315-792-3087 for more information and to get started.
The SASP uses a comprehensive, multi-office initiative to provide a combination of individual mentor meetings and intentionally curated workshops to help you learn academic, career, and personal development skills. You may contact them at studentsuccess@utica.edu or 315-792-3179 for success coaching.
Our mission is to provide Utica University veterans with the support and advocacy needed to successfully transition to college, engage socially, excel academically, and improve the local community veteran climate.
There are no academic or financial penalties for withdrawing from courses if you are deployed.
Utica University policy for military-related withdrawal:
- You will need your official orders for military duty sent to the Utica University Registrars Office.
- There will be no academic penalty for withdrawing from your courses provided that you – (a) notify each of your instructors of your leave within reasonable timeframes, (b) work out arrangements with your instructors to complete assignments, and (c) mutually agree on a course completion plan.
- There will be no financial penalties for withdrawing from your courses provided that you – (a) notify the Center for Student Success of your leave, and (b) speak personally to your financial aid counselor.
Please note: Instructors MUST be given adequate communication regarding your leave and are only required to give you reasonable accommodation for your military leave. Reasonable accommodation is determined by your instructor. If you feel reasonable accommodations are not being made, please notify the veterans’ liaison, and provide written proof of your case.
Save Money Earning Your Degree
Tuition Discount
Scholarships
Utica University offers a 10% tuition discount for all online students who are active duty, reserve, and guard members and their spouses.
To help you fund your education and to shorten your search time, we offer this quick list of scholarships and scholarship search sites. It is not meant to be all-encompassing and you should seek additional sources as you’re able.
Active-duty military, veterans, and their families can find numerous scholarship opportunities with the following organizations.
American Legion
The American Legion’s purpose is to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by devotion to mutual helpfulness. Learn more about their scholarship opportunities:
The American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship provides college funding to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty, or those who have a combined VA disability rating of 50% or greater.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to offer funds to PVA members and their immediate family members through our Educational Scholarship Program. You need to be a PVA member, the spouse of a member, or an unmarried, dependant child to be eligible. See Details and Application >>
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” provides active military and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals with a scholarship award of up to $5,000. See Details and Application >>
There are a number of state and federal scholarship programs designed to meet the needs of the spouses and families of veterans. In addition to the list here, you should also review the other scholarship opportunities on this page.
Air Force Aid Society
Grants, scholarships, and loans are offered to Air Force and Space Force families. See Details and Applications >>
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
The AER offers two scholarships for spouses and dependent children of soldiers with one of these statuses: active duty, deceased active, retired, deceased retired, medically retired, grey area retiree, AGR, and ARNG / USAR on Title 10 Orders for the entire academic year for which they are applying. See Details and Applications >>
Fry Scholarship
If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, or a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability on or after the same date, you may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) which grants you up to 36 months of benefits including money for tuition, housing, books, and supplies. Learn more about the Fry Scholarship
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
If you are a child of a U.S. military service member who died due to military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, you may be eligible for this federal grant which awards between $5,983.34 and $6,495 depending upon your eligibility. See Full Details >>
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
Financial assistance is available for children of active duty, retired or deceased sailors and marines; and for spouses of active-duty and retired sailors and marines. See Details and Applications >>
Veterans United Foundation Scholarships
If you are a surviving spouse or child of a deceased service member from a service-related death or of a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability, you could be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship from the Veterans United Foundation. See Details and Application
We’ve made a good-faith effort to curate a shortlist of free, external scholarship search sites.* Many times, simply searching on the “military” or “veterans” categories on these sites can bring up a list of additional resources.
U.S. Department of Labor
Search more than 7,500 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid award opportunities with their free scholarship search tool.
CollegeScholarship.org
An ad-free, open-access scholarship search engine that does not require registration. They list more than 20,00 award programs offering more than $85 million in funding. Search CollegeScholarship.org now.
Unigo
Unigo offers a number of ways to search for a scholarship and facilitates matching your profile to scholarship opportunities. If you’re not ready to set up a profile, you can still search through thousands of scholarships using their category filters. Search their categories now.
UniversityHQ
An independent education organization, UniversityHQ provides students with the necessary resources to prepare and plan their career path in their chosen field. You can search for scholarships, financial aid, grants, and loans here.
*Please note that these are not our sites, and we are not responsible for the content on them. We do not represent or warrant that information contained on the linked pages is complete or accurate and always suggest you verify the information before you act upon it. You can use the Federal Trade Commission’s Scams page to educate and protect yourself and your family.
Additional Military Resources
Find quick connection points to the military resources you are most likely to need.
Veterans Administration
Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Find a VA location, learn more about benefits and health care and access your records.
Quick Links:
- VA Education and Training Benefits
- Find Veterans’ Benefits Forms
- eBenefits
- New York State Department of Veteran Affairs
New York State Higher Education Service Corporation
Connect to New York State’s military resources and their scholarships for military spouses and children here.
Non-VA Resources
The Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled a list of non-VA resources and websites that might be useful to student Veterans and those who support them. Quickly find the websites for military, government financial aid and employment organizations, and more on their dedicated page.
Utica University (formerly Utica College) has been named a Military Friendly® School for 2021-2022.
Lead with Excellence
Utica is proud to be at the forefront of research and training in information protection, identity management, and cybersecurity through our Center for Identity Management and Information Protection and our Economic Crime and Cybersecurity Institute. We’re also honored to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA/DHS and DoD.
Center for Identity Management and Information Protection
Founded in June 2006 to impact policy, regulation, and legislation that works toward a more secure homeland, this center is dedicated to conducting research that results in cutting-edge educational and training materials for academe, law enforcement, government agencies, and corporations.
The Economic Crime and Cybersecurity Institute of Utica University
Formed in November 1988, the Institute supports leading-edge thinking through research, educational programs, publications, and policy guidance and solutions. Its board of advisors includes forward-thinking executives who offer dynamic leadership and innovative ideas. The Institute’s unique combination of professionals and academics:
- Provides thought leadership on economic crime and cybersecurity issues faced by business and government
- Prepares students to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute economic and cyber crimes
- Provides continuing education opportunities to stay up to date on economic crime, fraud, and cybercrime professionals
Which Degree Is Right For You?
Utica University is proud to deliver career-ready programs that include the latest innovations in the field to help you compete in the hottest job markets — all in a flexible format that allows you to learn when and where it’s best for you.
At Utica, you’ll get the academic quality and opportunities a large university would offer with the intimate class sizes and personal attention of a small college. We’re standing by to help you connect to your education benefits and secure your future with a career-ready degree.
Degrees in the following categories are available:
- Cybersecurity
- Economic Crime Prevention
- Health Care
- Social Work
Learn More About Degrees in These Categories
View ProgramsFrequently Asked Questions
To check if you are eligible to receive benefits, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. At the bottom of the main page you will click on either service member benefits or family member benefits.
Utica University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program, making additional funds available for U.S. military students without an additional charge to their GI Bill® entitlement. Read more about Utica University benefits for U.S. military veterans and service members.
You can apply for grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid. See the Save Time & Money tab above for the many options available.
You can also apply for student federal aid: Utica’s Federal school code is 002883.
Yes, if you provide documentation that you are eligible for the benefit, and that you have applied. However, only the Department of Veteran Affairs can determine eligibility for VA benefits. We are only estimating what they will pay. You will be responsible for any amount of your debt VA has determined they will not pay for. If you are unsure, wait until your COE is mailed to you.
So long as you have an internet connection and can commit to the time it takes to complete coursework, you can continue in the program. Some courses have fieldwork experiences that need to be completed. If you think you may be deployed when you’ll need to complete those, speak with a veterans’ liaison on this page.
Yes, you can. We are required to report the net tuition cost to the VA after applying grants, scholarships, discounts, etc. that apply to tuition. The balance is what VA will pay under chapter 33.
No. You will not receive a W-2 from the VA and benefits paid under any law administered by VA should not be reported as income to the IRS.
Utica University extends a 10% tuition discount for online students and spouses of Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard service members. Read more about benefits for veterans and service member benefits at Utica University.
Go to the VA’s education application page and follow their instructions.
You don’t need to apply. The Yellow Ribbon is part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and is automatically applied if your tuition costs exceed the maximum state cap for tuition reimbursement and if you are qualified for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the 100% rate.
If you are a veteran, use the Find a Form link, search and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. You will be mailed a COE in approximately 8 weeks.
To access your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please sign in to your account. Once you log in to your account, you can make this request. You will only be able to view the benefit if you were awarded educational benefits.
Request and provide an official copy of your JST or CCAF transcript during the admissions process along with your prior college transcripts and high school transcripts so they can be evaluated.
You can order your transcripts using the appropriate military branch link below. Please note that you will likely be prompted to manually accept the DoD’s security certificates.
While you are welcome to continue your online education while deployed overseas, you will face no academic or financial penalty for military-related withdrawal if you follow the appropriate policies outlined here.
Please contact our School Certifying Official, Andrea Curley at amcurley@utica.edu or 315-792-3008.
You can also visit https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
It is possible. If you’re authorized to use more than one GI Bill® benefit you’re allowed to use up to 48 months of benefits, but one at a time. If you have used up your entire chapter 30 and have never used a different chapter (31, 32, 34, 35, 1606, or 1607) you could be eligible for an additional 12 months if you have not reached your delimiting date.
Utica University provides a 10% tuition discount for online students and spouses of Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard service members. Students can also apply for Yellow Ribbon funding, the GI Bill®, VA benefits, Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid, Navy/Marine Corps relief, and The American Legion scholarships. Read more about benefits for veterans and service member benefits at Utica University.
Sources
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.