2023 MilitarySupportiveColleges.com Select Schools – Pacific Region

The Most Military-Supportive Colleges in the VA Pacific District – Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington

Pacific Region Select School BadgeWith a renewed emphasis on threats in the Pacific theater, states like Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Washington have always been in focus for every service branch. California alone has the greatest number of service members stationed in any single state in the nation.

Yet the Pacific Rim is also a place where amazing innovation and science are happening. Business is booming in Silicon Valley, the Puget Sound, and even in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)

These are all factors that are tied closely to some of the most superb educational systems in the country.

From huge multi-campus public universities, to tiny, elite private schools, universities along the west coast produce graduates that power the startups changing the world today.

With a strong work ethic, extensive military training and experience behind you, and some of the most generous educational benefits in the world today, you have a great opportunity to join their ranks.

How We Identified the Most Military-Supportive Universities in the Pacific Region

First, though, you are going to need to pick a school to earn a degree with those great benefits. That’s where this list comes in.

Many schools claim to be military friendly today. But there’s no official definition of what that is. We searched high and low and came up with our own criteria to establish exactly which schools are the most military supportive in the area.

It turns out that there is a pretty straightforward way to figure out which schools are just offering lip service and which ones are genuinely serious about giving their full support and efforts to service members. And that’s by looking at the kind of cold, hard cash they are willing to put up to get you through school completely tuition free.

All schools on our list offer full Yellow Ribbon program funding to all eligible students who apply—period.

That’s important because it represents a real financial equipment to getting vets the education they deserve. Yellow Ribbon is a joint VA/college program where each participating school agree to kick in a set amount of tuition coverage for a set number of students who don’t have their tuition costs completely covered by GI Bill® benefits.

In practice, this mostly applies to anyone going to one of those elite private schools, where the tuition blows the roof off GI Bill® caps. It also picks up any out-of-state costs over and above your coverage. That gives eligible veterans a shot at attending some of the most famous and well-respected private school programs on the West Coast… free of charge.

Although this isn’t a benefit that all vets will need, it’s a great sign for a school that supports it. And it usually means their other support programs for active duty military, vets, and family members are top notch. That means you can expect service like:

Taken together, these are all things that can make or break your college experience. And with all the opportunities you will find in the Pacific Region, you deserve a school that will support you all the way to your dream job.

Learn more about all these benefits and the criteria we used to put this top list together.

Editor’s Choice for 2023: Top Picks for the Most Military-Supportive Colleges and Universities in the Western U.S.

Explore Your Education Options by State

ALASKA (Private)

Charter College 
Anchorage, AK

Website

 

charter college

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Veterinary
  • Trades

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $35,160

Only institution in Alaska accepting uncapped Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.

Program flexibility, career-ready education programs, and a structured learning environment make Charter College a home run for service members, veterans, and their dependents looking to start or continue their educational goals. Whether you’re interested in further developing the skills you gained in the military or branching out into a new career field, Charter has what you need to succeed. Efficiency is the name of the game at Charter, which is why their programs are focused on getting students into the workplace without any wasted time. And regardless of your scheduling needs, Charter is sure to have a program that works for you, thanks to flexible course times.

ARIZONA (Public)

Northern Arizona University 
Flagstaff, AZ

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Arts and Letters
  • Education
  •  Engineering
  • Informatics and Applied Sciences
  • Environment
  • Forestry and Natural Science
  • Health and Human Services
  • Honors College
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Business

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $42,600 (in-state), $101,640 (out-of-state)

Northern Arizona University doesn’t skimp when it comes to services and resources for its military affiliated students! The Veteran and Military Services is your hub for assistance and support throughout your academic journey and is there to help you transition from the military to college and then once again from college to a professional career. The Department of Military and Veteran Services provides resources for all its military-affiliated students. And the Veteran Success Center offers a wide range of support services. Whether you choose online or on-campus study, you’ll enjoy unmatched services and support throughout your academic journey. NAU’s business college is the only one in the nation to have its own veteran center! The FCB Veteran Student Center is dedicated to recruiting, transitioning, and developing the next generation of business school students/grads. It was ranked among the top Best for Vets: Business Schools by the Military Times!

Arizona Western College 
Yuma, AZ

Website

arizona western college

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • General Education
  • Arts Humanities & Communication
  • Business & Computers
  • Education
  • Healthcare & Public Safety
  • Science Agriculture Engineering & Math
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Technology Trades & Food Science

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $11,040 (in-state, includes CA residents), $12,240 (out-of-state). For a full bachelor’s degree, that works out to a total cost savings of $15,840 below the state average for public schools!

Arizona Western College offers the outstanding services and resources for service members and veterans that make it a stand-out winner in Arizona! You’ll appreciate the option of studying at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS)-Yuma and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds (for active military). Earn college credit for your previous military experience and education (up to 30 credits!) and enjoy a supportive environment that includes services and resources through Veteran Services, the Student Veterans Club, and the Student Military and Veteran Center.

ARIZONA (Private)

Prescott College 
Prescott, AZ

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Adventure education
  • Arts and humanities
  • Arts and letters
  • Social justice studies
  • Education
  • Environmental studies
  • Interdisciplinary studies
  • Psychology and human development
  • Sustainable community development
  • Sustainability management

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $169,800

Prescott College has long been supportive of its veteran student community, which is why for more than a decade, it’s been certified as an Arizona Veteran Supportive Campus. In fact, it was the first private college in Arizona to earn this recognition! Today, it strives to continue a high level of support for its service members, veterans, and their families. Small class sizes; an outstanding and practical-based learning approach are decidedly military-centric, providing this unique population with an environment that breeds success. Support services are also plentiful here, with the Veterans Resource Center serving as a hub for peer support, community outreach, and local, state, and national resource. The Veteran and Military Family Club serves as a community of service members, vets, and their families. Check out the many online bachelor’s degrees here in areas like Adventure Education, Social Justice Studies, Education, and more!

Arizona Christian University 
Phoenix, AZ

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

Bachelor’s degrees

  • Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • School of Education
  • Political Science and Government
  • Music
  • Science
  • Interdisciplinary Studies

Associate degrees

  • Biblical and Theological Studies
  • Early Childhood Education
  • General Studies

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $119,400

Arizona Christian University is where military-affiliated students head for academic success! Offering a small, Christian learning environment; an excellent selection of online bachelor’s degrees; an average class size of just 16; and opportunities to earn college credit for your prior military training and experience are just a few of the reasons that ACU has long been a leader for military-supportive learning. And did we mention that it’s also a national leader for its academic rigor and student success? It’s ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report!

Chamberlain University 
Phoenix, AZ

Website

chamberlain university

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • College of Nursing
  • College of Health Professions

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $81,000. For a full bachelor’s degree, that works out to a total cost savings of $2,640 below the state average for private schools!

Your previous experience and knowledge as a healthcare specialist in the military makes you a prime candidate for Chamberlin College of Nursing’s RN to BSN degree completion program! As an active-duty service member or military veteran, you’ll have the opportunity to take proficiency examinations for any pre-licensure BSN course that contains material you believe you’ve mastered. This means earning your BSN degree at Chamberlin may be closer than you think! And if you’re an active-duty service member, you’ll enjoy a discounted tuition rate of just $250 per credit! Veterans, retired military, spouses of an active duty/veteran/retired military, and DoD or VA employees — you’ll pay just $430 per credit at Chamberlin! Other military perks at Chamberlin include a waived application fee, a fully online program delivery, and no GRE requirement!

Devry University 
Glendale / Mesa / Phoenix, AZ

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Technology
  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Healthcare
  • Liberal Arts
  • Media Arts

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $61,680. For a full bachelor’s degree, that works out to a total cost savings of $21,960 below the state average for private schools!

Offering dedicated tuition rates for active-duty service members and their families and flexible online programs, Devry University makes earning a bachelor’s degree more affordable and more convenient than ever before! Choose on-campus courses at any of one of Devry’s locations throughout the country or choose a fully online program for maximum convenience and flexibility – the choice is yours! Devry also makes it easy to fast-track your education by offering course credit for your previous military coursework and training.

Trident University International 
Chandler, AZ

Website

trident university international

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • College of Education
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • Glenn R. Jones College of Business
  • Department of Information Systems

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $49,800. For a full bachelor’s degree, that works out to a total cost savings of $33,840 below the state average for private schools!

Trident’s commitment to our nation’s service members and veterans includes an outstanding tuition rate of just $330 per credit for retired military, veterans, and their immediate family members and just $250 per credit for active-duty military, their immediate family members, and DoD employees. Trident’s longstanding dedication to serving our nation’s military is clear—they’re home to more than 22,000 military and veteran alumni! But their military perks don’t end there. A generous military transfer credit policy… 100% online programs for the best in convenience and flexibility… and dedicated support and resources through the Trident Military Assistance Center (TMAC) make Trident an excellent choice for service members, veterans, and their families.

University of Phoenix 
Tempe / Phoenix / Tucson, AZ

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Business
  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Behavioral sciences
  • Liberal arts
  • Technology
  • RN to BSN
  • Health administration
  • Information systems
  • Criminal justice and security
  • Business fundamentals

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $47,760. For a full bachelor’s degree, that works out to a total cost savings of $35,880 below the state average for private schools!

The University of Phoenix comes in strong for both its affordability and its outstanding resources and services for our nation’s military. They understand the busy life of service members, which is why they offer online classes that are available 24/7 to meet your specific schedule and military duties. Learn anywhere, even overseas! Though you’ll be learning online, you’ll never feel alone, thanks to around-the-clock support and resources. As a student here, you’ll complete just one course at a time, thereby allowing you to balance your military life and your education with ease. Best of all, if you’re a service member, you’ll pay just $250 per credit! You’ll also love the University of Phoenix’s generous credit transfer program that allows you to earn college credits for your previous military experience and training. Check out their BS in Management degree – you can earn up to 90 credits toward this program based on your military experience and training.

CALIFORNIA (Public)

University of Maryland Global Campus 
San Diego, CA

Website

university of maryland global college

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Business & Management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Education & Teaching
  • Healthcare & Science
  • IT & Computer Science
  • Liberal Arts & Communication
  • Public Safety 

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $37,440 (in-state), $59,880 (out-of-state). Only public institution in California accepting Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.

The University of Maryland Global Campus’ commitment to our nation’s military comes complete with a superb tuition rate of just $250 per credit for active-duty service members, reservists, Guardsmen, and their spouses and children! UMGC also provides opportunities to fast-track your degree by earning college credit for your previous military experience and training. Connect with the military advising team and learn about the many opportunities you’ll have to earn your degree at UMGC! For example, the school’s One2One Mentorship program provides individualized support to veterans, service members, and their families. As a student here, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your degree through a fully online delivery or through a hybrid format that includes studying at one of their 170+ global locations.

CALIFORNIA (Private)

University of Southern California 
Los Angeles, CA

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • College of Letters Arts and Sciences
  • School of Accounting
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Art and Design
  • School of Business
  • School of Cinematic Arts
  • School for Communication and Journalism
  • School of Dance
  • School of Dentistry of USC
  • School of Dramatic Arts
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Gerontology
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine of USC
  • School of Music
  • Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
  • School of Pharmacy
  • Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
  • School of Public Policy
  •  USC School of Social Work

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $253,920

The University of Southern California has been supporting our nation’s military for more than 100 years! In fact, USC first served as a training school during both WWI and WWII! Today, it’s home to a growing population of student service members and vets who enjoy the school’s superb selection of services and resources. The Veterans Resource Center supports the school’s veteran community by providing academic, financial, and career development services. Today, USC serves as a leading institution for military research, technologies, training, and support for the U.S military and consistently ranks among the top ten private research universities in DoD-sponsored research. Just some of the centers and institutes in the university system include the Information Sciences Institute, the Institute for Creative Technologies (DoD-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center that works in collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory), and the USC Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans & Military Families (CIR). The Engelstad Foundation Scholarship for Veterans at USC provides funds to student veterans who have exhausted their VA benefits or have less than 100% eligibility for their VA benefits.

Pepperdine University 
Malibu, CA

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Business School
  • College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $249,600

Pepperdine University enjoys a reputation as a leader in higher education for our nation’s veterans, even earning a ranking among the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges for Veterans list in 2022! Pepperdine has been helping veterans and their families for more than 75 years. In fact, Pepperdine has long attributed some of its meteoric growth to its student service member community. Today, the university is home to more than 550 enrolled vets, service members, and their dependents and a host of organizations and resources that ensure this special population is always fully supported.

Chapman University 
Orange, CA

Website

chapman university

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
  • School of Business & Economics
  • School of Communication
  • College of Educational Studies
  • School of Engineering
  • College of Film and Media Arts
  • College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
  • School of Law
  • College of Performing Arts
  • School of Pharmacy
  • College of Science & Technology

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $241,200

Chapman University is where you’ll find a military-supportive learning environment that’s designed for student success! Offering a personalized educational experience; a small, student-centered academic environment; and progressive areas of study like peace studies, philosophy, political science, screenwriting, and religious studies, Chapman offers the best in undergraduate education for today’s military students! It’s little wonder why it’s consistently ranked among the top 15% of colleges and universities in America!

Occidental College 
Los Angeles, CA

Website

occidental college

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • American studies
  • Art and art history
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Black studies
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese studies
  • Classical studies
  • Cognitive science
  • Comparative studies in literature and culture
  • Computer science
  • Critical theory and social justice
  • Diplomacy and world affairs
  • East Asian studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • English
  • Environmental science
  • Food studies
  • French studies
  • Gender women and sexuality studies
  • Geology
  • German studies
  • Group language
  • History
  • Interdisciplinary writing
  • Japanese studies
  • Kinesiology
  • Latino/a and Latin American studies
  • Linguistics
  • Marine biology
  • Mathematics
  • Media arts and culture
  • Music
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Public health
  • Religious studies
  • Russian studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish studies
  • Theatre and performance studies
  • Urban and environmental policy
  • Writing and rhetoric

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $239,880

Occidental College’s support for its student service members and veterans is better than ever! In Fall 2019, Occidental launched its Veterans Program, a groundbreaking initiative that includes unmatched support for student veterans as they make the transition from the military to college. This initiative includes a host of resources and services, including affordable, off-campus housing for student veterans. Occidental’s location in Los Angeles, home to one of the nation’s largest regional populations of veterans, makes it a popular institution for vets looking to return to college. Occidental is a participant of the Ahmanson Foundation Veteran Initiative, which provides funding to 24 private colleges in California to allow student vets to graduate with little to no student debt.

California College of the Arts 
Oakland / San Francisco, CA

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Architecture
  • Design
  • Fine arts
  • Humanities and Sciences

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $215,400

California College of the Arts is all about support for its military-affiliated students, which is why you’ll find a comprehensive network of services and resources aimed at this unique student population. This top-ranking art and design college is also where you’ll find extraordinary training leading to a career in the arts. State-of-the-art facilities, a renowned faculty, and a centralized location in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area make this school a sure bet for service members, veterans, and their dependents who want to prepare for a career in architecture, ceramics, fashion design, graphic design, and more.

University of the Pacific 
Stockton, CA

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • School of Dentistry
  • Benerd College
  • College of the Pacific
  • Conservatory of Music
  • School of Business
  • School of Law
  • School of Engineering and Computer Science
  • School of Health Sciences
  • School of Pharmacy

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $211,680

University of the Pacific’s Military and Veterans Student Center is proof that the university’s dedication to its support of military-affiliated students is unmatched. Here, you’ll find an outstanding array of services and resources that work toward a common goal of producing successful students who make successful grads. As a military-affiliated student of the University of the Pacific, you’ll also enjoy exciting opportunities to get involved through organizations like the Student Veteran Organization, which offers a network of support for service members, vets, and their dependents. Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco – the school’s campus sites offer convenience and flexibility wherever you are in CA!

Otis College of Art and Design 
Los Angeles, CA

Website

otis college

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • Communication arts
  • Digital media
  • Environmental design
  • Fashion design
  • Fine arts
  • Product design
  • Toy design

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $196,440

The Otis College of Art and Design is a longtime supporter its student veterans and service members. And as of 2022, it was home to no less than 15 veteran students. We love the veteran alumni here including Dr. Carol Branch, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs who works closely with the student veteran community and oversees the Student Veteran Committee – home to dedicated academic and social programs. Whether you’re a current service member or a veteran looking to change careers or build upon your current one, you’ll love Otis College’s exciting selection of degrees in the applied arts, media, and design. Choose from seven majors and 17 minors for a personalized program designed to meet you specific needs and interests!

Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CA

Website

dominican university of california

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • School of Liberal Arts and Education
  • School of Business
  • School of Health and Natural Sciences 

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $194,400

The Dominican University of California serves as an educational beacon for military-affiliated students looking to build upon their military career or branch out into a new one after their military service had ended. You’ll love the support offered through on-campus organizations like the Dominican University Student Veteran Organization and the local chapter of the Student Veterans of America and the academic support offered through the Student Success Center. Peer mentors, integrative coaching, and the creation of a digital portfolio are just a few of the perks of being a student of Dominican University of California. And if you hold or have held a nursing occupation in the military, you may qualify for advanced placement in the school’s undergraduate traditional nursing program!

California Lutheran University 
Thousand Oaks, CA

Website

Departments and Programs Eligible for Uncapped Benefits and Accepting All Eligible Students Under the Yellow Ribbon Program:

  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Management

Approximate bachelor’s degree cost for students without military benefits: $189,960