Military-Supportive GI Bill® Approved and Yellow Ribbon Program Colleges Online and in Iowa

iowa state

When John Gaultier endured the worst World War II had to offer, he didn’t consider the effects it would have on him later in life. He simply did his duty. Just like his father did during World War I.

Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)

Years later, however, after returning from the war, he tried to pick up the pieces. It wasn’t easy. He struggled to sleep, hold a job, or maintain his marriage. And after several years, he began to lose hope. Then, at the constant request of his old high school history teacher and through the support of the Iowa City “My Life, My Story” project, Gaultier began to share his stories, his memories, and his life’s dreams.

He began volunteering and meeting regularly with other veterans, sharing his story, and listening to theirs. He began to open up. Over time, he began to heal.

Returning from war can be a difficult transition. From emotional trauma to educational financial hurdles, finding life after the military can be a daunting task. The Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) knows this and believes that you do not have to walk the journey alone.

In conjunction with Iowa state universities and colleges, the IDVA is working diligently to provide you with an easy and largely dept-free path to a quality education and life after the military.

Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) Military Education Benefits

To help pay for college, veterans are eligible for educational benefits provided by federally funded programs such as the GI Bill® and the Federal Tuition Assistance program, both of which offer assistance in tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies and more.

In addition, Iowa veterans, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for Iowa specific aid programs and scholarships. For military dependents of fallen service members and vets that may not meet the requirements for full in-state tuition coverage under the GI Bill®, these state benefits can help carry the burden of paying for a college degree.

9. Human Resources

Children of Fallen Iowa Service Members Scholarship: Branstad-Reynolds Scholarship Fund

Funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and for the purpose of providing post-secondary scholarships for children of deceased military parents, this scholarship seeks to subsidize the costs of tuition, books, fees, housing, tools and equipment needed for coursework, tutoring, and other educational expenses.

To be eligible, you must:

To apply, you must:

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Children of Fallen Iowa Service Members Scholarship
7105 NW 70th Avenue, Camp Dodge, Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131

You can download the application here.

War Orphans Educational Assistance

With payments of up to $11,844.00 per year in tuition assistance, the War Orphans Educational Assistance programs seeks to provide financial support to any child of a veteran who died during – or as a result of – their active federal military service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. 

To be eligible, you must:

To apply, you must:

Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Avenue
Camp Dodge – Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131
515-252-4698 or 800-838-4692

Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship (INGSS)

INGSS is a state-funded tuition assistance program that, combined with the GI Bill® program as well as the Federal Tuition Assistance programs, can cover your educational costs. Offered to eligible National Guard Soldiers, this scholarship pays up to $2,700 per semester for full time students. Part-time students are still eligible for this grant but are paid at a reduced rate, based upon the number of classes they are taking.

To be eligible, you must:

To apply, you must:

Honorary High School Diploma Program

If you or a family member were unable to complete your high school courses and receive your diploma because of armed service enlistment, the state of Iowa will grant you an honorary high school diploma.

To be eligible, you must:

To apply, you must:

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Avenue − Camp Dodge, Building 3465
Johnston, Iowa 50131
(515) 252-4698 Toll Free: 800-838-4692
Fax: (515) 727-3713

Possible Station Assignments and Military Bases in Iowa

In December of 1846, Iowa became the 29th state in the United States of America. Within ten years, it would organize the Iowa National Guard and build its first official military base. The coming generations of Iowans would continually carry the banner of pride and honor by participating in both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.

Today, Iowa continues to support the Unites States Military by housing over 9,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen while sending over 400 Army and Airforce members to countries and camps around the world.

Iowa contains three Army bases, located throughout the state of Iowa. Their names, locations, and proximity to surrounding colleges and universities are as follows:

Army

During World War I, Fort Des Moines helped train African American infantry and cavalry units to become Army officers. During World War II it was repurposed as a Woman’s Army Corp training center and is now home of the Army Reserve and part of Camp Dodge, an area that includes the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. Fort Des Moines is just over 5 miles from Des Moines which is the home of Drake University, Grand View University, and Mercy College of Health and Sciences.

Established in 1940, IAAP started producing ammunition almost immediately to support the efforts of WWII. It now manufactures and delivers large caliber items for the Department of Defense, including tank ammunition, mortars of medium and large caliber, and missile warheads. Located in Des Moines County and near the city of Burlington, IAAP is surrounded by educational opportunities, including Iowa Wesleyan University, Monmouth College, and Franklin University.

Named after Brigadier General Grenville M. Dodge for his role in organizing the Iowa National Guard in 1856, Camp Dodge was activated during World War I as a training ground for the National Guard. By the end of World War II, it had expanded to include over 6,400 acres, providing military training for draftees and volunteers from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Today Camp Dodge is home to the 185th Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat team and 34th Infantry Division as well as the Regional Training Institute which provides training for officer candidates. It is located just outside of Johnston, the capital of Iowa, and less than 10 miles from Des Moines. Nearby colleges include Des Moines Area Community College, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health and Science, as well as Drake University.

Iowa is proud of its military history and the role it continues to play in defending and protecting the United States. It also takes great pride in taking care of the many Iowans who have chosen to serve. By providing special benefits such as a lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to veterans, military retirement exemptions, homeownership assistance, educational benefits and more, the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs is committed to supporting Iowa veterans transitioning to careers and lives after military service.

Military Friendly Colleges in Iowa 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 Iowa:

Allen College

Waterloo, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • School of health sciences
  • School of nursing

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Business
  • Communication Arts
  • Education
  • General Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Services
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Nursing Sciences
  • Social Services
  • Technology
  • Wellness

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake / Carroll / Council Bluffs / Creston / Denison / Emmetsburg / Estherville / Fort Dodge / Iowa Falls / Marshalltown / Mason City / Newton / Ottumwa / Spencer / Spirit Lake, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Harold Walter Siebens School of Business
  • School of Education
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • School of Science

Central College

Pella, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Accounting
  • German Studies
  • Actuarial Science
  • History
  • Anthropology (Cultural)
  • Information Systems
  • Art
  • International and Global Studies
  • Athletic Training
  • Mathematics
  • Biochemistry
  • Music
  • Biology
  • Music Education
  • Business Management
  • Musical Theatre
  • Chemistry
  • Natural Science
  • Communication Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Economics
  • Political Science
  • Education (Elementary)
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
  • Religious Studies
  • English
  • Self-Designed Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Social Science
  • Exercise Science
  • Sociology
  • French & Francophone Studies
  • Spanish

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • American Politics and Public Policy
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Art: Studio
  • Art History
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Business: Actuarial Science
  • Business: Analytics
  • Business: Finance
  • Business: Management
  • Business: Personnel Management
  • Chemistry
  • Civic Engagement
  • Classical Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Data Science
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Economics
  • Education: Elementary
  • Education: Secondary
  • Engineering (B.S.E. or Bachelor of Science in Engineering)
  • Engineering Sciences
  • English
  • English: Creative Writing
  • English: Literary Studies
  • Environmental Justice and Sustainability
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Environmental Studies
  • French
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
  • Geology
  • German Studies
  • History
  • International Relations
  • International Relations and Comparative Government
  • Kinesiology: Exercise Science
  • Kinesiology: Physical Education
  • Latin American Studies
  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Medieval & Early Modern Studies
  • Music (BA)
  • Music (BM): Music Education
  • Music (BM): Performance
  • Musical Theatre (B.F.A.)
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Thought
  • Politics
  • Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Psychology Specialist
  • Psychological Services
  • Psychology
  • Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice
  • Religion
  • Russian
  • Russian Studies
  • Sociology
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics (Applied)
  • Sustainability, Climate Change, and Geology
  • Theatre and Dance
  • Health and medical
  • MSN: Master’s of Science in Nursing
  • MPH: Community and Behavioral Health
  • MPH: Epidemiology
  • MPH: Occupational and Environmental Health
  • Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology
  • Pre-Dentistry
  • Pre-Health Administration/Management
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Physician’s Assistant
  • Pre-Social Work/Human Services
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine
  • Pathways to graduate studies
  • Pre-Architecture
  • Pre-Law
  • Pre-Theology

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry/Physics
  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice and Sociology
  • Education
  • English
  • History
  • Graduation with Honors
  • Kinesiology and Health Promotion
  • Liberal Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Organizational Studies
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Political Science
  • Psychology and Human Services
  • Social Work
  • Theatre Arts
  • Theology and Philosophy

Iowa Wesleyan University

Mt. Pleasant, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • biology
  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • digital media design
  • educational services
  • elementary education
  • exercise science and wellness
  • humanities
  • human services
  • music (k-12 licensure)
  • music
  • nursing (RN to BSN)
  • nursing (pre-licensure)
  • physical education
  • secondary science education
  • secondary business education
  • psychology

Loras College

Dubuque, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Accounting
  • Analytics
  • Applied Physics
  • Athletic Training 3+2 (Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology + Master of Athletic Training)
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Research
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Business Analytics
  • Catholic Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Coaching
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education – Elementary
  • Education – Secondary
  • Engineering (Mechanical, General w/ other tracks)
  • English – Creative Writing
  • English – Literature
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning and Wealth Management
  • Gender Studies
  • History
  • Instrumental Music
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Studies
  • Irish Studies
  • Journalism
  • Kinesiology
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Music – Liturgical
  • Neuroscience
  • Nursing 3+2 (Loras Bachelor’s degree in select major + NICC degree in Nursing)
  • Peace and Justice
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Public Relations
  • Racial Justice
  • Religious Studies and Theology
  • Rhetoric & Public Writing
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Sport Management
  • Sustainability
  • Vocal Music
  • Law

Pre-Health Professionals

  • Chiropractic
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy

 

  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Veterinary Medicine

Masters

  • Master of Science in Applied Analytics
  • Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
  • Master of Athletic Training
  • Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

 

  • Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership
  • Master of Arts in Counseling
  • Master of Arts in School Counseling

Luther College

Decorah, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Accounting
  • Africana Studies
  • Applied Leadership Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese
  • Classical Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Counseling
  • Dance
  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • Exercise Science
  • Foreign Culture
  • French
  • German
  • Global Health
  • History
  • Identity Studies
  • International Business
  • International Studies
  • Journalism
  • Law and Values
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics/Statistics
  • Museum Studies
  • Music
  • Music Education
  • Musical Theatre
  • Neuroscience
  • Nordic Studies
  • Nursing
  • Paideia
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religion
  • Social Welfare
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Theatre
  • Visual Communication

Pre-Professional Programs

  • Pre-Dentistry
  • Pre-Engineering
  • Pre-Law
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Ministry

 

  • Pre-Optometry
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Art
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • David Lynch Graduate School of Cinematic Arts
  • English: Creative Writing & Literature
  • Exercise & Sport Sciences
  • Maharishi Vedic Science

 

  • Mathematics
  • Cinematic Arts & New Media
  • Physics
  • Physiology & Health
  • Regenerative Agriculture
  • Sustainable & Regenerative Living

Purdue University Global

Cedar Rapids / Urbandale / Mason City, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Aviation
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • Fire Science
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Legal Studies
  • Nursing
  • Professional Studies
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Shiloh University

Cedar Rapids, IA

Accreditation: DEAC

  • Ministry and Leadership
  • C. Peter Wagner Ministry Programs
  • Education Programs

Simpson College

Indianola, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • Department of Biology & Environmental Science
  • Department of Business Administration & Economics
  • Department of Chemistry
  • Department of Computer Science
  • Department of English
  • Department of Graphic Design
  • Department of History
  • Interdisciplinary Studies Program
  • Department of Mathematics
  • Department of Multimedia Communication
  • Department of Music
  • Department of Philosophy
  • Department of Physics
  • Department of Political Science
  • Department of Psychology
  • Department of Religion
  • Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice
  • Department of Sport Science & Health Education
  • Department of Teacher Education
  • Department of Theatre Arts
  • Department of World Language and Culture Studies

St. Luke's College

Sioux City, IA

Accreditation: HLC

  • BSN
  • Bachelor of Health Science
  • ASN
  • AS in Radiologic Technology
  • AS in Respiratory Care
  • Advanced Radiology Specialties
  • Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science
  • Certificate in Phlebotomy
  • Clinical Pastoral Education