For active military members and veterans who want to make the most of their education benefits, an accredited online MBA program can be an excellent choice. BGSU offers four affordable online MBA programs, allowing students to choose the educational path that best meets their personal and professional goals.
Choosing a program that is also known for supporting military students can pave the way to success. Bowling Green State University (BGSU), for example, is recognized for its military support services. Named a top 2020 “Best for Vets” university by Military Times, BGSU supports military personnel in making the transition to new education and career goals.
What Are Some Benefits of an Online MBA?
Going back to school to earn an MBA is a major decision. But it may come with some common concerns. Fitting classes into a busy schedule is one. For active-duty military members, getting to class on campus may be very difficult, if not impossible. This is where the online format can offer a significant advantage.
Other concerns may relate to cost. Poets & Quants listed nine MBA programs with a total cost to students of over $200,000, as of December 2018. An online MBA program can help keep costs down while delivering a degree that employers will respect.
Students can earn their MBA at BGSU for a total cost of $17,850, or $595 per credit hour, with no extra fees. Depending on which military education benefits a student has, all or part of BGSU’s MBA expenses may be covered for in-state students and out-of-state students.
Even for students who are not eligible for the maximum education benefit, the cost of tuition for BGSU is likely to be a fraction of that for a traditional program at a private school. This can help students avoid accumulating student loan debt. On a related note, BGSU made Money Magazine‘s 2019 list of “Best Colleges for Your Money.”
Most importantly, an online format makes it possible to schedule coursework around other obligations, such as work. Active-duty military members can earn their degree at a pace that works for them as they continue to serve.
How Does the Post 9/11 GI Bill Work?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides education benefits to military service members and veterans. Active VA education benefit programs include:
- Post 9/11 GI Educational Assistance (Post 9/11 GI Bill)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
- Post-Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- National Call to Service (NCS)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
The Post-911 GI Bill is by far the most-used education benefit. In 2018, 708,069 beneficiaries received education benefits through the Post 9/11 program. Benefits include:
- Payment of tuition and fees
- A monthly housing allowance
- A stipend for textbooks and supplies
The Post-911 GI Bill offers up to 36 months of education benefits to military personnel who served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits vary depending on the length of service. For example, military personnel with 36 months or more of service may qualify for the full benefit.
To make sure GI benefits get students where they want to go, it is important to check a school’s accreditation. Accreditation from a recognized accrediting organization ensures that the school meets quality standards. Even when a college or university is accredited, it is important to make sure the business school is accredited as well.
As an institution, BGSU is accredited by the federally recognized Higher Learning Commission (HLC). BGSU’s business school is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The AACSB is considered the gold standard in business school accreditation. It is the same organization that accredits Ivy League business schools such as Harvard and Stanford.
Military service members and veterans may be eligible for more than one education benefit. But, as the VA points out, students can only receive payment from one program at a time. Students will want to be sure the program they choose is the best match.
What Makes an MBA a Good Match for Military Personnel?
Employers in both the public and private sector are looking for MBA graduates with certain skill sets. Key management competencies, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), include:
- Building trust within teams
- Solving problems
- Prioritizing tasks
- Communicating with diverse stakeholders
- Building relationships
Emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy — is also crucial.
Active military service members and veterans are likely to find that their military experience has already prepared them with essential management skills. Earning an MBA can help expand these skills in the context of a real-world business environment.
Earning an MBA can help veterans and active members of the Armed Forces prepare for in-demand management positions in accounting, finance and other fields.
Learn more about Bowling Green State University’s online MBA program.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Tuition Assistance, Tuition Assistance Top-Up, and VA Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Poets & Quants: How Much Does a Top MBA Now Cost? Nine Schools Are in the $200K Club
Money: The Best Colleges in America, Ranked by Value
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Summary of VA Education Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Benefits for Veterans Education
Society for Human Resource Management: The Top 10 Management Skills You Need
BG Independent Media: Military Times Recognizes BGSU Again for Service to Veterans
