Supporting our heroes: Inside CMU Online’s approach to military education

For military-connected students pursuing higher education, the path forward is rarely a straight line. Between deployments, relocations, and family responsibilities, balancing service with academics can be a challenge. At Central Michigan University Online, tailored support systems are in place to help military students overcome those barriers—and thrive.

“Our military-connected students bring tremendous life experience to the classroom,” said Kelly Barton, Director of Military Engagement at CMU. “Our role is to help them turn that experience into progress toward a meaningful degree.”

Designed with flexibility in mind

With fully online programs and multiple start dates throughout the year, CMU Online is structured to meet the needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Asynchronous course delivery allows students to study around changing schedules, including deployments and training exercises.

Barton notes that this flexibility is often what enables students to start—or return to—their education. “We hear from students who never thought they could manage a degree because of their military obligations,” she said. “Our model is designed to meet them where they are.”

Helping military experience count

One of the most impactful resources for military-connected students is CMU’s ability to assess and apply academic credit for prior military training and experience. Through education and training credit like the Joint Services Transcript evaluation and prior learning assessment, students may be able to fulfill degree requirements without repeating what they’ve already mastered on the job.

“Time and money are both at a premium,” Barton said. “Recognizing previous training helps students make efficient progress toward graduation.”

Support from start to finish

CMU provides individualized support to military students from the moment they inquire to the day they graduate. Staff assist with understanding and using military education benefits—including Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill®—and help navigate enrollment, course planning, and transfer credit evaluation.

In addition to these services, the Veterans’ Resource Center at CMU offers year-round support for veterans, active-duty personnel, and military family members. The center connects students to academic and career services, counseling, and community events, ensuring that military-connected students feel seen and supported throughout their academic journey.

Commitment backed by recognition

CMU has been recognized as a Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for eight consecutive years, reflecting a longstanding commitment to military education. The university also offers a tuition discount of up to 50% for eligible active-duty service members, spouses, and DEERS-qualified dependents.

“Our approach is personal,” Barton said. “We don’t just ask what program someone wants—we ask what their goals are, what their military experience has been, and how we can help them reach the next chapter.”

For more information about how CMU Online supports military-connected students, visit online.cmich.edu/military