A University Education You Can Trust

Download our Military Tuition Assistance guide to learn more about available benefits

Designated as a Military Friendly® School, Lionel University is committed to helping active duty service members and veterans achieve their education goals. Our programs are specifically designed to be flexible so you can easily manage your coursework during your service.

Lionel University participates in the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. Students/Military personnel/Veterans considering this program can find additional information here: https://www.dodmou.com/TADECIDE/

Lionel is the ONLY University in the country devoted solely to fitness education. The 100% online curriculum focuses on real-world principles, and is specifically created to help you apply your knowledge to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

  • 100% online with flexible start dates

  • $0 application fee and $0 transfer credit evaluation

  • Federal student aid available

  • Aid for active duty military, veterans, and their families

  • No SAT/ACT scores required

Branch Specific Benefits

Air Force

  • Use Air Force TA to earn your bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Up to 10 industry-recognized certifications are included in the curriculum.
  • Applicants with an associate degree begin as juniors in our bachelor’s degree program!*
  • Our Active Duty Military Scholarship provides additional assistance to TA students to reduce out of pocket costs.**
  • Lionel will evaluate your CCAF and other college transcripts at no charge.

 

Ready to begin?

Air Force TA may cover certificate programs related to your job in the Air Force. Next Steps:

1. Consult your education department counselor to learn if your job qualifies. Visit the Air Force Education Portal for more information.

2. Connect with a Lionel Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way at military@lionel.edu

*Subject to authorization from the Office of Registrar. Transfer credit evaluation of official transcripts required. Only courses with a C or higher qualify for transfer. Students must complete the lower-level requirements of the Lionel BS degree program before advancing to upper-level coursework. 

**In order to qualify for The Lionel Active Duty Military Scholarship the student must be using or eligible for Tuition Assistance and also submit a FAFSA for the current aid year.  The scholarship will be awarded after any Pell grant is applied. This scholarship supplements the per-credit cap, but does not extend beyond the annual tuition ceiling.

Army

  • Use Army TA to earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Up to 10 industry-recognized certifications are included in the curriculum.
  • Our Active Duty Military Scholarship provides additional assistance to TA students to reduce out of pocket costs.*
  • Lionel will evaluate your JSTs and other college transcripts at no charge.

Ready to begin?

Next Steps

1. Complete your ArmyIgnitED application. If you require further assistance, consult your education department counselor.

2. Contact a Lionel Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way at military@lionel.edu

 

*In order to qualify for The Lionel Active Duty Military Scholarship the student must be using or eligible for Tuition Assistance and also submit a FAFSA for the current aid year.  The scholarship will be awarded after any Pell grant is applied. This scholarship supplements the per-credit cap, but does not extend beyond the annual tuition ceiling.
**TA funds count toward a service member’s annual tuition ceiling of $4,000.

Coast Guard

  • Use TA to earn your Master Trainer certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Up to 10 industry-recognized certifications are included in the degree curriculum.
  • Our Active Duty Military Scholarship provides additional assistance to TA students to reduce out of pocket costs.*
  • Lionel will evaluate your JSTs and other college transcripts at no charge.

 

Ready to begin?

Next Steps:

1. Consult your education department counselor to learn if your job qualifies. Visit the US Coast Guard Education Portal for more information.

2. Connect with a Lionel Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way at military@lionel.edu

*In order to qualify for The Lionel Active Duty Military Scholarship the student must be using or eligible for Tuition Assistance and also submit a FAFSA for the current aid year.  The scholarship will be awarded after any Pell grant is applied. This scholarship supplements the per-credit cap, but does not extend beyond the annual tuition ceiling.

Marines

  • Use Marine TA to earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Up to 10 industry-recognized certifications are included in the curriculum.
  • Our Active Duty Military Scholarship provides additional assistance to TA students to reduce out of pocket costs.*
  • Lionel will evaluate your JSTs and other college transcripts at no charge.
  • Marines are eligible to obtain one TA-funded certificate during their careers.

 

Ready to begin?

Next Steps:

1. Consult your education department counselor to learn if your job qualifies. Visit the Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Guide for more information.

2. Connect with a Lionel Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way at military@lionel.edu

*In order to qualify for The Lionel Active Duty Military Scholarship the student must be using or eligible for Tuition Assistance and also submit a FAFSA for the current aid year.  The scholarship will be awarded after any Pell grant is applied. This scholarship supplements the per-credit cap, but does not extend beyond the annual tuition ceiling.

Navy

  • Use Navy TA to earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Up to 10 industry-recognized certifications are included in the curriculum.
  • Our Active Duty Military Scholarship provides additional assistance to TA students to reduce out of pocket costs.*
  • Lionel will evaluate your JSTs and other college transcripts at no charge.

 

Ready to begin?

Next Steps:

1. Consult your education department counselor to learn if your job qualifies. Visit the Navy Tuition Assistance Page for more information.

2. Connect with a Lionel Military Specialist for assistance every step of the way at military@lionel.edu

*In order to qualify for The Lionel Active Duty Military Scholarship the student must be using or eligible for Tuition Assistance and also submit a FAFSA for the current aid year.  The scholarship will be awarded after any Pell grant is applied. This scholarship supplements the per-credit cap, but does not extend beyond the annual tuition ceiling.

GI Bill® & VA Benefits

Lionel is an approved institution for higher learning through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans can use their VA benefits toward tuition in our master's degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or Master Trainer certificate programs. 

Here are the steps to getting started:

  1. Activate benefits or change the place of training. 
  2. Send your certificate of eligibility (COE) to military@lionel.edu.
  3. Apply to the master's degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or Master Trainer certificate programs. 
  4. Submit all past transcripts (required by the VA).

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33): After the school certifies your enrollment, the VA sends your eligible portion of tuition directly to the school. If you are less than 100% eligible, you will submit the remaining portion of tuition during the second week of class.

Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30, 1606) and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35): Students utilizing Chapters 30, 1606, and/or 35 pay tuition directly to the school. After the school certifies enrollment and you verify your attendance, the VA will reimburse you according to your eligibility, course load, and the portion of the month that you attended. Monthly attendance verification may be required.

*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.

Military Spouse (MyCAA)

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) discount program provides up to $4,000 toward a Lionel associate degree.

Here are the steps to getting started:

  1. Connect with a Military Specialist to identify the right program for your goals. 
  2. Set up your MyCAA account to access your benefits.
  3. Lionel University will evaluate any past college coursework at no charge.
  4. Up to two-thirds of the associate degree program can be accepted in transfer.

 

We’re proud to be in the top 8% of Military Friendly® schools.

Lionel University is proud to be awarded the Silver designation as a military-friendly school in the 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School’s list included in the upcoming issue of G.I Jobs Magazine.

The 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School’s list, by Viqtory, a media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, honors schools throughout the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. The listing provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families.

Military Benefits Concierge

Lionel Fast Facts

3200 Successful Graduates
31 Years in Business
796 Active Students
95% Student Satisfaction
13 Average Class Size
$0 Required for Textbooks

"Lionel University has been a life-changing experience. I recommend it to all my co-workers, friends, and family members who have a passion for fitness and want to continue their educational journey. "

- Paul Joseph