Step 1: Apply to Lionel University
Complete your online application for your selected degree program.
Use your earned VA education benefits toward flexible online degree programs designed to help you advance your education and prepare for careers in exercise science, fitness, health, and human performance.
Military Benefits
VA education benefits may be available to:
Eligibility depends on military service history and the specific VA education program used.
VA Education Benefits
Veterans and service members may qualify for several VA education programs.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is one of the most widely used education benefits for veterans who served after September 10, 2001.
Benefits may include:
• Tuition and fee coverage
• Annual books and supplies stipend
The Montgomery GI Bill® provides education benefits for:
• Active-duty service members
• Selected Reserve members
This program supports approved education and career training programs.
Click Here To Learn MoreDEA benefits provide education assistance for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans.
Click Here To Learn MoreTake our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizVeteran & GI Bill® Benefits
Follow these four simple steps to understand your benefits, apply through the VA, and get started at Lionel University.
Complete your online application for your selected degree program.
Once approved, provide your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to Lionel University so our team can process your education benefits
Start your degree with flexible 100% online courses designed to fit your work, family, and post-service career goals.
Service members must typically request TA approval through their branch’s education portal before enrolling in courses.

Additional Veteran Support
Lionel University is proud to participate in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional financial support to eligible veterans and military students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition costs that exceed the standard GI Bill® tuition benefit, making higher education more affordable for those who have served.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program:
• Lionel University contributes a portion of remaining tuition costs
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs matches that amount
• This combined contribution helps reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition expenses
This partnership allows eligible veterans to pursue their education with greater financial support and fewer barriers.
You may qualify for Yellow Ribbon benefits if you:
• Are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level
• Meet VA eligibility requirements for the program
• Are enrolled in a participating Yellow Ribbon institution
Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps ensure veterans have access to quality education by reducing tuition gaps that may occur when GI Bill benefits do not fully cover program costs.
At Lionel University, our participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program reflects our commitment to supporting veterans pursuing careers in exercise science, health, fitness, and human performance.
Our military support team can help you understand the process of applying your Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits toward your degree and connect you with VA resources. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for VA education benefits.
📞 Call: 1-800-650-4772
🌐 Visit: lionel.edu
Trade In. Trade Up. Finish Faster.
Already earned college credits, certifications, military training, or work experience? Don’t leave them behind — stack them toward your degree.
At Lionel University, we make it easy to trade in what you’ve already accomplished and trade up to a higher credential — whether that’s an associate's, bachelor’s, or master’s in Exercise Science.
✓ Credits never expire
✓ Certifications can count toward your degree
✓ Military and work experience may qualify
✓ Save time and thousands in tuition

Take our 3-minute Exercise Science Readiness Quiz and get a personalized report on your strengths, interests, and potential career fit.
Take the 3-Minute Readiness QuizAcademic Pathways
Build your future with stackable credentials, associate, bachelor's, and master's degree options designed for working adults.
Gain job-ready skills and start earning credits toward your degree.
Build a strong foundation for a career in health, fitness, and wellness.
Military Guide
Learn more about military education benefits, available funding options, and support resources for service members, veterans, and military families at Lionel University.
Career Services
From enrollment through graduation and beyond, Lionel University students receive lifetime access to career coaching, professional development tools, and resources designed to help them achieve their goals.
✓ Personalized career coaching
✓ Resume and LinkedIn support
✓ Job search tools and resources
✓ Professional development guidance
✓ Lifetime access at no additional cost

GI Bill® Resources
Find answers to common questions about GI Bill® benefits, online degree programs, benefit eligibility, Tuition Assistance, and VA education resources.
Yes. Eligible veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved online degree programs and universities.
Most GI Bill programs provide up to 36 months of education benefits.
Tuition Assistance is generally used while actively serving, while GI Bill® benefits are commonly used after separation or retirement, though some may qualify to use them on active duty.
In some cases, service members may transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouses or dependent children.
The VA GI Bill Comparison Tool allows students to:
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86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week
Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design
Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement
90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction
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98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel
94–95% would recommend their course to a friend
90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories
Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback
Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors
Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals.
Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.
Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.
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Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.
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Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.