SAINT JOSEPH, Mo., Aug. 22, 2011 - "G.I. Jobs," the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded American College of Technology the designation of Military Friendly School. A nationally accredited distance learning provider, American College of Technology offers 12 online associates degrees as well as certifications in IT, business, criminal justice and healthcare information technology.

ACOT was added to the publication's Military Friendly Schools list after a rigorous screening process by the G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools® team. The team found that the college offered numerous advantages to military students who opted for its distance courses . "We were considered the top tier of Military Friendly Schools out of several hundred or thousand that applied," said Lute Atieh, ACOT's director of operations and technology.

Among the financial support resources that resulted in the Military Friendly School title is ACOT's registration with GoArmyEd, allowing military students to apply for the Department of Defense's Tuition Assistance program. The college also offers Veterans Affairs education benefits and is also involved in the Service Members Opportunities Colleges (SOC) program, so military students can make the most of their transfer credits. ACOT also provides military scholarships for active and non-active duty military students as well as their spouses and dependents.

"In addition to financial support, we offer our courses at half the cost of the national average," said Atieh. "Many colleges and universities charge $350 - $550 per credit hour in addition to other charges. ACOT charges only $249 per semester credit hour, totaling $14,940 for any associate degree program. Students are charged $125 per course to cover cost of books, software and shipping. We guarantee that there are no hidden fees and that students' costs will not go up while they are enrolled."

Courses start every six weeks, and all courses are offered online three times a week. Instructors are specialists in their field, and the college keeps its instructor-to-student ratio low so that each student receives personal attention.

Audio and video streaming technology allows students to complete their degree or certification wherever they have Internet access, anywhere in the world. Students can use voice and video conferencing to participate in live, interactive lectures at set times. Classes are also available via mobile phone, so the distance learning provider can serve students who are literally on the go. ACOT also offers the option of accessing recorded lectures at whatever times are most convenient.

"Competition for military and veteran students is intense among tertiary institutions, and ACOT is extremely proud to have won the status of Military Friendly School," said Atieh. "We are also very proud that military students already count for more than 75 percent of our student population, and we are committed to helping them achieve their career goals."