Lionel University is proud to serve those who selflessly serve our country.
America looks to you as a leader in physical fitness and in life. You know how to push yourself and others, and you’re a team player. Americans are searching for their best option when it comes to personal trainers, and you are perfect for the job. Leverage your benefits, experience, and leadership to earn your master's training certificate, master's degree, bachelor’s degree, or associate's in exercise science today.
We’re proud to be among the top 8%. The Military Friendly® Schools list is based on public data sources for nearly 9,000 schools nationwide, with input from student veterans and survey responses. Only 8% of these schools earned the designation in 2021-2022.
Is your separation date approaching? Are you transitioning from TA to GI Bill® benefits and needing flexible options? Our Military Specialists know the ins and outs of branch-specific TA, credentialing assistance, veterans benefits, and MyCAA. Simply relay your goals and challenges, and our specialists will lay out your available options and connect you with the right people.
Federal student aid is available for eligible students in the master's degree, bachelor’s degree program, associate degree program, or the Master Trainer certificate program. Additionally, active duty military, military spouses, and veterans can use their TA, CA, MyCAA, and GI Bill® benefits for program tuition.
The Military Friendly® Schools list is based on public data sources for nearly 9,000 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and survey responses. Only 8% of these schools (747) earned the designation in 2022-2023.
Lionel has degree programs designed for the specific needs of service members and their families.
Better yourself while serving your country. Earning your degree impacts your present and future as a military service member. Active duty members with a 4-year degree qualify for higher pay grades, and transitioning service members are positioned for a career that continues to impact the world.
Active duty service members, spouses, and veterans can utilize their benefits for Lionel programs.
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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Lionel Military Specialists have served in the military, and can help you navigate your benefits and walk you through the steps to approval. Additionally, our student body is comprised of a high percentage of active duty military, military spouses, and veterans. You’ll study with fellow students that understand the pressures you face in balancing commitment to country, family, and study.
The majority of our students have families, jobs, and other commitments, which is why all of our degree programs are 100% online and flexible. Complete your schooling on your terms and on your schedule.
Next Steps
1. Complete your Air Force Tuition Assistance application at least 45 days prior to the start of classes. 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.
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.
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
*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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
I currently serve on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I originally began my journey with Lionel U pursuing the Master Trainer certificate. Upon completion, I decided to continue my education and earned my associates in exercise science through Lionel University. Now I instruct at the Force Fitness Readiness Center where we train new Force Fitness Instructors for the Marine Corps. I couldn’t have done it without Lionel University.
My experience with Lionel University has been life changing in the best way. Not only have I learned so many new skills, but my resume is quite long due to all of the Special Certifications I have received. I was recently contacted by another “women-only” trainer with her own business who was looking to expand. She almost immediately offered me a job as her first hire, almost sight-unseen! Now, I work at two gyms and can offer training to different types of populations. I have no doubt my educational qualifications had something to do with the ease of which I have been able to stay successful in this rapidly emerging profession.
The education and experience at Lionel University has been absolutely amazing. I am proud to have earned my Associate degree and Master Trainer certificate and am excited to continue in the Bachelor's degree program. I can't wait to apply what I have learned to help my clients to lead active, healthy and rewarding lives.
Lionel University helped me add tools to my toolbox. I now have the knowledge and education to succeed and can implement my training in my client sessions. It is amazing to see how my clients have benefited from my education.
When I started at Lionel University I thought I was going to just get my personal training certification. The courses opened my eyes and showed me how much the field of exercise science has to offer and how much more there was for me to learn. As I continue through the curriculum I find myself get equipped with the tools I need to make me successful in this field.
A week after graduation I was hired at a gym. I attribute this to the knowledgeable staff and outstanding curriculum at Lionel University. While attending classes I got the support I needed from counselors and teachers and I’ve now earned multiple certifications as well as the Master Trainer Certificate and an Associate’s degree. The education I received gave me the ability to formulate programs that produce positive changes in a wide variety of clients lives through fitness.
My experience with Lionel University has been amazing. This journey has helped to build my brand more and more. Overall this is the best place to get the knowledge and help you need to get to the next level of training.
I'm so grateful to Lionel U for my Associate Degree in Exercise Science. I am the Gym Manager, Strength & Conditioning Coach and CrossFit Instructor at Derby City MMA & Derby City Barbell in Louisville, Kentucky. I transitioned very easily into the coaching role because Lionel U prepared me so well. I used to dread getting up and going to my boring office job which I did for 19 years, now I wake up and can't wait to get to the gym. It's not like a job, it’s fun and I love it. Thank you Lionel University for helping me turn my professional career into something I love.
Lionel University gave me the practical knowledge I need both inside and outside of the gym. My education gave me the ability to earn my college degree, obtain multiple fitness certifications, and work in the industry all at the same time! Lionel University is the place to be for any future fitness professional.
I am beyond thrilled to have been awarded the Fredrick C. Hatfield Scholarship! Being a fitness model/influencer, I have made it my goal to spread my passion for fitness with others in hopes that it can help the lives of many in the ways that it did mine. Living with Anxiety was a constant battle growing up until I made the choice to start going to the gym. In no time, the gym became my therapy. I have improved both mentally and physically in ways that I never thought possible. I am determined to use my past experiences as well as my new-found education as a guide to helping those who have the drive to improve their overall wellbeing.
Our Military Benefits Guide will answer your questions about how to utilize your branch-specific TA, CA, veterans benefits, and MyCAA.
There is absolutely no commitment and no credit card required. The application is designed as an investment in you—to help you name what you truly want, evaluate all that you juggle, and design your future. Stop and start the application as needed. Your work is saved as you go.
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