Education Benefits
A CULTURE OF CONTINUAL LEARNING
The Marine Corps believes that a better education makes for an even more capable Marine. We develop our minds into powerful weapons, allowing us to find unique solutions to the problems we encounter every day, as well as perform effectively at the highest level of action. Marines have access to the educational opportunities that will ensure that together, they're an even better fighting force today than they were yesterday.
BENEFITS IN SUPPORT OF OUR NATION
Marines are committed to attaining the education required to gain the advantage for our Nation and each other. We hold ourselves to the highest standards as we win battles in and out of the classroom. If you become one of us, we will invest in your education, providing up to 100 percent of your education expenses through federal government programs like Tuition Assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill and the Marine Corps College Fund.
A CULTURE OF CONTINUAL LEARNING
Winning complex battles on the modern battlefield requires a highly educated force, and it is for this reason that the Corps invests in the education of those who commit to fighting for our Nation. The Marine Corps will give you every opportunity to sharpen your mind while you advance your education. As a Marine, you will be encouraged to pursue your college degree while on active duty, or even after you complete your service and return to civilian life, so that you're just as adept at leading in communities as you are on battlefields. In fact, many Marines start obtaining college credits immediately, even while in recruit training. Continuing your education is a vital part of being fighting fit, and the Marine Corps will make every opportunity available to help you achieve your educational goals as a United States Marine.
PRIDE EARNED IN A COLLECTIVE FIGHT
A Marine’s pride is not a selfish pride but a feeling of dignity and honor, knowing that he or she stands among the few who have overcome the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of becoming an elite fighter for our Nation.
Marines belong to the Corps, to one another and to the Nation we serve, united by pride and common purpose. We are committed to one another in order to win every battle today and into the future. Among our ranks stand those committed to a force unlike any other in the world.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
As Marines, we take the necessary steps to ensure we know more today than we did yesterday, so that our Nation can also continuously advance. The Marine Corps ensures all Marines have the means to achieve a higher education through the following programs:
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
While you’re on active duty, 100% of your tuition is covered at accredited institutions, up to $225 per college credit and/or $4500 per year. The Tuition Assistance Program is available at any duty station and participating can even help you earn bonus points toward promotion. To continue receiving these benefits, Marines must maintain a "C" average while enrolled.
ADVANCED DEGREE PROGRAM (ADP)
Through the ADP, Marines who have already earned an undergraduate degree can receive partial funding for the cost of pursuing a master’s degree. Will attending graduate school full time, Marines will receive their regular pay and allowances.
DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NONTRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT (DANTES)
DANTES Programs give Marines the opportunity to work toward college degrees through correspondence courses. Details of the program include:
Earn college credits through examination, external degree programs, and independent study
Earn guaranteed credit for completion of correspondence courses
Select your courses from 41 major universities
• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) can be used with DANTES
DANTES INCLUDES THESE UNIVERSITIES AND MANY OTHERS:
• University of Alabama
• Arizona State University
• Brigham Young University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• University of Idaho
• Mississippi State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Texas Tech University
• Washington State University
POST 9/11 GI BILL
Marines who are looking to pay for their education through the POST 9/11 GI Bill will receive 100% tuition assistance after 36 months of active duty. Basic eligibility is established with 90 aggregate days of service, and those Marines participating will receive assistance for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. You may be eligible for a monthly housing stipend while on campus, and there's even an opportunity to transfer entitlements to a dependent.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL
Through the Montgomery GI Bill, Marines receive tax-free assistance toward a college degree. By contributing just $100 per month for one year, you can enroll full or part time. Funds are available after 24 months of active duty, and they can be used for studies at vocational and technical schools, or colleges and universities.
THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Through this program, Marines earn the opportunity pursue a postgradute degree in certain disciplines, including engineering, communications, computers and management. It enables Marines to work toward advance degrees in given Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) at accredited colleges, while receiving full Marine Corps benefits.
STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER’S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
This education benefits program allows Marines to complete their degree by attending an accredited four-year college full time, while still on active duty. These benefits are earned while still receiving full pay and allowances in the Marine Corps. This program is available to Marines who have earned a minimum rank of staff sergeant, and who have enough prior college credits to complete a B.S. or B.A. within 18 months on campus. A four-year commitment is required after graduation.
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