Marine Tuition Assistance

While each branch of military service has its own set of criteria used to determine eligibility for tuition assistance, the Marine Corps provides up to 100 percent of the cost to service members who elect to pursue off-duty or voluntary education. This would include all active-duty and Reserve enlisted Marines on continuous active duty attending accredited colleges and universities.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and elect to enroll in courses toward a degree may not exceed $4,500 in tuition-assistance funds per fiscal year. Funding is limited to $250 per semester hour or the equivalent in undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical classes, independent study and distance-learning programs. TA is funded for authorized courses at the time of registration regardless of the length of the particular class.

• Marine Corps College Fund – Marines who demonstrate a potential for academic excellence and are listed on eligible Marines’ contracts during their initial enlistment into the service may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through this fund.
• Montgomery G.I. Bill – At the time of their initial enlistment, service members can sign up for the Montgomery G.I. Bill. During the first year, a monthly deduction of $100 is taken out of the participant’s paycheck. After that, a marine can use the Bill at any time for up to 10 years following the time of honorable discharge. Those on active duty can use is in conjunction with tuition assistance.
  • First-time students will be required to complete a Military Tuition Assistance Orientation Class PRIOR to using the TA funds. Those service members stationed at remote sites, or non-Marine Corps installations, can access the course online (go to www.usmc-mccs.org).
  • Prior to enrollment, you must apply for and receive written authorization for tuition assistance through the appropriate education office.
  • For Marines in remote locations and those assigned to other service sites, tuition assistance is processed at Camp Lejeune for those east of the Mississippi, and at Camp Pendleton for those west of the Mississippi. Recruiters apply through their district or region headquarters.

How to submit your TA application? here are some important tips about the application Process: