Sailors applying for tuition assistance will be required to use WebTA to process all applications beginning April 15.

“WebTA allows Sailors to complete all steps in the tuition assistance and education planning process online,” said Mary Redd-Clary, the Navy’s Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director.

“In the past, Sailors could start the TA application process, but were then required to circulate a printed copy for review and approval through the chain of command. Now, Sailors and Marines can complete the entire process virtually, and the final step is the paper-based submission, in person or via fax, to one of the Navy’s 52 Navy College Offices (NCO) for delivery to the school,” said Redd-Clary.

The WebTA application must be approved by the commanding officer or authorized command delegate.

“We recommend developing an internal command review process, as that process will ensure all management controls for Sailors TA requirements are met. These requirements, such as completion of warfare qualifications, should all be reviewed prior to the commanding officer’s final approval,” said Redd-Clary.

In addition to TA application processing through WebTA, the NCP site includes tools required for Sailors to develop an interactive education plan with direct support from NCO counselors. The site also provides Sailors and counselors access to Sailor/Marine Ace Registry Transcript (SMART) records.

Sailors can also search degree plans based on their ratings. These degree plans are offered through partner schools from the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP).

“WebTA also offers commands an opportunity to provide more timely and interactive support of their Sailors as they work to identify their professional and academic pursuits,” said Redd-Clary.

For more information about the Navy College Program, visit https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.

Source: http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52441

The Navy Advanced Education Voucher Program (AEV) – This was originally created to provide advanced education opportunities for senior enlisted personnel E-7 through E-9. Geared toward superior performers who demonstrate the potential for continued upward movement, the program specifically targets assistance for post-secondary degree programs relevant to the Navy. As part of the recently announced Professional Military Education Continuum, AEV supports baccalaureate and master’s degree completion in designated areas of specialization through off-duty education.

For service members working towards a baccalaureate degree, AEV will cover 100 percent of costs for tuition, books, and other related fees. The limit on funds for each participant is $6,700 per year for a maximum of 36 months from the date of enrollment. For a master’s degree, the program will cover 100 percent of tuition, books, and related fees up to $20,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months from the time of enrollment. The total amount of funds authorized for each participant will not exceed $40,000.

Tuition Assistance – The Navy will pay up to 100 percent of your college tuition if you are an Active Duty service member. Click here to learn more about Navy Tuition Assistance.

The Service members Opportunity Colleges degree program for the Navy (SOCNAV) – This is a group of academic institutions that offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs on, or accessible to, Navy installations around the world. The colleges form networks in which each school accepts credits from all the others.

Even if the Navy transfers you many times, the SOCNAV guarantees that you can continue working towards your degree. There are also degrees that can be earned through distance learning, requiring no classroom residency.

The Navy College-At-Sea (NCPACE) – This program affords service members the chance to experience challenging education while at sea, preparing you for personal and professional growth. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are provided by 15 colleges and universities across the country.

Navy Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) – This is a commissioning program that allows Sailors to keep their benefits, pay, and privileges while they receive a scholarship to attend college to earn their degree as well as their commission as a Naval Officer.

There are also a number of Navy Education Benefit Programs, including the Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program, which offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2000 for eligible active duty service members; the Navy College Fund, available to those who sign up for the Montgomery GI Bill; the Student Loan Repayment Program; the Navy College Assistance/Student Head Start Program; and the Accelerate to Excellence, a pilot program that allows enlistees to obtain an associates degree through a community or junior college as part of their initial rate training.