EDUCATION
The Marine Corps has multiple programs to support Marines' continuing education.
To learn about the Marines paying for the college education of future officers, visit our Commissioning Programs page.
Marines will attend various forms of training to teach them new skills and expand their personal and professional capabilities.
Many of the schools Marines attend have skills that translate directly to the civilian world. These can be Military Occupational Schools, Advanced Courses, Professional Military Education, or other programs.
Examples of these schools and programs include:
-Marine Corps Continual Process Improvement Course, the equivalent of Lean Six Sigma
-Aviation Electronics Maintenance Supervisor's Course, equivalent of a technical degree
-Defense Language Institute teaches fluency in foreign language for military liasons
To learn about schools and each MOS, visit our Complete MOS List
Every formal school or training program that is recorded in your military record is also on your JST. Many of these count for college credits if you choose to enroll in a program.
The JST is generated by your base's education center and available to all Marines.
The COOL Program allows Marines to translate their technical skills into civilian credentials.
It is paid for by the Marine Corps and comes at no additional cost for Marines.
These credentials, or licenses in some cases, can be used to get high paying jobs after the service.
To learn more about USMC COOL, click here.
THE PREMIER EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT EXCLUSIVELY FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS
The GI Bill is a program where the Department of Veterans Affairs pays the tuition for college or training programs. There are many nuances, but we will describe eligibility and coverage below.
Marines will make an election within the first few days of entering the Marine Corps. Marines become 40% eligible for the GI Bill after 3 months on active duty and will be eligible to receive 100% of the bill after 36 months of active duty.
Reservists are also eligible for the GI Bill.
The Department of Defense is not allowed to make a recommendation, but we recommend that everyone opt for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
For more information, click here.
THE VA PAYS TUTION TO YOUR SCHOOL DIRECTLY, THEN PAYS YOU HOUSING AND OTHER STRIPENDS DIRECTLY.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is free and offers higher education and training benefits to Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families who served after Sept. 10, 2001.
Types of training covered include:
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Institutions of higher learning undergraduate and graduate degrees
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Vocational/technical training, non-college degree programs National testing reimbursement
For approved programs, the Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits. Its validity never expires.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers 100% of tuition at public schools and universities, a capped amount for private and foreign universities, a monthly housing allowance, an annual books stipend, and a one time rural benefit payment. These benefits are explained below.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is the only education option that includes the Yellow Ribbon Program. Veterans enrolled full-time with 100% of their GI Bill eligibility at universities participating in the Yellow Ribbon program can attend entirely for free.
Tuition
If a veteran or active duty military member with full GI Bill benefits enrolls at a public university or college in a state where they are receiving in-state tuition, the GI Bill will pay All Tuition & Fee Payments regardless of dollar amount. Tuition is paid directly to the academic institution and not the student.
There is a national maximum for private and foreign universities. The national maximum for 2020 is $24,476.79 per academic year.
There is an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies. $500 are paid each semester for full-time students and prorated for part-time. The stipend is paid directly to the student.
Housing
Military or veteran students attending school full-time will receive a housing allowance. The amount is calculated based on the zip code the school is located in at the rate of E-5 with dependents. The housing allowance is only paid out during the time class is in session.
Housing is paid directly to the student.
Rural Move
A one-time rural move payment is made when veterans enroll in a school that is more than 400 miles from their home to help facilitate their relocation to the academic institution.
YOU BUY INTO PROGRAM AND GET PAID DIRECTLY WHILE YOU'RE IN TRAINING. YOU PAY YOUR SCHOOL AND KEEP WHAT'S LEFT. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE MGIB.
Montgomery GI Bill assists active duty and Reservists with the pursuit of higher education degrees, certificates, and other education and training. It is paid monthly to the student.
The Montgomery GI Bill is bought into while on active duty. Marines must pay $100 a month for 12 months to purchase into the Montgomery Bill.
Marines can buy up their monthly rate. By paying an extra $600, Marines may receive an extra $5400 in benefits.
Assistance may be used for:
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technical or vocational courses
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certain entrance examinations
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correspondence courses
The Montgomery GI Bill is typically valid for ten years.
There are four eligibility categories. You may be eligible if you have an honorable discharge and a high school diploma or GED (or in some cases 12 hours of college credit) and meet the requirements of one of the categories below:
Category I
Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months, continuously served for three years or two years, if that is what you first enlisted for or if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years (the 2 by 4 program)
Category II, III, IV
These categories apply to people who joined the military before 1985, and have legacy eligibility requirements.
The Montgomery GI Bill pays different rates for Active Duty and Reservists.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
Training Time Monthly rate
Full time $2,050.00
¾ time $1,537.50
½ time $1,025.00
less than ½ time $1,025.00
¼ time or less $512.50
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve
Training Time Monthly rate
Full time $392.00
3/4 time $293.00
1/2 time $195.00
Less than 1/2 $98.00
FOR GOING TO SCHOOL ON ACTIVE DUTY
Tuition Assistance (TA) allows Marines to take classes while on Active Duty. It requires approval from your Chain of Command.
TA is available for all active duty Marines with at least 24 months of service, reservists on continuous active duty, enlisted reservists ordered to active duty for 120 days, and reserve officers ordered to active duty for two years or more.
The Marine Corps will pay up to:
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$250 per Semester Credit Hour
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$166 per Quarter Credit Hour
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$1,500 per semester
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$4,500 in one year
TA must be used in pursuit of higher education or a certification (for example, Officers must pursue a Master's degree or professional certificate).
Officers must also have at least 24 months left on active duty after completion of their last class. There is no extra requirement for enlisted Marines.
