Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA) for College Students

Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA) helps active-duty Marines pay for college while serving. It covers up to 100% of tuition and specific fees, making it easier to earn a degree without taking on student debt. If you're thinking about joining the Marine Corps and want to continue your education, TA offers a way to do both.

How Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Works

Marine Corps TA is available to active-duty enlisted Marines and officers, including reservists on active orders, who meet these basic requirements:

• Completed at least 24 months of active service (some exceptions apply)
• In good standing with the Marine Corps
• Enrolled in an approved degree plan that supports your career goals
• Received course approval before the class begins

TA covers:

• Up to $250 per semester credit hour
• Up to $4,500 per fiscal year (Oct 1–Sept 30)

It applies to tuition and mandatory course fees only. Books, supplies, and other expenses aren’t included.

Benefits of Marine Corps Tuition Assistance

• Covers up to 100% of tuition (within set limits)
• Doesn’t use up your GI Bill benefits
• Supports in-person, online, and hybrid classes
• Allows you to work toward a degree while serving
• Can be used for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Helps meet education requirements for promotions or commissioning programs
• Keeps future education benefits available for grad school or family use

Is Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Right for You?

TA is a good fit for students who want to keep college costs low while serving in the military. It’s beneficial for those who:

• Want to earn a degree during active duty.
• Plan to use the GI Bill later for advanced degrees or grant the benefits to your family.
• Needs education to advance in their military or civilian career.
   

How to Apply for Marine Corps Tuition Assistance

1. Create an account through the Navy College Program, which handles TA for the Marine Corps.
2. Meet with an Education Services Officer (ESO) to create an approved degree plan.
3. Submit a TA request through the Navy College TA portal for each course.
4. Wait for approval before registering or starting the class. 

A new request is needed for every course. If you don’t complete a class successfully, you may have to repay the TA funds.

Marine Corps Tuition Assistance FAQs

Q: How much tuition does Marine Corps TA cover?
A: Up to $250 per semester credit hour and $4,500 per fiscal year.

Q: Can TA be used with the GI Bill?
A: Not for the same course, but they can be used at different times to extend your education benefits.

Q: What happens if I fail a class?
A: You’ll have to repay the tuition assistance unless you have an approved reason for not completing the course.

Q: Can TA be used for graduate school?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and stay within the yearly limits.