Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program (VOLED) for College Students

The Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program (VOLED) provides active-duty Marines with access to educational opportunities while they serve. VOLED helps Marines pursue college degrees, vocational certifications, and professional development by offering tuition support, academic advising, and testing resources through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) voluntary education system.

The program is available to all eligible active-duty Marines and is managed through base education centers and the Navy College Program.

How the Marine Corps VOLED Program Works

The Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program (VOLED) includes several services that support lifelong learning and career advancement. These services are delivered through Marine Corps base education centers and include:

• Tuition Assistance (TA): Covers up to $250 per semester credit hour and a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year for college courses.
• Academic Advising: Helps Marines develop degree plans aligned with their personal and professional goals.
• Credit-by-Exam Testing: Provides access to CLEP and DSST exams to earn college credit without taking complete courses.
• Joint Services Transcript (JST): Documents military training and experience that may count toward academic credit.
• Online and On-Base Learning: Supports flexible course formats to accommodate duty schedules and deployments.

All courses must be approved before enrollment. Marines are required to maintain good academic standing to continue receiving VOLED benefits.

Key Features of VOLED

Benefits of VOLED for Active-Duty Marines

• VOLED reduces out-of-pocket education costs while on active duty.
• VOLED supports degree completion without using GI Bill benefits.
• VOLED offers flexible learning formats to fit military schedules.
• VOLED improves career readiness by supporting civilian-recognized credentials.
• VOLED allows Marines to accelerate progress toward a degree through CLEP and DSST testing.
• VOLED enables long-term planning through professional academic counseling.

Is the Marine Corps VOLED Program Right for You?

The Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program (VOLED) is a strong option for Marines who want to complete their education while continuing full-time service. VOLED may be a good fit if:

• You want to earn a degree without interrupting your military career
• You plan to reserve the GI Bill for later use or for a family member.
• You need flexible courses that fit your duty schedule.
• You want to apply military experience toward academic credit.
• You are preparing for civilian transition or a military promotion. 

How to Get Started with VOLED

1. Visit your base education center to speak with an academic advisor.
2. Create an education plan that outlines your program of study.
3. Research approved colleges and degree options through the Navy College Program.
4. Submit Tuition Assistance requests through the Navy College TA portal.
5. Schedule CLEP or DSST exams if credit-by-exam fits your goals.
6. Request that your JST transfer your military experience into your academic record.

You should complete these steps before enrolling in classes. Your education center staff can assist with each stage of the process.

FAQs about the Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program (VOLED)

Q: Who is eligible for the VOLED program?
A: VOLED is open to active-duty Marines with command approval. Each component has specific guidelines and requirements.

Q: How much does VOLED cover in tuition?
A: Tuition Assistance provides up to $250 per semester credit hour, with a maximum cap of $4,500 per fiscal year.

Q: Can VOLED be used with the GI Bill?
A: VOLED and the GI Bill cannot be used for the same course, but Marines often use VOLED while on active duty and reserve the GI Bill for later use.

Q: What types of schools can I attend through VOLED?
A: You may enroll in accredited colleges, universities, and vocational programs approved by the Department of Defense.

Q: Can I use VOLED while deployed?
A: Yes. Many courses are offered online or asynchronously to accommodate deployment schedules.

Want to learn more about military programs that help pay for college? Start your search on Appily.