Navy College Program (NCP) for College-Bound Service Members

The Navy College Program (NCP) helps active-duty Sailors earn a college degree while serving. It’s designed to support Sailors who want to reduce the cost of education, advance their military careers, and prepare for life after service. Whether you’re hoping to advance in your field or build new skills, the NCP gives you the tools to pursue higher education without putting your career on hold.

How the Navy College Program Works 

The Navy College Program is open to active-duty Sailors who want to work toward a college degree while serving. Through partnerships with accredited colleges and universities, the NCP helps service members enroll in online or in-person courses that align with their career goals and Navy duties.

Eligible Sailors can access tuition assistance (TA) to cover college courses and may receive academic counseling through the MyNavy Portal, and must receive command approval before enrolling in classes. While there’s no additional service obligation for using TA, participants must meet performance requirements and stay in good standing with the Navy.

Benefits of the Navy College Program 

Top benefits of the Navy College Program:

• Up to 100% tuition assistance for college courses.
• Access to the Navy College Virtual Education Center for one-on-one advising.
• Opportunities to earn college credit for military training and experience via JST (Joint Services Transcript).
• Access to accredited programs online or near duty stations.
• Flexible scheduling that works with active-duty commitments.
• Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program for certifications and licenses.
• Support with degree planning and credit transfers.
• Personal and career development during service.
• Improved advancement opportunities.
• Preparation for officer commissioning programs.

Is the Navy College Program Right for You? 

If you’re an active-duty Sailor looking to earn a degree while serving your country, the Navy College Program is designed with you in mind. It’s ideal for service members who want to reduce out-of-pocket college costs, develop technical and leadership skills, advance their professional careers, and prepare for a career in or beyond the Navy. If you're motivated to balance education with military duties, NCP can help you reach your academic and long-term career goals—both in and out of uniform.

How to Apply for Navy College Program 

To apply for the Navy College Program, start by visiting their website and logging into the My NavyPortal. From there, you can speak with a Navy Education Counselor, map out your degree plan, and request tuition assistance. Be sure to get command approval before enrolling in any courses. There are no fixed deadlines, but planning will help you align your education with your deployment schedule.

Navy College Program FAQs 

Q: Does the Navy College Program pay for college?
A: Yes. The Navy College Program provides tuition assistance that can cover up to 100% of college costs for eligible active-duty Sailors.

Q: Can I take classes while deployed?
A: Yes. Many colleges offer online options that fit Navy schedules, even while underway or overseas.

Q: What kind of degrees can I earn?
A: You can work toward associate, bachelor’s, or even graduate degrees, depending on your educational goals and time in service.