Are you a current member of the United States military, a National Guardsman or woman or a Reservist? Or have you completed your military assignment or are a military retiree? Whatever your situation, there are resources and services available to you, from earning academic credits for your specialized military training to financial assistance for going or returning to college. For information you will find helpful and tools and tips designed specifically for those in or previously in the military, follow the links below.
Many military personnel and their dependents can enjoy the benefits of a number of programs designed to make voluntary education more affordable. These include the following programs:
In-State Tuition Rates
In-state tuition is available to most active duty personnel and in some states to their dependents when their assignment is in a state different from their official state of residency. These policies typically apply for e-learning courses and programs as well. Each state has its own policy on in-state tuition. You can access each state's in-state tuition policy by clicking on the Summary by State (https://www.hrc.army.mil/SITE/Education/InState/StateSummary.htm) link and selecting your state. Additional information is available on the DANTES website.
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Tuition Assistance is available to all active duty service members at 100% of the cost of tuition up to $250 per semester hour and with an annual cap of $4500 per fiscal year. Eligible service members may also use both TA and MGIB (TA Top Up) Education benefits simultaneously. Check with your local education services officer for more information on TA benefits and how you can secure these benefits.
Veterans Benefits and Services
Education benefits are outlined for active duty service members, reservists, and survivors including the Montgomery GI bill
Currently in the Military
ALL BRANCHES
DANTES - Defense Activities for Non-Traditional Education Support
The DANTES Distance Learning Program provides a wide range of nontraditional education programs critical for Service members who need alternatives to fulfill degree requirements when classroom courses are unavailable or when work schedules or duty locations do not permit class attendance. Dantes includes both on-campus and distance learning courses and programs for the soldier student. DANTES provides both distance learning undergraduate and graduate academic courses from nearly 150 institutions. Other courses are oriented toward a non degree-seeking or technically oriented student. Courses are available to personnel in all Military Services. The DANTES Distance Learning Program provides a wide range of nontraditional education programs critical for Service members who need alternatives to fulfill degree requirements when classroom courses are unavailable or when work schedules or duty locations do not permit class attendance. In addition to degrees, DANTES also helps you obtain your High School Equivalency (GED) to satisfy academic college admission requirements, College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
The DANTES DL Program provides information covering a wide range of nontraditional education opportunities. These opportunities are critical for Service members needing alternatives to fulfill course and/or degree requirements when classroom courses are unavailable or when work schedules or duty locations do not permit class attendance.
Servicemembers Opportunity College
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) colleges and universities are dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families get college degrees. Military students can take courses in their off-duty hours at or near military installations in the United States, overseas, and on Navy ships. Recognizing the problems faced by military students whose jobs require frequent moves, SOC member schools make it easier to obtain college degrees rather than just accumulate course credit by: limiting the amount of course work students must take at a single college to no more than 25% of degree requirements, designing transfer practices to minimize loss of credit and avoid duplication of course work, awarding credit for military experience, awarding credit for tests such as CLEP, ECE, and DSST national testing programs. Active-duty students may use tuition assistance to fund their programs; reserves and veterans may use the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
SPECIFIC BRANCHES OF SERVICE
Air Force
Air University
Air University provides the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education (PME), including degree granting and professional continuing education (PCE) for officers, enlisted, and civilian personnel throughout their careers. The university's PME programs educate airmen on the capabilities of air and space power and its role in national security. These programs focus on the knowledge and abilities needed to develop, employ, command, and support air and space power at the highest levels. Specialized PCE programs provide scientific, technological, managerial, and other professional expertise to meet the needs of the Air Force. Air University conducts research in air and space power, education, leadership, and management. The university also provides citizenship programs and contributes to the development and testing of Air Force doctrine, concepts, and strategy.
Enlisted Education
Education is more than career training - it's the essential framework of your success in the Air Force. That's why the Air Force offers a variety of unique and specialized programs to help you meet your goals and reach your true potential. From exclusive colleges and universities to tech training and first-hand experience, you'll be able to enhance your education throughout your career.
Army
Army Continuing Education System (ACES)
The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) through its many programs promotes lifelong learning opportunities and sharpens the competitive edge of Army, 2010 and beyond. ACES is committed to excellence in service, innovation, and deployability.
Concurrent Admissions Program
ConAP gives new Army recruits the opportunity to apply to a SOC college in their home area when they enlist in the Army. When they complete their enlistment, they are ready to attend college rather than begin the process of application; they have a college that will give them credit for their military experience; and they have Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to pay for their course work.
DOD Voluntary Education Program
The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, provides overall policy guidelines for voluntary education programs in the Department of Defense. These responsibilities are accomplished through the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, by the Chief, Continuing Education, in the Educational Opportunities Directorate.
eArmyU
The US Army has created one of the most innovative programs of higher education in the world - Army University Access Online (known as eArmyU). eArmyU provides access to quality education for enlisted soldiers across the globe, helping them further their professional and personal goals and providing the Army with top preparation for its forces. eArmyU supports the goal of transforming the military into an Objective Force capable of responding to the diverse and complex demands of the 21st century.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Institute
The Coast Guard Institute provides information for members of the Coast Guard wanting to continue their education. You are able to begin or continue your dream of achieving a college degree through the assistance of the Voluntary Education Department staff. We, along with your local Educational Services Officer (ESO), can provide you advice on how to start your college career and help you select schools that may meet your particular career goals.
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
USMAP is a training system by which active duty service members can earn certification for skills learned through documented work experience (On-The-Job-Training) and related technical instruction. The USMAP allows for registered certification of the service member's military training and work experience to achieve recognition equal to his/her civilian counterpart. An individual enrolled in the USMAP documents work experience accomplished while performing regular military duties. The USMAP work is performed in unison with the individual's military job and is NOT a program to be worked after hours. The USMAP objective is to document service members' training and skills learned while performing their regular military jobs, and upon completion of military service, qualify them for employment in a recognized civilian trade. Involvement in this apprenticeship program also reinforces values leading to military career advancement. USMAP's success promotes wide recognition of United States Armed Forces training and experience. Currently there are 125 USMAP apprenticeable trades available to qualifying members enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Marine Corps
Marine Corps DEPLOYED Education
The purpose of the Marine Deployed Education program is to provide undergraduate level courses to afloat Marines, MCB Camp Pendleton and MCAS Cherry Point developed MOUs with academic institutions. Qualified Marines with the afloat units provide the instruction. Currently, courses are provided by Park University and Central Texas College. The academic institutions identify and employ qualified marine instructors to teach courses. Marines receive instruction according to the deployment schedule and pay tuition according to the standard tuition assistance policy. The Marine Corps DEPLOYED Education provides basic skills and college courses to deployed Marines. These programs are coordinated by MCAS Cherry Point and MCB Camp Pendleton's Lifelong Learning Programs and use deployed Marine instructors.
Marine Corps Life Long Learning
The entire Lifelong Learning community will provide a world-class educational program that offers opportunities and that inspire and prepare Marines for success in their professional lives. Lifelong Learning will assist Marines with career progression, enlightenment and strengthen the Corps personnel base. Lifelong Learning will provide goals for the Marine Corps Community and guide them into the next century by assisting in the development of the "Total Marine."
Military Academic Skills Program (MASP)
The Military Academic Skills Programs was developed to improve the competencies of active duty enlisted personnel in the academic skills of reading, communication/writing, and mathematics. In turn, Marines will be better prepared to retake the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) and to perform their mission. MASP improves skills in reading, writing and mathematics for Active Duty enlisted personnel. MASP is available online, traditional classroom, and through video teleconferencing.
United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
In 1977, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training established the Marine Corps Apprenticeship Program with 27 Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). On August 20, 1999, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps and Chief, Naval Education and Training (CNET) to consolidate the Marine Corps Apprenticeship Program and the Navy National Apprenticeship Program (NNAP), thus forming the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). On April 7, 2000, the Coast Guard joined with the Marine Corps and the Navy. The "National Standards of Apprenticeship" were signed on April 11, 200 by the Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Navy and Secretary of Transportation. USMAP provides professional recognition and training in technical occupations. USMAP has national standards registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. USMAP leads to certification comparable to civilian fields, such as brickmason and culinary arts.
Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)
SMART documents recommended credit for military training in a format that is widely accepted by colleges and universities. SMART eliminates the lengthy manual process which colleges previously used to determine possible course credit. This program is validated by the American Council on Education (ACE). To order your SMART transcript, visit the Education Center for a copy or visit: www.smart.navy.mil Family members can access many Lifelong Learning services, including financial aid information, testing, education planning, and SOCMAR agreements. Visit us online with an installation Lifelong Learning representative.
Navy
Navy College Program
The Navy College Program, NCP, provides opportunities to Sailors to earn college degrees by providing academic credit for Navy training, work experience, and off-duty education. The NCP mission is to enable Sailors to obtain a college degree while on active duty. In support of the four R's — Recruiting, Readiness, Retention, and Respect, the NCP signals Navy's commitment to education by improving enlistment appeal, demonstrating Navy service and achieving a college degree are compatible, helping Sailors apply themselves to new situations and challenges and better preparing them for advancement, building up Sailors' self-image, and producing higher quality Sailors. The Navy College Program integrates all components of Voluntary Education. While the NCP is primarily geared toward enlisted Sailors, some NCP components are also available to officers.
The Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE)
NCPACE is a part of the Navy College Program. Both academic skills and college (undergraduate and graduate) courses are available through NCPACE. NCPACE college courses are provided by regionally accredited colleges and universities. NCPACE gives Sailors the opportunity to experience challenging education while on sea duty assignments preparing them for personal and professional growth. The Navy has contracted with KEI Pearson, Inc. of Arlington, VA to administer NCPACE. Through KEI Pearson, colleges and universities around the country offer courses in a variety of delivery methods. You may view the NCPACE course catalog and review other information on the contractor's website. Courses are taught via technology and by traditional classroom instruction. All undergraduate courses are from institutions with Servicemember's Opportunity College - Navy (SOCNAV) affiliation insuring Sailors the opportunity to transfer credits and complete degrees.
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
USMAP is a training system by which active duty service members can earn certification for skills learned through documented work experience (On-The-Job-Training) and related technical instruction. The USMAP allows for registered certification of the service member's military training and work experience to achieve recognition equal to his / her civilian counterpart. An individual enrolled in the USMAP documents work experience accomplished while performing regular military duties. The USMAP work is performed in unison with the individual's military job and is NOT a program to be worked after hours. The USMAP objective is to document service members' training and skills learned while performing their regular military jobs, and upon completion of military service, qualify them for employment in a recognized civilian trade. Involvement in this apprenticeship program also reinforces values leading to military career advancement. USMAP's success promotes wide recognition of United States Armed Forces training and experience. Currently there are 125 USMAP apprenticeable trades available to qualifying members enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Reserve
Reserve Component Education Panel
If you are a reservist in any branch of military service seeking to expand your education through voluntary options, your options are well defined and detailed at Reserve Component Education Panel. The Reserve Component Education Panel consists of representatives from the seven Reserve components. Their Charter is to enhance awareness of DANTES educational opportunities, and to focus program efforts that can be most beneficial to the Reserve components. For more information on the RCEP go to Reserve Component Service Members are eligible for education assistance items that support traditional and non-traditional education programs. This webpage provides basic information and links to some of these programs. Servicemembers are encouraged to seek assistance from their, unit, component, state, or local Education Service Specialist (ESS)/Officer (ESO).
Family members can access many Lifelong Learning services, including financial aid information, testing, education planning and agreements. Visit with an installation Lifelong Learning representative or education counselor to determine which benefits your family members may be eligible for.
Spouses to Teachers
Spouses to Teachers is a Department of Defense pilot project designed to assist spouses of active duty and reserve military members to become public school teachers.
Scholarship and Loans from the Military Officers Association of America
The online scholarship application. More than 8,500 students from military families have benefited from the Educational Assistance Program of MOAA. MOAA's program provides interest-free loans to students for up to five years of undergraduate study as well as grants. If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel or you are the survivor of a deceased member, and you have a military dependent ID card you can apply! You must be planning to attend a college or university on a full-time basis.
GI to Jobs Working Group Members
The GI to Jobs initiative was established to create a tool for soldiers, counselors, civilian employers, and credentialing boards to: Determine the extent to which Army training and experience meets civilian credentialing requirements, and obtain ready access to resources that are available to fill any gaps that exist between the training and experience and the credentialing requirements
Troops to Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. Troops-to-Teachers provides Referral Assistance and Placement services to military personnel interested in beginning a second career in public education as a teacher. The DANTES Troops-to-Teachers office will help applicants identify teacher certification requirements, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities.
The American Council on Education's (ACE), Center for Lifelong Learning
ACE via a Defense contract evaluates the training courses and military occupational specialties (MOS). The Military Evaluation Program provides guidance to colleges and universities in the award of credit for learning acquired through the successful completion of formal military courses and occupational training. ACE's Military Programs provide advisory services to colleges, universities, and students to assist in the award of credit for extra-institutional learning, the transcripting of this learning, and best practices for voluntary education programs.
Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)
Use Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) to find civilian credentials related to your military occupational specialty and learn what it takes to obtain the credentials. COOL will also let you determine if there are available programs that will help pay credentialing fees
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
USMAP is a training system by which active duty service members can earn certification for skills learned through documented work experience (On-The-Job-Training) and related technical instruction. The USMAP allows for registered certification of the service member's military training and work experience to achieve recognition equal to his / her civilian counterpart. An individual enrolled in the USMAP documents work experience accomplished while performing regular military duties. The USMAP work is performed in unison with the individual's military job and is NOT a program to be worked after hours. The USMAP objective is to document service members' training and skills learned while performing their regular military jobs, and upon completion of military service, qualify them for employment in a recognized civilian trade. Involvement in this apprenticeship program also reinforces values leading to military career advancement. USMAP's success promotes wide recognition of United States Armed Forces training and experience. Currently there are 125 USMAP apprenticeable trades available to qualifying members enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Links to SREB State and Related Resources
