Education / Scholarships

Some people think joining the Navy means not going to college. Not true. With the skyrocketing cost of education, the Navy may be your best option for getting to college. The Navy has college programs that are available to all new enlistees, such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, as well as more specialized programs.

The Navy can also accelerate your education by helping you get college credits while you serve or helping to pay off your college loans. In addition, the hands-on experience of the Navy gives you a chance to test-drive different careers before you go to college.

Read more about some of our most popular programs below, then talk to your recruiter to find the one — or more — that’s best for you.

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC): Apply for this competitive scholarship program before attending college. You can fill out an online application at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/apply.asp . If you are awarded a scholarship, you can choose from a participating college and take a normal course load. Graduate and be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

The Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB): Take a small $100 reduction in your Navy pay for just 12 months and you will get back an education benefit of over $36,000. You may use this money toward college once you’ve completed active duty or even use part of it while you're still serving. Combine it with a Navy College Fund "Kicker" and get over $70,000 toward your education! You will be entitled to receive up to 36 months of educational benefits as a full-time student under this program. See your Navy Recruiter for details.

The Navy College Fund: Available to those who sign up for the MGIB. If you’re a high school graduate, score a 50 or better on the ASVAB, and qualify for certain Navy jobs or apprenticeships, you can get more than $15,000 in addition to the MGIB money for your education.

Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP): If you are a college student interested in becoming a Navy officer when you graduate, you can apply to receive up to $155,000 in financial assistance through the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP). Qualified technical majors can receive regular monthly income ranging from $2,376 to $4,300 for up to 3 years prior to graduation. This amount includes a generous military salary. A food allowance. Plus a housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend. Qualified non-technical majors can take advantage of this program for up to 2 years prior to graduation.