General Programs

Many jobs in the Navy do not require a college degree to start. But regardless, education is an important part of service in one way or another. Therefore, there are several programs that encourage your career development through on-the-job training or by way of more formalized schooling.

Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance

Considering working toward a college degree while you serve? Here are two ways to do just that:

• Navy College Program (NCP) – This program makes it possible to receive academic credit for the training you receive and for the work you perform while serving on Active Duty. This could include coursework completed remotely when you’re deployed or even classes taught by instructors who are brought aboard ships while underway.
• Tuition Assistance (TA) – This program pays up to 100% of the cost of courses taken at accredited institutions on your own time, while in an off-duty status.

These programs are available to both Enlisted Sailors and Officers but are typically geared toward Enlisted servicemembers (those without a college degree). There are many components to these programs; visit the Navy College Program site for details.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

For Navy service members, veterans and their dependents, paying for a college education is easier than ever.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 100% tuition and fee coverage, up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies, and a potential monthly living allowance. You may potentially transfer this valuable benefit to a dependent, and you may use it for up to 15 years after completing your service commitment. To qualify for assistance, you need at least 90 days of Active Duty military service.*

*Contact a Navy Recruiter for details.

Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

Seeking assistance to manage the debt associated with student loans? The Loan Repayment Program can provide you with up to $65,000 to use toward paying off qualifying loans. To be eligible, your loan cannot be in default and you must be serving in your first enlistment. This program is available to Enlisted servicemembers (those without a college degree) serving in eligible Navy ratings/programs.*

*Contact a Navy Recruiter for details.

Specialized Programs

The Navy also offers generous financial assistance programs for students currently in college – with options for those studying just about anything. These are programs that can help pay your way through school, that allow you to continue enjoying a normal college life, and that enable you to focus on your studies before launching your future in the Navy.

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)

If you are interested in a collegiate scholarship program that not only pays for school but also generates some of the country’s most capable leaders, start by looking into the NROTC Scholarship program. It offers up to $180,000 to cover the cost of earning your degree at any one of more than 160 leading colleges and universities, providing money for tuition, lab fees, textbooks – even a monthly spending allowance – for up to five years of college. And it’s possible to apply while in high school or as a college student.

Learn more about NROTC now.

Civil Engineer Collegiate Program (CECP)

If you are interested in pursuing important civil engineering projects around the world right out of school, look into the Civil Engineer Collegiate Program. It offers up to $113,100 while finishing your degree, providing a regular monthly income ranging from $2,575 to $4,700 for up to two years prior to your graduation. That includes a generous military salary, a food allowance, plus a housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend. You’ll also enjoy comprehensive military health-care benefits – with no uniforms, no drilling requirements and no service obligation until you graduate.

From there, you’ll begin the process of being commissioned as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer and take on unrivaled professional responsibilities. Learn more about Civil Engineering career opportunities in the Navy.

Nurse Candidate Program (NCP)

If you are interested in becoming a highly respected nurse in a global health care network that promotes patient-focused care and humanitarian work, look into the NCP program. It offers up to $34,000 to help pay your way through nursing school. This includes an initial grant of $10,000 plus a monthly stipend of $1,000 for up to 24 months while earning your degree. You’ll also enjoy comprehensive military health-care benefits – with no uniforms, no drilling requirements and no service obligation until you graduate.

From there, you’ll begin the process of being commissioned as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer and take on unrivaled professional responsibilities. Learn more about Nursing career opportunities in the Navy.

Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC)

If you are interested in being part of one of the top nuclear programs on earth, look into the NUPOC program. It offers up to $168,300 while finishing your degree, providing a regular monthly income ranging from $3,280 to $5,610 for up to 30 months prior to your graduation. That includes a generous military salary, a food allowance, plus a housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend. You’ll also enjoy comprehensive military health-care benefits – with no uniforms, no drilling requirements and no service obligation until you graduate.

From there, you’ll begin the process of being commissioned as a Navy Nuclear Officer and take on unrivaled training and professional responsibilities. Through this highly competitive program, there are opportunities in any of four career focus areas. Learn more about those areas, the specific qualification requirements and the specific offers related to each:

Submarine Officer (Nuclear Submarines)
Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear Aircraft Carriers)
Naval Reactors Engineer
Naval Nuclear Power School Instructor