Enlisted Marines have a wide variety of options to pursue a college degree. Some options are available while on active duty, such as tuition assistance, which pays for undergraduate college classes up to $250 per credit hour not to exceed $4000 per calendar year. Other programs, like the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which pays for books and tuition depending on the specifics of the program, can be used while on active duty or after a Marine separates from the service. More information on the Montgomery G.I. bill can be found at the Veteran's Administration website, www.gibill.va.gov.
Marine Corps officers can take advantage of educational benefits either before or after commissioning. The Marines offer a number of avenues for commission, some of which include scholarships for the full cost of college, such as enrollment at the United States Naval Academy or the Reserve Office Training Corps. According to the Marine Corps website, after commissioning, Marine officers can earn master's and law degrees under the Advanced Degree Program, Special Education Program or Funded Law Programs, which pay for the partial cost of advanced degrees. Additionally, some Marine Corps officers may be entitled to Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits in the same way as enlisted Marines. More information on Marine Corps officer programs can be found at the Marine Corps website, www.marines.com.
In addition to augmenting or paying for the cost of college degrees, the Marine Corps also has programs in place for professional military and technical training. The Marine Corps University trains Marines in the advanced skills for the primary military occupation. Some Marines in 27 occupations can take advantage of the Marine Corps Apprenticeship Program. This program is a partnership with the Department of Labor and recognizes Marine Corps occupations as having a civilian equivalent. For instance, a Marine with a primary military occupation specialty of electrician may be recognized as an apprentice, journeyman or master in the civilian system.