The Marine Tuition Assistance, or TA Program is a way to pay for college without going into your own pocket---or at least not as deeply. The TA program is designed for marines who agree to remain on active duty for two years following the completion of courses paid for by the program. Many Marines choose to take online courses since only active duty marines are eligible for this money. The plan pays up to 100 percent of tuition and fees, but will not cover books or courses that lead to a lesser degree than the student already has. For example, it is not used for obtaining a second Associate's degree or a second Bachelor's degree. The TA Program does not exceed $250 per semester hour, $166 per quarter hour or $4,500 per fiscal year.
The Montgomery GI Bill is a program for marines and other active duty military that can be used following completion of service. The Montgomery GI Bill provides money for college for up to 10 years following release from marine active duty. The money can be used to pay for college, vocational or technical courses, correspondence courses, apprenticeships, flight training, licensing tests, entrance exams and more.
The GI Bill is meant for military personnel who serve for a minimum of two years and have applied for the program, been accepted and completed the requirements. Requirements often include a $100 per month payroll deduction that is deposited into the Marine's account for one year. The government contributes to the fund and the Marine also has the opportunity to "buy up" and add more money to the fund. The Montgomery GI Bill typically provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to pay for schooling following release from active duty.
The Marine Corps College Fund is eligible to marines after they have completed two years of service. The money provided by the fund, up to $50,000 per Marine, can be used to pay for educational expenses during off duty time while still enlisted or after separation from the corps. This fund is reserved for Marines who score high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery tests, or ASVAB. The fund will cover most, if not all, of the educational expenses needed to pursue a degree. IN addition to 48 months of active duty, the Marine must not have a prior service record and have no drug or moral waiver above the recommended standard. Consult a Marine recruiter for more details on the specifics of this requirement.
If you have obtained an undergraduate degree and have the desire to pursue a graduate degree, the Marines can help make it happen. Active duty Marines can be allowed up to 18 months away from the corps to pursue a graduate degree while still enlisted. In addition, the corps will continue to pay the salary and allowances of the marine while in school. This program does not cover tuition, but is easily used in conjunction with the GI Bill or Tuition Assistance Program.