Voluntary Education

Your Eligibility Guide

• Service Members
• Spouses
• Family Members
• Reservists
• Veterans
• Retirees
• DoD Civilians

Program Policy and Guidance:

• MCO: 1560.25
• DoDI 1322.25
• TA Guidelines: 687.14
• NAVMAC 1560.25

Visit the Education Center to learn more and to get started on your educational journey.

Navigating Your Education Journey

• Connect with an education advisor by visiting, calling or emailing your local Education Center. Education advisors can provide detailed information on available education programs, resources, and support.

• Determine your personal and professional education goals. This could include obtaining a degree, certification, or further education to support your career.

• Schedule an appointment with an education advisor. They will help you develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and discuss pathways that align with your career and education goals. Sessions usually are one hour in length.

• Learn about funding options such as Tuition Assistance (TA), GI Bill, and Leadership Scholar Program (LSP). The education advisor can help you understand eligibility and application processes for all education programs and resources.

• Decide on a college, university, or program based on your goals and funding availability. The education advisor will guide you through this process.

• Apply to the selected educational institution or program. Be sure to follow their admissions process and meet any deadlines for enrollment.

• If eligible, submit a request for Tuition Assistance through the WebTA system. Ensure you understand the TA policies and requirements to remain in good standing.
• DoD civilians and family members are not able to submit TA applications.

• Once accepted and funding is secured, begin your coursework or program. Stay in contact with your Education Center for ongoing support and resources.

• Regularly check in with your education advisor to monitor your progress and adjust your education plan as needed.

Education Services

Our Education Centers offer a variety of services to support you in achieving your educational goals. Whether you're pursuing a degree, certification, or professional development, the program provides the resources and support you need to succeed.

• Academic, Technical, and Career Advising
• Colleges or Universities with Satelite Offices on Base
• Commissioning Programs
• Financial Aid / Scholarships
• GI BILL
• Joint Service Transcript
• Leadership Scholar Program
• Marine Corps COOL
• Military and Civilian Testing
• Online Academic Skills Course
• Researching Schools
• Spouse and Family Member Educational Resources
• Tuition Assistance
• Unit Briefs
• United Services Military Apprenticeship Program
• Workshops and Classes

Not all services are availale. Please contact the Education Center on availability and eligibility. 

Testing Services

• Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)
• Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)
• Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
• Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
• Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
• Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

• Graduate Records Exam (GRE)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Praxis I and II

General Education Diploma (GED)
To schedule an exam date, you must create an account by registering on GED Testing Service and selecting the jurisdiction you are testing under. You can call the GED Testing Service at the following:

• 1-877-EXAM-GED (877-392-6433) (North & South Americas Region)
• +85-2-3077-4923 (Asia Pacific Region)
• (toll) +44 204-602-9757 (Europe, Middle Eastern)

• Free practice tests and e-books are available from EBSCO Learning Express (DoD MWR Library). Contact your local MCCS library for access code.
   
• The Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) helps build and refresh basic math and verbal skills. Access to OASC is free for the military community and can be accessed by creating an account at DANTES.
   
• MyGED® Dashboard: Learn more about the test, policies, and try sample test questions.
   
• Official GED Marketplace

SAT and ACT

• American College Testing (ACT)
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

For both the SAT and ACT you will first need to register and create an account with College Board. Please visit the appropriate websites for information as well as registration deadlines.

Digital SAT
The SAT can also be taken digitally through SAT Suite College Board.  Before you take the digital SAT, you will need to download Bluebook on your device. 

Joint Service Transcripts (JST)

The Joint Service Transcripts (JST) program provides you with an official record of your military training and experience, converting it into civilian academic credit.

The JST includes courses, certifications, and job experience you gained during military service and is used by colleges and universities to assess and award valid credits toward degree programs.

This helps you save time and money by earning credit for what you’ve already learned in the military and facilitating your educational and career advancement.

Credits awarded from the Joint Services Transcript (JST) are determined solely by the individual learning institution. Not all credits may be accepted, and they might not align with your long-term career goals. The Education Center is here to guide you in selecting the best school to support your career plans.

For more information, visit Joint Service Transcript or contact the Education Center.

United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)

Take advantage of the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) and earn an apprenticeship certification while performing your mitary duties.

This Department of Defense-sponsored program allows you to earn a Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship certification while performing your regular military duties.

USMAP combines on-the-job training with academic instruction to help service members gain valuable skills, enhance their career prospects, and earn credentials that are recognized by civilian employers.

The program is offered at no cost and covers a wide range of occupations aligned with military specialties, helping Marines transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

Learn more about the apprenticeship certification at USMAP.

Online Academic Skills Course (OASC)

The Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) helps you improve essential skills in math, reading, and writing. This free, self-paced program is designed to enhance academic performance, prepare for exams, and support career development, making it a valuable tool for those pursuing further education or career advancement.

The OASC can help service members prepare to take the Armed Forces Classifications Test (AFCT).

Marine Corps COOL

Marines interested in the COOL program should visit the Education Center and speak to an advisor to explore available credentials, understand the application process, and get started on obtaining valuable certifications and licenses.

Marine Corps COOL

Career Path Decide

Career Path Decide is an assessment tool that can help you focus your efforts and resources on a specific goal, leading to greater fulfillment and success. Taking the four surveys on skills, lifestyle, interests, and values will help you identify your strengths and passions and set long-term goals. The results can even help you find the right credentials and/or degree programs needed to fill experience and education gaps, making you more qualified, prepared, and marketable.

Learn more about the assessment and how it can help you at Career Path Decide.

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (MySECO)

The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide and offers comprehensive resources and tools for all stages of your career progression.

MySECO Topics:

• Access Your Network
• Build Your Resume
• Find a Job
• Learn About Career Paths
• Own a Business

Learn more about the tools and resources available at MySECO.
 

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) is a higher education benefit available to you as an active duty service member if you are pursuing or want to pursue college-level coursework. You can receive up to $4,500 per fiscal year to cover up to 100% of tuition and eligible fees toward a college-level diploma, credential, certificate, or degree program.

1. Personal Readiness Seminar (PRS)
   Completed either in person or online. Online training availalbe at JKO. The online course is J3OP- US1395-Personal Readiness Seminar (PRS) Survival Skills (2 hrs).
    
2. Complete the USMC TA Brief
   Visit your local education center for dates, location, and registration information.
    
3. Upload Your Career Path Decide Results
   Complete the Skills and Interests Surveys at Career Path Decide and upload a screenshot to your TA portal.
    
4. Visit the Education Center
   Education Center advisors can assist with selecting the best academic program for your educational and career goals.
    
5. Enroll in a School
   Request a degree plan, select your first class, send transcripts, and send your Joint Service Transcript obtained from JST. An official degree plan must be uploaded to your TA portal after completing four courses or before taking two classes at a time.
    
6. Identify Your TA Command Approver
   Be sure to get command approver’s email and phone number to add to your TA portal later.
    
7. Log-in to Your Tuition Assistance (TA) Portal
   You can log into your TA portal by visiting Navy Education and Training Commmand. Complete your “Update Your Profile” tab with your contact and command approver information.
    
8. Submit Your TA Request
   On your TA portal, you can submit your request for your class. You must include specific course information and term dates.
    
9. Forward to your Command Approver
   When you submit your request to your command approver, they will be able to review your course information and approve or deny your request.  Once your command approver has approved your request, the Education Center will review your request for eligibility and authorize a TA voucher.  Be sure to allow time for the approval process as TA cannot be authorized after the start date of the class.
    
10. Pay For Your Class - After your TA request has been authorized, print the voucher from your TA portal, sign the voucher, and deliver it to the school to make tuition payment.

Tuition Assistance Approval
Tuition Assistance (TA) can only be approved for courses starting within 60 days and needs to be applied for each term. To apply for TA for another term, applicants should repeat steps 8-10. Only 2 classes are funded at a time. Only 1 class is funded for first time users, applicants with a GPA below 2.5 or those who failed their last class.

Payment:
You can receive up to $4,500 per fiscal year (Oct 1 - Sep 30). TA covers up to $250 per semester hour, $166.67 per quarter hour, and $16.67 per clock hour. Classes you fail (grade D, F, W, or I) will require repayment. For full details, check the NAVMAC or contact your Education Center.

Reimbursements
Marines who fail to complete a course successfully must reimburse received TA funds. TA funds are recouped from Marines for “D” and “F”/fail grades, unresolved “I”/Incomplete, or courses from which the Marine voluntarily withdrew, resulting in a “W” grade.

Waivers
Waivers for repayment are available for students who withdraw due to duty, medical, or emergency circumstances. The waiver request should contain supporting documentation including, where appropriate, temporary assignment of duty (TAD) or permanent change of station (PCS) orders. Include a descriptive narrative explaining the change beyond individual control and unknown at the time of the TA request. The Education Services Officer determines if justification for a waiver is warranted, and if so, forwards the waiver onto Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) with additional support statements. Contact your local Education Center for more information.

Tuition Assistance Restrictions

• TA cannot be used for flight training.
• TA is not available if you’re in duty-under-instruction status or an officer accession program with full-time civilian institution instruction.
• You cannot use TA for the same course that was previously funded.
• TA will not be approved after the drop/add period or late registration deadline

For more information, reach out to your Education Center.

GI Bill

• Available to service members who served after Sept. 10, 2001, with at least 90 days of active duty. Service members will only earn 50% of benefit with only 90 days of service.
• Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for public schools (or up to a capped amount for private schools), provides a monthly housing allowance, and includes a stipend for books and supplies.
• Allows eligible service members to transfer benefits to dependents under certain conditions.
• Benefits are generally available for 15 years after discharge.

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship pays tuition costs for education and training courses and examinations leading to an associate degree (excluding associate degrees in general studies, liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies that do not have a concentration). The scholarship also covers the costs for obtaining a license, certificate, or certification at an accredited college, university or technical school in the United States or approved testing organization that expands employment or portable career opportunities for military spouses.

Who is Eligible?
Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-9, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-3 who have successfully completed high school and have the ability to request tuition assistance while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders are eligible.

Spouses married to members of the National Guard and reserves in these same pay grades are eligible.

Managing Stress

• Relationship Concerns
• Work Stressors
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• EAS/PCS and Challenges Related to Transition
• Grief and Loss
• Sadness
• Worry
• Deployment Cycle Stressors and Reintegration
• Adjustment
• Crisis Intervention
• Sleep Hygiene
• Parent-Child Communication

Learn more about Community Counseling's services and support. 

Libraries

• Computer and Internet Access
• Live, Personalized, 24/7, World-wide Turtoring
• Quiet Study Areas
• Study Resources
• Test Prep Materials
• Virtual Library

Visit your local library or the virtual library at DoD MWR Libraries.

Family Member Employment Assistance Program

• Military Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (MySECO)
• My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program (MyCAA)
• Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
• Military Spouse Licensure Reimbursement (MSLR)
• Transferring Your Professional License
• Spouse’s Transition Readiness Seminar (S.T.A.R.S)

Learn more about the services and support available at FMEAP.

Marine For Life Network

The Marine For Life Network (M4LN) connects you to valuable educational resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship. It helps you navigate your educational paths, access scholarships, and prepare for career transitions, ensuring you have the support needed to succeed both academically and professionally.

Life Skills Development Resources:

• Networking
• Career Planning
• Job Searching
• Communication Skills
• Leadership Development
• Problem Solving

Grow your network through M4LN. 

SkillBridge

SkillBridge is available to all eligible service members. All courses are geared toward learning high-demand industry-specific skills with the high probability of securing employment prior to exiting the military. Courses offer job interviews, placements, or certifications to enhance entry into the workforce.

Visit your local SkillBridge and learn more about opportunities, services, and support.