Education / Scholarships

There’s no better way to accelerate your education than earning college credits while in the Navy. The Navy has a generous reimbursement program for Sailors who attend college during their free time, and the Navy brings instructors aboard ships while underway to help deployed Sailors keep up on their studies. In addition, the training the Navy gives you to do your job usually counts for college credits.

This means that if you decide to leave the Navy, you’ll have part of your college requirements already out of the way — and if you’ve signed up for Navy scholarship programs and the G.I. Bill, you’ll have money waiting to help you pay for the rest.

On the other hand, you can stay in the Navy and use the reimbursement programs to fund your graduate or postgraduate degree while still enlisted. And once you have your degree, you may be eligible for Officer Candidate School to continue your career as a commissioned officer.

The Navy College Program: Allows Sailors to earn credits for the training they receive in the Navy. There are many components to this program; visit the Navy College Program Web site for more details.

Tuition Assistance: Pays for up to 100 percent of the tuition for courses taken by Sailors on their own time (off-duty) at accredited institutions.

Naval Academy: Select sailors can obtain a full four-year scholarship to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Candidates must receive a nomination to attend the Academy from a senator or congressman and must undergo a demanding approval process. Competition is stiff, but those awarded this prestigious scholarship will have all expenses paid and will earn a bachelor’s degree and a commission in the United States Navy upon graduation.

Officer Training Command: If you’re a college graduate, you may be eligible to attend Officer Training Commandin Newport, Rhode Island.