Many colleges now offer internet course which work well with the active duty members schedule. You can also find many military
friendly schools like Coastline Community College, University of Phoenix, University of La Verne and many more. As times
are changing, more and more schools are making it easier for military member and their spouses to go to school at discounted
rates. These schools include Associate and Bachelor degree programs that accept military experience as credits. Benefits include:
Tuition Assistance (TA):
In my opinion, TA is one of the greatest benefits the Navy offers. TA allows active duty personnel the chance
to take college classes at almost no cost. Members are allowed a set amount of money in order receive 12 units a year. The
per unit tuition cost at your selected college will determine the number of classes you will be able to take. The only cost
incurred by the member is cost of books and supplies.
Montgomery GI Bill:
The GI Bill is a benefit you will receive for college after paying $100 each month for the first year of your enlistment.
This $100 is automatically withdrawn unless you deny it within three days of entering active duty. The decision to not enroll
is irreversible. In order to be eligible for the GI benefits, service members must be discharged with an honorable discharge,
served for 3 years(2 if that was your original contract), and completed high school. This money can be used after you separate
or retire from the military for up to 10 years, from date of discharge, or $36,000, which ever comes first. In some instances,
you can use your GI Bill as a "top-up" to your tuition assistance while still active duty. These payments are tax-free. Your
GI payments are distributed based on whether you are a full-time or part-time, what type of course you are taking and time
in service. For more information visit www.gibill.va.gov.
College Fund
In some instances you may be offered a college fund bonus when you enlist in the military. You will be eligible for this
benefit if you enroll in the GI Bill, graduate high school, and score a 50 or higher on your ASVAB test. This money ranges
in amounts and is paid as a "kicker" at the same time you choose to use you GI Bill. The college fund is paid based on your
time in service.
Afloat:
This program is offered on bigger ships and only on ships actually underway. Colleges and university form
partnerships with Navy units to have college professors come onboard and teach while underway. The classes are free and the
only cost incurred by the service member is the cost of the book. These opportunities are often found on big deck ships such
as amphibious and aircraft carriers and are sometimes offered on smaller ships such as destroyers. These programs are great
for lower lever community college classes such as Speech, Economics, English, and History, This type of opportunity is great,
especially if you are working on your Associates or Bachelors degree.
Clep and Dantes Testing:
These test are offered as an opportunity to "test out of" a course. If you think you have enough knowledge
of a subject you can challenge the course by electing to take a test and if you successfully pass the test, you would be given
the class credit hours for the course. Many military installations have learning centers that can help you prepare yourself
for these test. These classes are helpful in putting yourself on the fast track to a college degree.
