Education / Scholarships

Some people think joining the Navy means not going to college. Not true. With the skyrocketing cost of education, the Navy may be your best option for getting to college. The Navy has college programs that are available to all new enlistees, such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, as well as more specialized programs.

The Navy can also accelerate your education by helping you get college credits while you serve or helping to pay off your college loans. In addition, the hands-on experience of the Navy gives you a chance to test-drive different careers before you go to college.

Read more about some of our most popular programs below, then talk to your recruiter to find the one — or more — that’s best for you.

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC): Apply for this competitive scholarship program before attending college. You can fill out an online application at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/apply.aspx . If you are awarded a scholarship, you can choose from a participating college and take a normal course load. Graduate and be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP): Spend your time in college focused on studies without worrying about how to pay for school. As an undergraduate, you can apply to receive up to $155,000 in financial assistance through the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP). Students who qualify can get regular monthly income from $2,376 to $4,300 for up to three years prior to graduation. The amount includes a generous military salary and food allowance, plus a housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school attended. Basically, BDCP enables you to get the most out of college life – no loans, no part-time jobs, no uniforms and no military service until you graduate. Then, you step right into a leadership role as a respected Navy Officer – in exciting Officer career fields ranging from engineering to intelligence to public affairs. You can ultimately gain responsibility and experience faster than your peers – all for a service commitment of as few as four years. Complete a brief form to learn more about BDCP now.

The Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB): Take a small $100 reduction in your Navy pay for just 12 months and you will get back an education benefit of over $36,000. You may use this money toward college once you’ve completed active duty or even use part of it while you're still serving. Combine it with a Navy College Fund "Kicker" and get over $70,000 toward your education! You will be entitled to receive up to 36 months of educational benefits as a full-time student under this program. See your Navy Recruiter for details.

The Navy College Fund: Available to those who sign up for the MGIB. If you’re a high school graduate, score a 50 or better on the ASVAB, and qualify for certain Navy jobs or apprenticeships, you can get more than $15,000 in addition to the MGIB money for your education.