The Navy offers several scholarship programs to help pay for school so you can enjoy a normal college life and focus on your studies before starting a career in the Navy. Through these programs, you will enter the Navy in a leadership position as a Commissioned Officer - a member of the Navy who has a degree from a 4-year college or university and who has completed Officer Training. Officers in the Navy have responsibilities that include anything from low-level management to the highest levels of command.
Typically, those who enter the Navy through an Officer position require an initial service commitment of 3-5 years, though positions involving longer-term training may require longer service obligations. The best way to confirm the specific service commitment that will apply to you is to contact a recruiter.
What to Expect
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NROTC
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) is a scholarship program that provides full tuition, stipends, summer training cruises and more so you can enjoy a traditional college experience while preparing to serve as a Naval Officer.
Learn more about the Navy ROTC scholarship program, participating schools, requirements, degree path options, how to apply and other details.
NUPOC
If you are interested in being part of one of the top nuclear programs in the world, look into the NUPOC program. In the Navy’s challenging Nuclear Propulsion training program, you can:
- Earn up to $168,300 while finishing your degree*
- Receive a substantial bonus upon selection into the program
- Enjoy military health care benefits while you are a student in the program
- Have your college years enrolled in the program count towards retirement
- Be a full-time student with no military duties while in college
- Gain valuable leadership, engineering and management experience highly sought by civilian employers
- Get the opportunity to earn annual bonuses up to $40,000 for each year beyond your initial service obligation
There are no service obligations until after you graduate and begin the process of being commissioned as a Navy Nuclear Officer. This highly competitive program equips you with the skills to be successful within any of the following career fields. Explore the training, requirements, benefits and more of each below:
- Submarine Officer
- Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer
- Naval Reactors Engineer
- Nuclear Power School Instructor
- Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructor
*Salary, bonus and allowances subject to change. Connect with a recruiter for the latest information.
CECP
If you're an engineering and architecture student, you can join the Navy while you're still in school through the Civil Engineer Collegiate Program (CECP). This program offers money towards your degree and regular monthly income that includes food and housing allowances. You could earn up to $139,000 (between $2,900 and $5,800 per month), depending on your rank and BAH while in school. The national average is $3,900 per month.
There are no service or drilling requirements while you are still in school, and once you graduate, you’ll be commissioned as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer and begin your professional responsibilities with the Navy. Learn more about the CECP.
CCPO
As a Chaplain Candidate, you'll wear the uniform and receive pay and benefits while on your annual training and not in school. Chat with a recruiter to learn more about a Navy Chaplain’s roles and responsibilities and find out whether your graduate program is eligible for the Chaplain Candidate Program.
HPSP
If you’re already in or plan to attend medical school, dental school or a qualifying health-care-related postgraduate program, you can join the Navy while you’re still in school through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). The program pays for tuition, offers monthly living expenses and boasts a potential sign-on bonus.
Learn more about the Health Professions Scholarship Program for physicians (PDF).
USNA
Naval Academy prepares students to become commissioned Officers on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy while they are still in school. They attend the Academy for four years, graduate with Bachelor of Science degrees and begin their careers as Officers in the Navy, serving for at least five years post-graduation. Learn more about the Naval Academy.