Marine Corps Education Programs

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Marines go through timed three-mile run.
Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, push themselves through the last stretch of their timed three-mile run during the final physical fitness test aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (Photo by Bridget M. Keane)

The Marine Corps Lifelong Learning Programs Branch (MRV) at Headquarters Marine Corps is guided by DoD Directive 1322.8 to provide education programs for Marines.

Marine Library Program

The General Library Program assembles, organizes, and preserves unbiased collections of library materials (print and non-print) specifically attuned to the interests and requirements of Marine Corps personnel and to the missions and tasks of commands.

Click here for more on the Marine Corps Library Program.

Military Academic Skills Programs (MASP)

The Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) is an on-duty education program designed to improve the competencies of active duty and reserve enlisted personnel/dependents in the academic skills of math and reading. 

MASP is for all active duty and reserve military students who are using tuition assistance for the first time, and who have a GT of 99 or below and failed to achieve a grade of 10.2 on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Completion of MASP is required prior to submitting requests for tuition assistance. 

Click here for more on the Marine Academic Skills Program.

Military Tuition Assistance

If you are Active Duty, the Marine Corps can pay up to 100% of your college tuition. 

Click here for more on Marine Corps Tuition Assistance.

Joint Service Transcripts (JST)

Marine Corps and Navy Personnel have an official document certifying military training and education for recommended college credit called the Joint Service Transcript (JST). The JST is an official transcript endorsing and recommending college credit for military education and training and recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Joint Service Transcript Details.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Sponsored Programs

The Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program

The Admiral Mike Boorda Loan Program provides an interest-free loan for education expenses. Loans range from $500 to $3,000 per academic year, and they can be used to pay for tuition, books, and fees.

To qualify, you must be a Sailor or Marine participating in one of the following: 

  • Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP)
  • Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP)

You must also have a demonstrated financial need for assistance. This loan is for full-time students, enrolled for the entire academic year, and pursuing a first undergraduate degree at a qualifying school. Applicants must also maintain 2.0 or better GPA on a 4.0 grade scale.

Adm. Boorda Education Program

Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP)

Spouses who reside with an active duty Sailor or Marine stationed outside the 50 United States can apply for an interest-free loan. Loans can be up to $3,000 per 12-month period, and they can be used to pay for tuition, books, and fees.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a spouse of an active duty Navy or Marine Corps service member, residing with them outside of the 50 United States
  • Be a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate student
  • Be enrolled at an institution accredited by a regional/national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education

STAP Program Details

VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program

The Vice Admiral E.P. Travers Loan Program provides an interest-free loan for education expenses. Loans range from $500 to $3000 per academic year. The funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, room, and board.

To qualify, you must be:

  • The child of an active duty or retired Sailor or Marine (includes reservists while serving on active duty over 90 days)
  • The spouse of an active duty or retired Sailor or Marine

To qualify, you must have a demonstrated financial need for assistance. Also, you must be a full-time student, enrolled for the entire academic year, and pursuing your first undergraduate degree at a qualifying school. Applicants must also maintain 2.0 or better GPA on a 4.0 grade scale.

Click here for more on the VADM Travers Scholarship.

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities for dependent children of Marines for pursuit of higher education opportunities.

Keep Up With Your Education Benefits 

Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.

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