Navy Tuition Assistance Program
Established in OPNAV 1560.9A, the Navy offers a variety of Voluntary Education (VOLED) programs that support the educational goals of sailors, including up to 100% Tuition Assistance for college & university courses to be taken during their off-duty hours.
The Navy Tuition Assistance Program (TA) is available to both Naval Officer and Enlisted personnel on continuous Active Duty. It is also available to enlisted Naval Reservists ordered to active duty 120 days and to Naval Reservist Officers ordered to active duty for 2 years or more. An Officer who utilizes the TA program must agree to remain on active duty for at least two years upon completion of courses funded by TA. This commitment is in addition to any existing obligated service time. Those who fail to meet their obligation must repay the TA funds expended on their behalf during the last two years of active duty on a pro rated basis.
TA can pay up to 100% of tuitions and fees. Payments are not to exceed: $250 per Semester credit/unit hour or $166 per quarter credit/unit hour. A maximum of 16 semester credits/units can be taken within a fiscal year or 24 quarter credits/units. TA will also cover published, mandatory fees that are directly required with course enrollment.
In order to qualify for TA, the applicant must first complete a TA Application form NETPDTC 1560/3 listing course(s) and fee(s). The applicant must also receive counseling from the Navy College Office. The counseling session can be used to determine if College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests or DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) can be used for course credit in lieu of enrolling in classes.
Recipients of TA must attend an institution accredited by the Department of Education (DoE); and be on Active Duty during the duration of the course.
The recipient must also provide The Navy College with all grades from previously funded TA courses and reimburse all funds from TA courses that resulted in W and F grades during the last two years of active duty on a pro-rated basis.
Anyone who is interested in receiving Tuition Assistance should also read the OPNAV 1560.9A for further details on the VOLED programs.