Additional Education Programs from the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard has special programs in place to help its servicemembers meet educational goals. You may hear these programs referred to as “Voluntary Education” or “Vol Ed.” The following programs are offered through the Coast Guard Institute:
Tuition Assistance
Active duty Coast Guard servicemembers may be eligible for tuition assistance for up to 100% of college tuition costs. Learn more about Tuition Assistance here.
SOCCOAST
SOCCOAST is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) program for Coast Guard members and their adult family members. SOCCOAST is a network of colleges that agree to accept credits from every other college in the network and that require low or no residency, making these college programs ideal for students who are transferred often. These colleges are accessible to students at Coast Guard installations worldwide. To learn more, visit the SOCCOAST website.
SOCCOAST Afloat
Because of the limited Internet availability aboard ships and cutters, four SOCCOAST institutions, Coastline Community College, Excelsior College, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, and Fort Hayes State University, offer stand-alone CD-ROM courses and degree programs. Learn more here.
Other Coast Guard Educational Resources
The Coast Guard Foundation Grant
Available to active duty enlisted Coast Guard members who fall into pay grades E-3 through E-9 and have completed two years of service, this grant offers $350 toward educational expenses that are not covered by another benefit. Visit the Coast Guard Foundation website for more information.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
CGMA offers $160 per year in the form of a Supplemental Education Grant (SEG). This can be used for any family member’s educational expenses and can even cover study guide costs. However, it cannot be used toward tuition expenses. In addition to the grant, CGMA also offers several loan opportunities.
Free Testing
Dependent spouses and Federal Coast Guard employees may take CLEP, DANTES, and other tests at no cost. Learn more here.
