Education Benefit Programs for the Armed Forces: An Overview
Learn more about the various programs offered through the Armed Forces that can help you reach your educational goals.
You may be entitled to several benefits from your branch of the Armed Forces to help you pay for educational costs; these benefits include low-interest loans, scholarships, grants and more. Educational benefits are considered on of the biggest perks of military service. Now that you’ve earned them, make sure you use them!
Take a look at the programs available:
MGIB Kicker
Also known as the Army, Navy or Marine Corps College Fund, this is an add-on to the benefits of the G.I. Bill. Depending on a number of requirements including when you enlisted, the length of your contract, where you serve, your military occupation, and your service branch, you could increase your G.I. Bill benefit payments as much as $950 per month. This program is available to Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force (called G.I. Bill Buy-up) and select Reserve servicemembers.
Tuition Assistance
You may qualify to have as much as 100% of your tuition paid. Available to servicemembers in all branches. Read more about the Tuition Assistance program here.
Student Loan Repayment
This program will reimburse you for your loan payments, which must be in good standing. The program is available for up to $65,000 for Army and Navy servicemembers and for up to $10,000 for Air Force members.
Servicemember Opportunity Colleges
SOC is a network of colleges and universities that accept credits from other institutions in the network. They work to make it feasible for servicemembers and military dependents to pursue a degree despite frequent moves. This program also acts as the advocate between the servicemember and the institution to ensure that credits are honored appropriately. The SOC serves each branch through a different network, SOCAD, SOCNAV, CCAF, SOCMAR, and SOCCOAST.
Scholarships, Loans, and Grants
Free money (scholarships and grants) as well as low-interest loans are offered to servicemembers and their dependents both through the government and through private sources. You can learn more on our Federal Student Aid page, and you can search for military scholarships with our Scholarship Finder tool.
Education Programs for Dependents
Each branch offers educational support for dependents. Examples include Tuition Assistance programs (available for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine dependents), Servicemember Opportunity Colleges, and the EAP (Army) and STAP (Navy, Air Force, and Marines) programs.
In addition each branch offers officers support in pursuing post-grad programs.
To learn more about any of these programs and to find out about more benefits than you may qualify for, visit your local Education Officer or counselor.
