Navy Undergraduate Education Opportunities

Should I join the Navy or go to college? This is a question that many people struggle with. On one hand, you want to defend your country. On the other, getting a college education is also very important to you.

Many people believe that they have to choose either the Navy or college ? this is not true. In fact, education and the Navy can go together hand in hand.

If you want to learn more about the Navy and its many educational opportunities, click here to request additional information.

As you probably know, the cost of attending college is on the rise. For this reason, many people shy away from furthering their education. When you join the Navy, you don?t have to worry as much about the cost of earning a degree. Instead, you can get the necessary financial assistance.

General Information

Did you know that many jobs in the Navy do not require a college degree? Regardless, there are always going to be people who want to be part of the Navy while also continuing their education. The Navy offers several programs that encourage development through formalized schooling as well as first hand, on the job training.

Navy College Program

With this program you are able to earn credits for your Navy training. Along with this, you can also earn credits as you serve on Active Duty. From taking courses when deployed to classes while aboard a ship, there are ways to get the credits needed to further your education.

Tuition Assistance

With this program, you may qualify to have up to 100 percent of your tuition paid for. As long as you take classes at an accredited institution you will qualify. This program is popular among sailors who are currently ?off duty.?

Both of these programs cater to service members without a college degree. That being said, they are open to both officers and enlisted sailors as well.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

Do you know anything about this opportunity? In short, the Post 9/11 GI Bill provides tuition assistance of up to 100 percent as well as up to $1k per year for supplies and books. On top of this, some even qualify for a monthly stipend.

In addition to using this benefit for up to 15 years after leaving the Navy, in some cases it can be transferred to a dependent.

Loan Repayment Program

Are you having a difficult time paying your student loans? If so, the Navy can help. The Loan Repayment Program offers up to $65k to help pay off loans. There are several eligibility requirements, such as being in your first enlistment and having loans that are not in default status.

What about Specialized Programs?

There are several specialized programs for students currently attending college. With these programs, you get help paying for school along with the ability to live the normal life of a college student. Once you graduate, you will then move onto the appropriate position in the Navy.

Some of the most common specialized programs include: Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program, Civil Engineer Collegiate Program, Nurse Candidate Program, and Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program.

Those who are interested in joining the Navy in a managerial role should consider the Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. With this program, you can receive up to $169,700 towards your degree. This provides a monthly income of approximately $2,500 to $4,700 for as long as three years prior to graduating. In addition to your military salary, this also includes a housing allowance, food allowance, and much more.

Best of all, you receive all these benefits without having to fulfill any Navy obligations while in school.

Upon graduating, you will start the process of becoming a Navy officer. This program offers opportunities in many career fields. Those that are currently in demand include: Special Operations; Aviation; Information Warfare; Public Affairs; Intelligence; Purchasing, Supply, and Logistics; and Oceanography and Meteorology.

Contact a Recruiter

It is easy to get confused when dealing with so many programs, numbers, and opportunities. By speaking with a recruiter you can ask all the pertinent questions, while finding a way to serve in the Navy while still furthering your education.

As you can see, you don?t have to make the decision between the Navy and college. Instead, you can get the best of both worlds.