Worried about covering college? In the Navy, we set servicemen and women up for success with a variety of programs designed to alleviate student debt before it piles up. You’ll find a clear path to your education goals, ensure financial stability and find a career that sets you up for life.
Navy Tuition Assistance Programs
Getting your degree paid for has never been more within reach than with the Navy. When you serve as a Sailor, you can earn traditional scholarships, become an Officer and receive tuition assistance or even apply for programs to erase your student debt. There are countless options available for whatever path suits your goals best.
Financial Aid
Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP)
Earn a full-time active-duty paycheck while you work to earn the degree of your choosing at an accredited university. That’s money for books, bills and even housing, while you focus on your studies. You’ll commission as an Officer in an area related to your field of study upon graduation.
Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC)
Getting your degree in a STEM field? Earn a substantial paycheck and housing bonus while you finish your degree at an accredited university. When you graduate, you’ll become part of the world’s top nuclear propulsion training program and prepare to become a Navy Nuclear Officer.
Civil Engineer Collegiate Program (CECP)
If you’re an aspiring architect or civil engineer, the Civil Engineer Collegiate Program (CECP) helps you earn a paycheck and housing bonus while you earn your degree. There’s no service obligation while you’re still in school, and once you graduate you will commission as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer.
Want to learn more about the Civil Engineer Collegiate Program?
JAG Corps Student Program
The Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps Student Program is a collegiate Officer program that allows law students to receive full-time pay and benefits while studying for their law degree. After passing the bar exam, graduates will attend OCS and then commission as Officers.
Find out how to apply for a role in the JAG Student Program.
Medical Tuition Assistance
The Navy Training in Medical Specialty Program (TMS)
Health care students enrolled in eligible medical or dental residency and fellowship programs can earn a generous monthly paycheck and be eligible for up to $250,000 of student loan repayment. You’ll serve in the Navy Reserve as an Officer until you finish your residency or fellowship and then serve active duty for a select period.
The Navy Financial Assistance Program (FAP)
Doctors and dentists who are in residency or fellowship programs can receive an annual grant of $45,000 and a monthly stipend of up to $2,300 for housing and expenses. You’ll serve as a Reserve Officer while you train and then become active duty upon graduation from medical or dental school.
Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program
Plan to be a doctor, dentist, optometrist, physician assistant or clinical psychologist? You can get your tuition and school fees covered for up to four years of professional school. That could be well over $300,000 during the course of a four-year program. Once you graduate, you’ll commission as a Medical Officer.
Navy Nurse Candidate Program (NCP)
If you’re an aspiring nurse earning your degree, you can get a generous monthly stipend while you study to help cover housing and expenses.
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP)
Earn up to $40,000 per year in student loan repayment if you’re a new member of the Medical Service Corps or an active-duty Nurse.
Scholarships
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)
This scholarship program provides full tuition, stipends, summer training experiences and more so you can have a traditional college experience while preparing to commission as an Officer. Find out more about going to college through NROTC.
Loan Repayment
Loan Repayment Plan
Enlisted Sailors can pay off student debt through the Loan Repayment Program. To be eligible, your loan must not be in default and you must be serving in your first enlistment in a job that qualifies.
Federal
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Military servicemembers are eligible to have their student loan debt forgiven after 10 years of full-time active-duty service.
Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The SCRA allows members of the uniformed services to receive an interest rate cap of 6.00% for qualifying debts. This cap rate applies to private, Direct, and FFELP Loans that were obtained before the date you entered military service.
Why Choose the Navy?
Compare Navy Careers
Start building a foundation for a meaningful career by finding out what job in the Navy is right for you. With a wide range of job fields and the opportunity to go to college debt-free, you can set yourself up for success and make a real impact today by serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Navy tuition assistance if I have existing debt?
Yes, you can be eligible for Navy education programs with existing student loan debt, provided your loans are not in default.
Can the Navy help with both undergraduate and graduate student debt?
Yes, the Navy offers multiple programs to help avoid or repay student loan debt for both undergraduate and graduate students, primarily through scholarships, tuition assistance and the Loan Repayment Program.
What is the typical service commitment required for Navy education programs?
Service commitment varies by program, ranging from a 3-to-5 year service commitment upon completion of your degree.
What types of student loans qualify for the Navy Loan Repayment Program (e.g., federal, private)?
Only federal student loans qualify for the loan repayment program. The eligible types of student loans include Federal Direct Loans, Federal PLUS loans, Direct Consolidation Loans and Perkins Loans.
Are there specific Navy roles, ratings or Officer programs that offer enhanced education benefits?
Yes, some Navy programs offer enhanced benefits like full tuition, stipends or paid graduate school; examples include NROTC, BDCP and HPSP. Most enlisted ratings do not receive special tuition benefits, but some technical fields may offer additional bonuses, certification opportunities or loan repayment incentives depending on Navy needs.