Marine Corps Education & Tuition Assistance

At National University, applications are reviewed year-round so that you can begin classes any month of the year online, on base, or on location. We understand your experience as a Marine has provided you with valuable training. Now further your US Marine Corps education with our 190+ degree programs and certification offerings. Whether you are working towards an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, we have something for every U.S. Marine.

U.S. Marine Corps College Education

As a Marine Corps-friendly university, we pride ourselves on providing Marines the opportunity to obtain a degree. Our one-month classes have been designed specifically for military students of all branches so you can attend class without disrupting your duties.

USMC College Admissions Process

Review the USMC college admissions and enrollment process before submitting your application. For more information, contact National University Military Admissions at (877) 628-6828.

Step 1: Determine Level of USMC Tuition Assistance (USMC TA)

Contact the Base Education Office on your base to complete a Department of Defense Request for Tuition Assistance. Completing this tuition assistance USMC form will start you on your way to earning a degree.

Step 2: Apply Online to National University

Complete the National University registration form online. After the USMC TA authorization form is completed and signed, you can fax, email or hand carry the TA forms to your advisor. To ensure you are getting the most out of your tuition assistance, review the financial aid page on National University’s website for more information. Applications are processed within one week, but TA authorization will take longer to process. Verification of your enrollment and a welcome letter will be emailed to you once everything has been processed.

Step 3: Take Placement Tests

If you’re a first-time college student, you must take the ACU Placement test either online or on base within the first 30 days after you enroll.

Step 4: Select Your Program of Study

Determine which degree or program you are interested in. See our list of online programs available to take classes anywhere in the world, or check the locations page for on-base or in-person physical location programs.

Step 5: Get Textbooks and Course Materials

Once you’ve submitted your registration form, received confirmation of registration, and submitted your TA forms and payment, you can order your textbooks, and any other course materials online at the University Bookstore.

Marine Corps Tuition Assistance

If you serve as a Marine, tuition assistance education benefits can assist you while on active duty so you may work towards your educational goals as you serve your country.

If you’re an officer in the Marine Corps (whether commissioned or non-commissioned) and you wish to use tuition assistance to further your education, you must agree to two more years of active service. In the event that you need to leave the Marine Corps prior to the completion of your obligation, you will need to repay a prorated amount of the assistance you’ve already received.

The Department of Defense’s standardized Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of servicemembers’ professional and personal self-development goals. The TA policy for the current fiscal year allows active-duty service members to receive tuition assistance of $4,500 per year.

U.S. Marines Corps College Tuition and Fees

As of March 1, 2022, the National University military tuition rates are as follows:

	In-Person Course	Online Course
Undergraduate	$747	$747
Graduate	$822	$981
Undergraduate (per quarter unit)	$166	$166
Graduate (per quarter unit)	$182.67	$218

In addition to our military tuition discount, you may qualify to apply for Veteran benefits under existing Veteran programs. National University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Note that some service branches have established specific guidelines or limits for their members that do not mirror the standard policy. Please check with your Education Services Officer to determine the benefits available to you. For more information on Tuition Assistance, visit the DANTES website or contact our Veterans Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or [email protected].

Marine Corps Education Benefits

Just like the Army, and Navy, the Marine Corps encourages its personnel to use this benefit at any type of educational institution, including accredited schools that offer online degrees. Again, the only requirement if you choose a virtual learning environment is that the school must be accredited.

U.S. Marines Transfer Information

National University offers transfer-friendly degree programs to help you maximize as many previously-earned credits as possible, including college credits from other accredited institutions, professional or technical certifications, and military training and experience.
To learn more about transferring to NU, contact our Veteran’s Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or [email protected].

National University Accreditation

National University has been regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1977. As a regionally accredited Institution, NU has met the highest education quality standards. Learn more about our regional accreditation.

Top Marine Corps Education Programs

National University offers a program that fits everyone! As a Marine Corps Friendly university, we have students from across the country. Some of the most popular education programs selected by Marines are:

• Associate of Arts in General Education
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications