Coast Guard Voluntary Education

All branches of the Armed Forces offer college financial aid to members who want to pursue a college degree program. In the Coast Guard, college aid is awarded as tuition assistance, grants, scholarships and money for college costs.

If you’re planning to enlist as a Guardian, you can take advantage of many of these forms of college aid. Combining different forms of money for college will help you maximize your college costs and make you less dependent on college loans, which need to be repaid.

Learn more about some of the most popular kinds of Coast Guard Voluntary Education programs offered to Guardians. You can also talk to your guidance counselor and a Coast Guard recruiter to find out more about how to take advantage of the education opportunities.

Coast Guard Tuition Assistance

This program provides for up to $4,500 to help pay for college tuition and approved fees. For undergraduate and graduate courses, there is a cap of $250 per semester credit hour, and you must maintain at least a D in undergraduate classes and at least a B in graduate courses. Approved costs included in this program include lab fees, studio materials and Internet or technology needed to take courses at online schools.

Coast Guard Grants

The Coast Guard Foundation Education Grant reimburses active-duty members for textbooks, supplies, application fees, parking fees and other college costs, up to $350 per calendar year. The Vander Putten Education Grant reimburses Guardian for text books and other fees not already covered by the Foundation Education Grant, up to $500 per calendar year.

Scholarships for Spouses and Kids

Guardian spouses and dependents are not eligible for tuition assistance, but they can receive grants and scholarships toward their education. These include the Military Spouse Fellowship for the Accredited Financial Counselor SM Program and Scholarhips for Military Children Program.

Montgomery GI Bill

This educational assistance program covers up to 36 months of costs and colleges and universities and can be used for degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships and distance learning courses.

Coast Guard Tips & Tactics

• Interested in attending the US Coast Guard Academy? Learn more about the school’s academics, expenses and admissions requirements at Campus Explorer.
• In addition to military aid, you are eligible to receive college financial aid from the government and your state. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for federal aid and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE form to be eligible for state aid.
• Find a Coast Guard recruiter to learn more about how you can earn a college education.