EDUCATION
The Marine Corps has multiple programs to support Marines' continuing education.
To learn about the Marines paying for the college education of future officers, visit our Commissioning Programs page.
Marines will attend various forms of training to teach them new skills and expand their personal and professional capabilities.
Many of the schools Marines attend have skills that translate directly to the civilian world. These can be Military Occupational Schools, Advanced Courses, Professional Military Education, or other programs.
Examples of these schools and programs include:
-Marine Corps Continual Process Improvement Course, the equivalent of Lean Six Sigma
-Aviation Electronics Maintenance Supervisor's Course, equivalent of a technical degree
-Defense Language Institute teaches fluency in foreign language for military liasons
To learn about schools and each MOS, visit our Complete MOS List
Every formal school or training program that is recorded in your military record is also on your JST. Many of these count for college credits if you choose to enroll in a program.
The JST is generated by your base's education center and available to all Marines.
The COOL Program allows Marines to translate their technical skills into civilian credentials.
It is paid for by the Marine Corps and comes at no additional cost for Marines.
These credentials, or licenses in some cases, can be used to get high paying jobs after the service.
To learn more about USMC COOL, click here.
THE PREMIER EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT EXCLUSIVELY FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS
The GI Bill is a program where the Department of Veterans Affairs pays the tuition for college or training programs. There are many nuances, but we will describe eligibility and coverage below.
Marines will make an election within the first few days of entering the Marine Corps. Marines become 40% eligible for the GI Bill after 3 months on active duty and will be eligible to receive 100% of the bill after 36 months of active duty.
Reservists are also eligible for the GI Bill.
The Department of Defense is not allowed to make a recommendation, but we recommend that everyone opt for the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
For more information, click here.
THE VA PAYS TUTION TO YOUR SCHOOL DIRECTLY, THEN PAYS YOU HOUSING AND OTHER STRIPENDS DIRECTLY.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is free and offers higher education and training benefits to Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families who served after Sept. 10, 2001.
Types of training covered include: