Do you get free college if you join the Navy?

Asked by: Dr. Mustafa Beer  |  Last update: July 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (35 votes)

For Navy servicemembers, veterans and their families, paying for a college education is easier than ever thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which: Provides up to 100 percent tuition and fee coverage.

Does the Navy give you free college?

Navy tuition assistance will cover your tuition for both your bachelor's and/or master's degree but does not pay for any fees, books, materials, or exams.

How long do you have to be in the Navy before they pay for college?

To earn this benefit, you'll typically need at least three years of continuous active duty service, or two years if that was the length of your agreement. You can also earn the Montgomery GI Bill under the 2 by 4 Program if you enter the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and serve four more years.

How long do I have to be in the military to get free college?

To qualify for full educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, individuals must serve at least 36 months in the military.

Do Navy Seals get free college?

NSF empowers active duty SEAL and SWCC personnel, their spouses and children, SEAL and SWCC veterans, and retirees' families by awarding scholarships for higher education. We also ensure quality education options for dependent children in duty locations where these choices impact student success.

How Joining the Military Can Help You Pay for College and Earn a Degree

16 related questions found

Will joining the military pay for college?

The Military Tuition Assistance Program pays active-duty service members up to 100% of tuition expenses up to $250 per credit. There are more than 1,900 colleges that offer service members and their families the chance to finish college degrees despite a mobile military life.

How long is the Navy SEAL 4 mile run?

It starts with the initial Physical Screening Test and ends with a more demanding Modified Physical Screening Test, one that includes a minimum of 70 push-ups in 2 minutes, a timed four-mile run in 31 minutes, and a timed 1,000-meter swim with fins in 20 minutes.

Which military branch has the best college benefits?

Army: The Army is known for its wide array of opportunities for skill development and has one of the most comprehensive job selections of any military branch. With the Army College Fund and the Montgomery GI bill, educational benefits are substantial. The Army also tends to promote faster than other branches.

Does the Army pay for college if you are in the reserves?

As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you can take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill as a way to pay for your college education. Depending on how long you enlist, you can get over $13,000 to help pay for college. WHAT'S THE PAY LIKE? Up to $356 per month for 36 months for full-time students.

Do you pay tuition at Navy?

The United States Naval Community College is a great option for Sailors, as they're eligible to enroll as soon as they report to their first command. It provides fully-funded associate degrees without using TA benefits or GI Bill benefits and covers the costs of tuition, course materials and course fees.

Does the Navy pay well?

How much does US Navy - Military in the United States pay? The average US Navy salary ranges from approximately $41,329 per year for Airman to $146,667 per year for Commander. The average US Navy monthly salary ranges from approximately $2,100 per month for Military Police to $4,781 per month for Petty Officer.

How long is Navy boot camp?

Recruit training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long. The goal of this training is to transform you from a civilian into a Sailor with all of the skills necessary to perform in the fleet.

How long do you have to be in the Navy to get tuition assistance?

It's also available to enlisted reservists ordered to active duty 120 days and to reserve officers ordered to active duty for 2 years or more. To qualify, you must: have at least two years time-in-service before applying for benefits • be on active duty for the whole length of the course. attend an accredited school.

Is Navy college hard to get into?

The acceptance rate at United States Naval Academy is 10.8%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 11 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. Scores are vital to getting past their first round of filters. After that, you will need to impress them beyond just your academic scores.

Does the Navy pay for housing?

Does the Navy Pay for Housing? The Navy will help pay for housing with allowances provided to Sailors living off-base. Allowances will vary depending on rank, rate, housing location and dependents.

What is the lowest paid military branch?

E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.

What is the hardest military branch to get into?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

Is it smart to join the military for college?

The GI Bill can provide significant financial assistance for your later college education. This may be particularly valuable if you're concerned about the cost of tuition, room, board, and other college expenses. 3. The military may offer job training and skill-building opportunities in a wide variety of fields.

How many years is a full GI Bill?

You're eligible for 100% of the full benefit if you meet at least 1 of these requirements: You served on active duty for a total of at least 1,095 days (at least 36 months), or. You served on active duty and received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or.

Can you pocket GI Bill money?

The difference is you can pocket about 6 weeks of benefits for later use due to the shorter term. Ultimately, you could pay for some or most of a graduate program, earn a certificate, or go to a trade school with what's left over.

Does GI Bill cover housing?

We'll pay a housing allowance based on 50% of the national average. The campus location where you physically attend most of your classes. We call this a “location-based housing allowance.”

How old is the average Navy SEAL?

The average age was 26.8 with a minimum of 17 years of age and a maximum of 41 years of age.

Where do Navy SEALs get stationed?

Active-duty SEAL teams are components of either Naval Special Warfare Group One, based at Coronado on the West Coast, or Naval Special Warfare Group Two, based at Little Creek, near Virginia Beach, Virginia, on the East Coast.

Are there female Navy SEALs?

Their are no female Navy seals nor are there women in the S.O groups as full-fledged operators.