Marine Corps College Education Programs

Marine Corps University (MCU)

The Marine Corps University is located at Quantico, Virginia. As of December 12, 2025, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) officially reaffirmed MCU’s accreditation, confirming that its academic programs meet national standards for quality and student support.

The university is authorized to award three specific master’s degrees, including the Master of Strategic Studies through the Marine Corps War College, the Master of Operational Studies through the School of Advanced Warfighting, and the Master of Military Studies through the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

Additionally, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the War College maintain accreditation from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which fulfills the requirements for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phases I and II.

Related: Post 9/11 GI Bill Application Guide for Active Duty and Veterans

Voluntary Education Program (VOLED)

The Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program helps Marines complete higher education degrees through a network of accredited colleges and universities.

An important component of this program is the DANTES testing service, which helps students pay for CLEP and DSST exams to earn college credit for prior knowledge.

Education Service Officers are available at installation education centers to provide individualized academic advisement and help Marines navigate their options. To assist in this process, the Joint Service Transcript (JST) provides an official record of military training and experience with corresponding college credit recommendations from the American Council on Education.

Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP)

MECEP offers a way for Marine Corps officers to earn a commission. Selected participants attend a 10-week course at Officer Candidates School (OCS) before enrolling as full-time students at a university with an NROTC program, all while maintaining their active duty pay and benefits.

The Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) does not utilize a single web-based “apply” button. Instead, applicants must download, complete, and submit a standardized application package through official Recruiting Command channels.

Related: Post 9/11 GI Bill Application Guide for Active Duty and Veterans

Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA)

A Marine must have at least 24 months of active service to apply for Marine Corps TA, although a commander at the O-5 level may waive this requirement to 18 months for qualified individuals. Funding is capped at $4,500 per fiscal year, and the Marine Corps will provide TA for up to 18 semester hours annually.

Applicants must have no non-judicial punishments within the last 12 months and must have completed all rank-appropriate professional military education.

Marines are required to reimburse the government for any undergraduate grade below C or any graduate grade below B. Applications must be submitted and command-approved via WebTA no later than 7 days before the term begins, as retroactive funding is strictly prohibited.

Additional Transition and Skill Programs

The Marine Corps COOL program allows Marines to translate their military occupational specialties into civilian licenses and certifications to enhance their professional marketability. For those nearing the end of their service, the DoD SkillBridge program provides a window of up to 180 days before separation to participate in internships or job training with industry partners.

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) enables Marines to document their on-the-job military experience to earn a Department of Labor Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship, providing a distinct advantage during the transition to civilian employment.