Tuition Assistance Updates and Preparation: How to be Ready

If you are planning to apply for Tution Assistance, here’s what you can do to get ready.

1. Review Required Preparation
   Before you apply for TA, make sure you review MARADMIN 218/19. MARADMIN 218/19 has directed additional management controls on TA that you may need to check, such as the grade point average you need to maintain, whether or not uncredited courses apply, and more.
   For more information on this tuition assistance process, follow up with the TA FAQs available on the Voluntary Education webpage. These include topics such as eligibility, restrictions, how to apply, where to turn if you have an issue with your TA, and requirements upon course completion.
2. Meet with Education Staff
   If you want to leave the Marine Corps with degree or at least a good head start on completing a degree plan, there is a lot of work to get done. Your installation Education Staff can help you minimize detours along the way to where you want to go. Consider the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). These are prior learning assessments that can help you earn college-level credits by exam and are free for active-duty Marines.
3. Complete Higher Education Preparation
   Higher Education Preparation is a requirement for tuition assistance. Beyond that, it can help you refresh and reset as you begin to prepare for secondary education. Don’t wait until the last minute. It’s available 24/7 at no-cost on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). Course ID: HEP-US001.
4. Complete Personal Financial Management
   Personal Financial Management is also a requirement in order to apply for Tuition Assistance. Higher education is expensive, so understanding the financial management principles provided in this course is critical. It’s available 24/7 on MarineNet. Course ID: MCIZ3420GZ.
5. If your GT is less than 100, take the TABE
   Set yourself up for success. The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a test that assesses the skills and knowledge of adult learners. If your GT scores were low, this can help boost your standings. If you need to study up, complete the Online Academic Skills Course or check out Math Skills for Review, Reading Skills for Review, and Grammar & Writing Skills for Review from EBSCO Learning Express™ DoD Test Prep through the MCCS Libraries. These can help you increase your math and verbal skills. (Plus, it’s also a requirement to apply for tuition assistance).
6. Research and choose a degree program and school
   Consider the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) suggestions in Alternatives to Traditional College Credit, which offers suggestions on how to pick the best program and school for you. Your installation Education Staff can also help you decide.

If you're looking for more resources, check out "Take Advantage of These Tools and Resources for Tuition Assistance" or contact your installation's Education Staff.