Will Coast Guard pay for college?

Coast Guard

Coast Guard Tuition Assistance & Online College

At National University, applications are reviewed year-round, so you can begin your Coast Guard Online College classes when it’s convenient for you. Whether you enroll online, on base, or on location, we understand your experience as a member of the Coast Guard has provided you with valuable training. Now further your U.S. Coast Guard education with our 150+ Academic degree programs and certification offerings. Whether you are working towards an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, we have something for every Guardsman.

U.S. Coast Guard College Education

As a Coast Guard-friendly university, we pride ourselves on providing Coast Guard service members the opportunity to obtain a degree. Our one-month classes have been designed specifically for military students of all branches so you can attend class without disrupting your duties.

Coast Guard Admissions Process

Review the Coast Guard college admissions and enrollment process before submitting your application. For more information, contact National University Military Admissions at (877) 628-6828.

Step 1: Set Up Your Coast Guard Tuition Assistance

Start by setting up your Coast Guard tuition assistance. Contact your Base Education Office and complete a Department of Defense (DoD) Request for Tuition Assistance. You’ll apply through the MyCG Ed portal, and your Educational Services Officer (ESO) must review and approve your request before you enroll. Once it’s approved, the Coast Guard pays National University directly. Schools must hold a current DoD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to receive tuition assistance, and National University participates. After your second course, or six semester hours, you’ll need an evaluated degree plan on file before tuition assistance will fund your next course.

Step 2: Apply Online to National University

Complete the National University registration form online. After your TA authorization form is completed and signed, you can fax, email, or hand-carry the TA forms to your advisor. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your tuition assistance, review the financial aid page on National University’s website for more information. Applications are processed within one week, but TA authorization will take longer to process. Verification of your enrollment and a welcome letter will be emailed to you once everything has been processed.

Step 3: Complete the Required Placement Assessment

If you’re a first-time college student, complete the required placement assessment, either online or on base, within the first 30 days after you enroll. It helps place you in the right courses from the start.

Step 4: Select Your Program of Study

Determine which degree or program you are interested in. See our list of online programs available to take classes anywhere in the world, or check the locations page for on-base or in-person physical location programs.

Step 5: Textbooks and Course Materials

Once you’ve submitted your registration form, received confirmation of registration, and submitted your TA forms and payment, you can order your textbooks and any other course materials online at the University Bookstore.

Coast Guard Tuition Assistance

If you serve in the U.S. Coast Guard, tuition assistance can help you work toward a degree while you’re on active duty. It’s designed to lower the cost of your education, so you can keep serving your country and keep making progress toward your goals at the same time. Just like the Navy, or Marine Corps, the U.S. Coast Guard encourages its personnel to use this benefit at any type of educational institution, including accredited schools that offer online degrees.

For fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026), Coast Guard tuition assistance funds the full per-credit cost of a course’s tuition, up to $250 per semester hour or $166.67 per quarter hour, with an annual cap of $4,500 per fiscal year, according to the FY26 Coast Guard Tuition Assistance policy. It covers tuition only, not fees such as technology, lab, graduation, or internet charges. Lifetime credit-hour limits have been lifted. One thing to plan for: a grade below C in an undergraduate course, or below B in a graduate course, means you’ll repay that course’s tuition assistance.

The full per-credit cost of a course’s tuition
Up to $250 per semester hour ($166.67 per quarter hour)
Annual cap of $4,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30)
Tuition only, fees aren’t covered

At National University, the published military undergraduate rate is $250 per semester hour. Because that matches the Coast Guard’s $250 per-semester-hour cap, tuition assistance can cover the full per-credit cost of an undergraduate course at NU. Your actual costs depend on your program, course load, and any fees, so it’s worth reviewing your plan with our team.

U.S. Coast Guard Tuition and Fees

As of June 15, 2026, the National University military tuition rates are as follows:

Degree Level	Cost Per Semester Hour
Undergraduate Programs	$250
Graduate Programs	$450.45 – $692.30

In addition to our military tuition discount, you may qualify to apply for Veteran benefits under existing Veteran programs. National University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Note that some service branches have established specific guidelines or limits for their members that do not mirror the standard policy. Please check with your Education Services Officer to determine the benefits available to you. For more information on Tuition Assistance, visit the DANTES website or contact our Veterans Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or [email protected].

Coast Guard Transfer Information

National University offers transfer-friendly degree programs to help you maximize as many previously earned credits as possible, including college credits from other accredited institutions, professional or technical certifications, and military training and experience. To learn more about transferring to NU, contact our Veterans Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or [email protected].

National University Accreditation

National University has been institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1977. As an institutionally accredited university, NU has met the highest education quality standards. Learn more about our institutional accreditation.

Top Coast Guard Education Programs

National University offers a program that fits everyone! As a Coast Guard-friendly university, we have students from across the country. Some of the most popular education programs selected by Guardsmen are:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, As an Active Duty, Selective Reserve, or Coast Guard federal employee, up to 100% of your education expenses may be paid for. The federal government has programs like Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, and the Coast Guard Foundation to help Guardsmen pay for college.

Active-duty Coast Guard members, Selected Reserve (SELRES) members, and permanent Coast Guard civilian employees (GS and WG) are eligible. Your Educational Services Officer confirms your eligibility before you enroll.

Tuition assistance funds the full per-credit cost of a course’s tuition, up to $250 per semester hour, with an annual cap of $4,500 per fiscal year. It covers tuition only, not fees, and lifetime credit-hour limits have been lifted.

Apply through the MyCG Ed portal and get your Educational Services Officer’s approval before you enroll. Then submit your National University application. If you have questions along the way, our Military Admissions and Veterans Affairs teams can help. Reach our Veterans Affairs Office at [email protected] or (858) 541-7970.

Yes. National University participates in the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding, so it can receive Coast Guard tuition assistance. NU also offers a military undergraduate tuition rate of $250 per semester hour.