Tuition Assitance used by only 13% of Corps

By Cpl. Pete Zrioka, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

 

10/8/2009 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz.  — Even though most Marines rate up to $4,500 in off-duty tuition assistance annually, only 13 percent took advantage of the benefit in fiscal year 2009, according to Marine Corps education officials.

In FY-09, 619 station Marines used approximately $1.2 million in tuition assistance to enroll in 1,477 courses, said Cindy Harris, station education services specialist.

Tuition assistance can only be used at schools

accredited by Department of Education, and used for degrees ranging from an associate to a doctorate. Tuition assistance is not applicable to school supplies, such as textbooks. It is only used to cover the cost of the a class.

The Corpswide participation percentage high is 15 percent, which peaked in 2003 and 2005, said Desiree Butts, education program specialist at Lifelong Learning, Headquarters Marine Corps. Generally, the percentage stays between 13 and 15 percent.

“It would be great if we could get the participation up to 30 percent,” said Butts. “The Air Force has the highest numbers, and I think that’s because they require education credentials of their members. We don’t currently have a standard like that in the Marine Corps, but I think if we did it would help to offset the number of Marines getting out unprepared in the civilian world.”

In fiscal year 2009, the Marine Corps spent approximately $48 million on tuition assistance.

In order to use tuition assistance, station Marines are required to attend the College 101 Orientation class held at the education center. After completion of the class, Marines who are eligible for tuition assistance—with a general technical score of 100 or above—can choose a school, a course and map out a degree plan. Following selection of a school and class, Marines have to process their tuition assistance request with their command prior to enrollment and beginning school.

“Marines should use tuition assistance because they can get a college degree while active duty and use their G.I. Bill for additional education, or even transfer it to dependents,” said Harris. “You want to have a degree if you get out in order to compete in the civilian market.”

Earning a degree while active duty is possible and Marines accomplish it every year.

“Even if you’re only doing one class a semester and working toward general studies, it’s useful,” said Gunnery Sgt. Henry Acedo, electronics instructor at Twentynine Palms, Calif., who earned his bachelor’s degree while in Yuma in 16 months using tuition assistance. “I’m currently working toward my master’s. I think tuition assistance is something that all Marines should use. Otherwise, it’s a wasted opportunity.”

Since 1954, Congress has authorized funding to cover civilian tuition costs for all military personnel.