Does the Coast Guard have college opportunities?

I've been thinking about joining the Coast Guard, but I'm also interested in getting a college degree. Does the Coast Guard offer any college programs or partnerships with universities for service members?

Indeed, the U.S. Coast Guard does provide several opportunities for service members to pursue higher education while serving. One prominent program is the Coast Guard's College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). This program provides tuition and book fees for the final two years of your undergraduate degree, and following graduation, you attend Officer Candidate School and then serve as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard.

Another opportunity is through the Coast Guard's Tuition Assistance (TA) program, which can provide financial assistance for service members to take courses at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational/technical institutions during off-duty times. The TA covers costs for tuition and other fees for bachelor's and master's degrees, though there are caps on how much funding a service member can use per fiscal year.

The Coast Guard also partners with colleges and universities through its Coast Guard Institute, which assists in coordinating degree programs relevant to a career in the Coast Guard. There's a lot of flexibility with these programs, allowing service members to take courses at their pace.

In addition, they have an articulation agreement with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to convert Coast Guard training to college credits towards an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Lastly, if you're a Coast Guard veteran, you're eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This bill provides education benefits including coverage for tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for textbooks and supplies.

Just bear in mind, it's always important to speak with an education services officer or a recruiter to understand these opportunities and how to apply for them properly. They can provide you with detailed information about the process and guide you in the right direction.