From the elite Naval Academy to tuition assistance programs, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps offers a wide range of options to help you make the most of your college education. Looking to put a serious dent in those loans? Just have the urge to serve abroad? You can choose either to enlist first and attend school later or juggle your military duties with formal studies. From law to digital communications, the Navy also provides its recruits with sophisticated technical training and job experience.

Program Snapshots

United States Naval Academy

The U.S. Naval Academy in historic Annapolis, Maryland is one of the country's premiere educational institutions. Midshipmen at the Naval Academy undergo a four-year immersion program that integrates intensive naval training, academics and physical conditioning. This "total education experience" is designed to produce well-rounded junior officers with the skills to succeed in the Navy or Marines Corps and beyond. Midshipmen spend their summers training aboard patrol boats, aircraft carriers, submarines and other craft as they learn the ropes of an enlisted sailor. After graduation, midshipmen begin a five-year commission in the Navy or Marines.

One of the key benefits of attending the Academy is that the Navy covers your entire tuition, medical/dental care, room and board costs. You'll also receive a stipend every month based on your academic year.

Gaining acceptance to the Naval Academy is no small feat. It's a highly selective process requiring excellent academic grades, SAT or ACT scores, involvement in sports, extracurricular activities and community involvement. In addition, candidates must receive a nomination from a member of Congress to attend.

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)

With affiliations at some of the tops schools in the country, the NROTC Scholarship Program is one of the Navy's most popular programs. Successful candidates experience college like other students, attending most of the same classes, rooming in the same dorms, and participating in the same social scenes. However, the Navy picks up the tab�full tuition, books, and fees, plus a monthly stipend. In return, graduates of the program must undergo further naval training. Upon graduation, these midshipmen must serve eight years in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps after graduation, three of which must be on active duty.

The NROTC selection process is very competitive. Every year thousands of applicants, many in the top 10 percent of their classes, jockey for a limited number of 4-year scholarships.

Montgomery GI Bill/Navy College Fund

If academic scholarships are out of reach and huge student loans are too much of a burden, the Navy may be able to help with their extensive enlistment packages. The most popular option is the G.I. Bill, which earmarks $100 per month for tuition. College graduates also receive up to $23,400 for education payments once their active duty is over.

High school graduates that score above 50 on the ASVAB (Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery) exam may also be entitled to an extra $15,000 from the Navy College Fund on top of their GI Bill benefits. Students that qualify for other specialties such as the Nuclear or Submarine Electronics Computer Field can reap even more benefits from the fund, up to $50,000. The Navy will also credit you with up to $10,000 in college loan repayments if you enter into one of these more rigorous academic programs.

The Extras

The incentives for active Naval personnel are extensive, ranging from free medical/dental care to thirty days of paid leave and free travel aboard military flights. Furthermore, if you take more university courses while on leave from active duty, the Navy may be able reimburse you up to 75% of the tuition at participating colleges.

With access to the most sophisticated technology, a myriad of travel opportunities and hands-on leadership experience, the Navy may be the ideal place to start your career. For more information on Naval enlistment packages, visit www.navyjobs.com.