Search by what's important to you
There are many factors to consider in choosing a school. One key is to figure out what's most important to you. These resources let you search for colleges by location, type of degree, area of study as well as classroom or distance learning.
    ◦IES - College Opportunities Online Locator offers many search criteria options.
    ◦Peterson's Distance Learning and Online Degree Search allows you to search by area of study & degree.
    ◦College Board College Search has a College MatchMaker which offers an extensive list of selection criteria.

Check College Accreditation
Accreditation sounds complicated, but its simply a matter of making sure the school you choose is a legitimate institution. Accreditation is a quality review of higher education institutions and programs ensuring an institution or program meets a quality standard. You can't qualify for Coast Guard Tuition Assistance or Federal grants and loans for a non-accredited school, so make sure the school you select is properly accredited.Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has a Search for Accredited Institutions and Programs. Department of Education: Accredited Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools has an Accreditation by Institution Search.

Full-time ESOs can provide a variety of advising assistance including:
    ◦Interest Inventories to help you select a major.
    ◦Additional information on selecting a college.
    ◦Assistance on applying for a SOC agreement.
    ◦Information on how to get study guides and schedule examinations for credit.

Collateral and full-time ESOs can provide:
    ◦Assistance with applying for Tuition Assistance or Grants.
    ◦Assistance with applying for an unofficial or official transcript.  

Visit The College's Website
Almost all colleges have complete websites, usually with a section just on admission. The website will have useful tools and information such as:
    ◦A downloadable application form
    ◦Admission requirements such as if entrance exams are required, documentation required, etc.
    ◦Checklists or other tools to organize your application

Take Required Entrance Exams
Schools may or may not require entrance examinations. Check with your school first to see if any entrance exams are required. Several entrance exams are offered free of charge through the DANTES program. All of the following exams are available at the DANTES website.
    •DANTES - Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
    •DANTES - ACT Assessment Test (ACT)
    •DANTES - Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
    •DANTES - Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Request Transcripts
You will need transcripts for any prior college work you have completed. These can be requested from the college. Ask that the transcripts be sent directly to the college where you are applying. Some colleges will accept sealed copies of transcripts, but it is best to check with your college first.
    •Request a USCG Official Transcript. Go to the JST website to request an official Joint Service Transcript.
    •For more information on JST, see the "JST" section below.

Credit For Military Experience
    •You have already earned college credit by being in the Coast Guard. Many colleges will give you credit for military schools and job experiences if they fit in your program of study.
    •To view your unofficial transcript, login to the JST Website. If you notice that a course or rate is missing or has a mistake, complete the Application for Correction Form ETQC-1562
    •To request an official transcript be sent to the college of your choice, you must login the JST Website. Most colleges are set up to receive the official transcript electronically. If your college, program, or employer is not set up for electronic delivery, you can use the special mailing form found on the JST web page under "How to request a transcript." Scroll down to the Request Forms and Contact Information section. Select the Coast Guard and click on the Official Transcript Special mailing Request Form.

College Credit By Examination
DANTES sponsors CLEP and DSST exams to assist service members in meeting their educational goals. You can take these exams to earn college credit instead of taking a college course, but check with the college first.
 

    •Policies on DANTES exams vary from institution to institution. Many colleges award credit at the score levels recommended by ACE. Some require scores that are higher or lower than ACE recommended score. Check with your school prior to taking exams to ensure they will award you credit.

How to locate the Examination Guide/Fact Sheet
    •Obtain a CLEP examination guide or DSST fact sheet from the Unit Testing Control Officer.
    •Use the CLEP examination guide or DSST fact sheet to identify the knowledge and skills required for the exam. Locate suitable resource materials to assist your preparation; resources can include the internet, local libraries, and colleges.
    •The Examination Guide/Fact Sheet contains a complete exam description—including a content outline, a description of the knowledge and skills required to do well, and sample questions for each subject. The Examination Guide/Fact Sheet is not designed to replace a textbook.

How to read the exam description
    •Review the DANTES exam description; review the study materials using the content outline for note taking. Take the sample test. Usually if you answer 70% or more of the questions correctly, you are prepared to take the test.
    •Review section I and section II of the CLEP examination guide. Sections I and II contain additional information on how to prepare for DANTES exams, information on how to take exams, and procedures for reporting flawed questions.

How to schedule the exam
Contact your DANTES Test Control Officer in order to schedule the exam. If your unit does not have a DANTES Test Control Officer, contact your ESO for further assistance.

DSST Exams
    •The DSST Exams consist of 38 exams in a variety of college subject areas. ACE recommends 3 semester hours for each exam. Exams are free of charge to active duty members.

    •DoD MWR Libraries & Peterson's Study Library for DANTES Exams provide a ready reference for examinations and corresponding study aids available via the internet or your local library.

CLEP General Exams
    •The CLEP General Exams consist of five exams that test college level knowledge in five basic areas of "general" education. Each exam is multiple choice, has a 90-minute time limit and is recommended for six semester hours of college credit. Therefore if you completed all five, you would have 30 semester hours of credit. That equates to one year of college coursework. Exams are free of charge to active duty members.

CLEP Subject Exams

    •The CLEP Subject Exams are similar to the general exams, except they cover more specialized college material. Credit varies by exam. 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Subject Tests
    •GRE Subject Tests are often required for admission to graduate programs. However, a few colleges may award up to 30 semester hours credit for the GRE Subject Test if passed at 80% or higher.
    •One administration of the exam is free of charge to active duty members.

College Credit For Workforce Training
    •The American Council on Education (ACE) makes credit recommendation for formal courses or examinations offered by various organization from businesses to the government.
    •If you have experience outside of the military that might qualify for college credit, it would be valuable to check for ACE recommendations.

About the grant
•Grant is supported by gift funds from the CG Foundation and will be disbursed based on availability of funds on a first come, first served basis.
•Grant is intended to assist spouses pursuing professional development courses, licensing courses, certificates, certifications and undergraduate/graduate degrees.

Who is eligible?
•Spouses of active duty enlisted personnel in pay grades E-3 to E-6.
•Spouses of Reservists (pay grades E-3 to E-6) on any type of active duty orders for at least one year in duration.
•Applicants must be pursuing professional development courses, licensing courses, certificates, certifications, and college and graduate level degrees from a nationally or regionally accredited institution.

What will the grant cover?
•Required educational items not funded through other educational resources.
•May include: books, school fees and transportation.

How much will the grant pay?
•The maximum payable is $500 per calendar year.

What is the application process?
•Applications may be in advance of class dates, however applicants must supply proof of enrollment.
•The Coast Guard Foundation's Lisa Cook Reed Spouse Education Grants can only be submitted online through the Coast Guard Foundation's website. Inquiries regarding the application process or the status of an application can be addressed via e-mail at info@cgfdn.org.

•The CGMA Supplemental Education Grant (SEG) Program offers financial assistance by reimbursing certain costs associated with seeking a first undergraduate (associate and/or bachelor) degree, or a Vocational and Technical Training (VoTech) certificate, or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), not otherwise covered by Coast Guard Tuition Assistance or similar programs.

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
•The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001,
•ALCOAST 684/09
•ALCOAST 443/09
•ALCOAST 377/09
•ALCOAST 250/09
•ALCOAST 044/09
•ALCOAST 447/08
 

*The 2019 Coast Guard Foundation Education Grant (CGFEG) season has ended*

Coast Guard Foundation Education Grant (CGFEG)

The CGFEG program is designed to assist eligible personnel in their academic or technical development by providing funding for tuition, fees, and miscellaneous expenses incurred in completing off-duty voluntary education. The CGFEG program is a reimbursement program, requiring members to expend funds prior to applying for a CGFEG. The grant program is funded each year through generous gifts from the CG Foundation; however, funding is not guaranteed to cover all requests each year.

Application Submission Process

• Thoroughly review the eligibility criteria outlined in the most recent CGFEG ALCOAST.

• Member must download and complete the most recent version of the Coast Guard Foundation Education Grant Application (ETQC-1560-10A (REV 09/18).

• Member emails the completed application along with proof of enrollment and receipts to the ESO for certification.

• ESO reviews, digitally signs, and submits the application to ETQC for approval.

Application Review Process

• ETQC reviews all applications in the order received.

• During the review process, ETQC validates the following:

  • All fields on the CGFEG application are complete.

  • Member meets the eligibility criteria.

  • Member has provided proof of enrollment and legible receipts.

  • Expenses claimed are authorized under the CGFEG program.

• During and post review process, ETQC will notify the ESO and member of the results of the submitted application.

• For approved applications, a grant check will be mailed within 60 days of notification to the address listed in block 15 of the CGFEG application.

• ESO’s and members should wait at least 60 days before contacting ETQC regarding non-receipt of a grant check.

Application Dispute Process

If an application does not meet the minimum standards, ETQC will return the application back to the member and their respective ESO, unprocessed.

If a member believes their application was returned erroneously, members may dispute the decision by submitting a memo to Commanding Officer, ETQC, no later than 30 days after receiving denial notification.

Commanding Officer

USCG ETQC

1430-D Kristina Way

Chesapeake, VA 23326

Degree Reporting Job Aid PDF file (Right-click and "Save As")

REQUIRED BEFORE RECEIVING TA

How do I apply?
•Complete Tuition Assistance Counseling Worksheet( ETQC-4147-2)

•Submit electronically using WebTA or ask your ESO  for TA form (ETQC-4147), it is accepted on a case by case basis.

************************************************************************************************************************************
What is WebTA?
•WebTA is the Navy's tuition assistance system and is accessed through the My Education Portal.
•NAVY Shared Authentication Service Website.

How does the process work?
•You fill out the online application at NKO which is then sent to your ESO for review and approval.
•Your ESO reviews and approves the application which is then sent to ETQC for processing.
•CG ETQC processes the application and the TA Authorization is sent to you via email (if your email address is correct in DA). If you don't receive the Authorization within 14 days, you can ask your ESO to contact the ETQC-VE division at ETQC-SMB-TAG@uscg.mil or via phone at (757) 366-6578.

How do I fill out the application?
•The Voluntary Education for Sea Services (WebTA) for the Member SOP has step-by-step procedures for filling out the application.

***********************************************************************************************************************************
•Apply with the Application for TA Form (CG-4147)

How does the process work?
•Download the Application for Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (ETQC-4147) and save it to your computer.
•Once the form is complete, email it to your ESO for review and approval. All applications, corrections, cancellations must go through your ESO. In addition, member needs to submit supporting documentation to the ESO along with the ETQC-4147 (i.e assessment, verification of enrollment, cost and type of fees claimed, and cost of tuition).
•Keep a copy of the form for your records.
•Your ESO reviews and approves the application which is then sent to CG ETQC for processing.
•CG Institute processes the application and the TA Authorization is sent to your ESO and to you via email (if your email is correct in DA). If you don't receive the Authorization within 14 days, ask your ESO for a copy.

How do I fill out the application?
•The form contains detailed instructions for completion. Nearly 40% of TA applications sent to CG ETQC contain errors - these slow down the processing of your request. Be sure you read the instructions, fill out the form completely and proof your application. Ask your ESO if you have questions.
•Check the DoD MOU website under Participating Institutions to make sure your college is eligible for CG TA.
•Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
•Take a look at the common errors when completing the application.
•Allow enough lead time. TA is paid directly to the college, so you want them to receive payment before the class begins. TA can be applied for up to 3 month prior to course start date.
•Be sure you read the Statement of Agreement/Understanding on page 2 of the form. Understand that by signing the form, you agree to all the terms outlined in the Statement of Agreement.

How to cancel a course
•You decide not to take a course after you have already applied for TA.
•Line out the course that was cancelled and write the word "CANCEL" on the TA Authorization Form.
•Write the ESO's name on the Authorization Form.
•Submit a copy of the TA Authorization Form to your ESO. All applications, corrections, cancellations must go through your ESO.
•A class that has been invoiced by the school cannot be cancelled. The member will need to contact the school and request the money be refunded to the Navy. Once the money is received by the Navy, the course is cancelled.
•A course cancelled through the TA division does not necessarily mean it has been cancelled with the school. The student is highly encouraged to ensure both the registrar and billing offices are both notified of a cancelled course. Once a school invoices for a course, any previous cancellation code is removed and the course is "reactivated." The member is left responsible for the course cost unless a passing grade is provided.

•VERY IMPORTANT: There is a deadline for withdrawal form a course established by your college (generally before the end of the third week of the course). If you officially withdraw before the deadline, the college will refund the tuition paid for the class. Therefore USCG will not be billed for the class. Members who do not take the responsibility of officially withdrawing and earn an "F" or an "Incomplete" will be required payback the TA received for the course.

How to change course information
•You might find that the course in which you wish to enroll is full, cancelled, or otherwise not available at the time of registration. So you may want to select an "alternate course".
•Approved TA vouchers can only be changed if the new course that the student is applying for has the EXACT course start and ending dates. If either dates have changed, a new TA application would be required and the existing TA application would need to be cancelled.
•Line out the course that was cancelled on the TA Authorization Form.
•Write the new course information on the TA Authorization form including Department Code, Course Number, Course Title and Cost.
•Write the ESO's name on the Authorization Form.
•Submit a copy of the TA Authorization Form to your ESO. All applications, corrections, cancellations must go through your ESO.
•A revised TA Authorization is sent to you via email (if your email is correct in DA) or you can get a copy from your ESO.

How to request extension to course completion date
•There may be times when you need additional time to complete a course.
•Request an extension of the course end date through the school. Obtain a copy of the approval (letter or memo) and provide to ESO/ESS.
•Submit your TA Authorization form. documentation from college showing extension was approved and the course extension date to your ESO. All applications, corrections, cancellations must go through your ESO.
•When complete, CG Institute will notify you.
•This type of course extension usually results in you receiving an "Incomplete" for the course at the end of the term. Even though your extension was approved, you must still submit the grade of "incomplete". See HOW TO SUBMIT FINAL GRADES for details.

•IMPORTANT: If the institution denies your request, you should anticipate a failing grade for the course and action taken by NETPDTC to recoup TA paid for the course.

TA Annual Cap
•TA has an annual maximum or "cap" of $2,250.
•The annual cap falls within each fiscal year (1 October to 30 September).
•Once the member uses the maximum allotted amount per year, no waivers will be granted for additional money.
•The established TA cap does not mean the Coast Guard guarantees to pay the full amount. Budget constraints may require further TA policy changes.

TA Caps
•TA is available for undergraduate & graduate courses up to Master's Degrees. The caps are:
◦$250 per semester hour, $166.66 per quarter hour, or $16.67 per clock hour.

High School Completion Programs
•Tuition for approved high school completion programs will be fully funded for personnel who have not been awarded a high school or equivalency diploma.

Developmental Courses
•Developmental courses may be authorized if required by the Institution prior to taking a higher-level course.
•Many colleges require a developmental course in Math, English and reading if the member has been out of school for several years.
•Usually these courses (usually numbered starting with zero "0" as the first digit) are "not transferable".

Fees
•Fees are no longer funded with Tuition Assistance.

NAVY MYEDUCATION LINK

Below is additional guidance provided to ESOs to assist members and commands with submitting complete waiver packages. Additionally, it provides the regulations the Coast Guard ETQC is using to screen and evaluate each package received.

POLICIES

- PT&E Manual, COMDTINST M1500.10(series), Art. 11.H.e.(12)
- ETQC SOP Volume III, Art. 1.M
- Voluntary Education Programs, DoDi 1322.25, Appendix to Enclosure 3, Art. 3.n.(6)

All DOD MOU participating institutions are required to provided the following BEFORE student enrollment:

- Information on institutional "drop/add," withdrawal, and readmission policies and procedures to include information on the potential impact of military duties (such as unanticipated deployments or mobilization, activation, and temporary duty assignments) on the student's academic standing and financial responsibilities. An explanation of educational institution's grievance policy and process will also be provided.

- All waiver packages will be returned if the member has not tried to resolve the issue with their institution first based on the policy guidance provided by the institution mentioned above. All correspondence between the institution and the ESO/member will need to be included in every waiver package. Any package being received at the Coast Guard Institute without this information will be returned until this requirement is met.

- NOTE: If any military member enrolls with an institution and the above information is not provided, it should be reported immediately to the Coast Guard ETQC as a DOD MOU violation via e-mail to ETQC-SMB-TAG@uscg.mil.

REASONS WAIVER PACKAGES WILL BE ACCEPTED -

- Operational Necessity - Any waiver package submitted for this reason will need to have orders submitted with the package in order to be considered.
- Personal Emergency - Illness, hospitalization unforeseen death in the family - Any waiver package submitted for this reason will need to have supporting documentation. Please note, if a package is being submitted for an illness or hospitalization, we have a "need to know" and we will ask and require supporting medical documentation. If a member does not wish to disclose this information under the HIPPA law, we may not have the required information necessary to make a favorable determination. This is a member's personal choice whether or not they want to provide the required documentation necessary for a debt to be waived.
- Service Obligation - The Obligated Service Matrix located in the ETQC SOP Volume III will be used when making these determinations.

WAIVER PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS -

- All waiver packages must show ample justification identifying the extenuating circumstance(s) and provide all supporting documentation.
- A STONG endorsement from the Commanding Officer will be required for consideration (the endorsement shall not be signed by only the ESO except in those situations where the CO is the ESO)
- Waiver packages will NO LONGER be accepted for late applications.
- Correspondence between the ESO/member and the institution showing the attempt to resolve with the school first.
- Supporting documentation for illness or hospitalization (documents will be destroyed by crosscut shredder after they have been used for their intended purpose).

What is the TA Authorization Form?
•The TA Authorization is your official acknowledgement that TA has been approved.
•The form lists the college that will be paid, all courses that TA was approved for and the amount approved.

How will I get the TA Authorization?
•The TA Authorization is sent to you via email (if your email is correct in DA). If you don't receive the Authorization within 14 days, ask your ESO for a copy.

What should I do with the TA Authorization form?
•Check that all information on the Authorization is correct.
•Sign the Authorization.
•Make a copy for your records
•Write your complete SSN on the Authorization and take it to your college on the day of registration.
•Forward a copy of the TAA to the ESO who approved the initial TA application

•VERY IMPORTANT:
The academic institution accepts the TA Authorization form and sends invoice to the NETPDTC address for payment. Institution representatives with questions concerning payment may send email to CCO-MYINVOICEHELP@DFAS.MIL. Members SHALL NOT submit invoices they have received from the institution to NETPTDC for payment. In this situation, the ESO will intervene with the institution and advise school officials of the process for invoicing payments. The institution on the TA authorization must be the same institution which issues the grades and invoices the Navy.

Example of a TA Authorization

You will have to repay TA if:
•You do not receive a passing final grade.

◦Undergraduate students whose average Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on the previous 12 semester hours completed under TA or if a grade of "D" or less is received.
◦ Graduate students whose average Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on the previous 12 semester hours completed under TA or if a grade of "C" or less is received.

•You receive an "Incomplete" in a course and do not submit a passing final grade within 6 months of the course's original end date.
•You disenroll/withdraw from a course after the college's cut-off date for disenrollments/withdrawals and school received TA monies for the course.
•You separate prior to course completion date.
•Member fails to submit grade within current policy timeline.
•A course cancelled through the TA division does not necessarily mean it has been cancelled with the school. The student is highly encouraged to ensure both the registrar and billing offices are both notified of a cancelled course. Once a school invoices for a course, any previous cancellation code is removed and the course is "reactivated". The member is left responsible for the course cost unless a passing grade is provided.

How is repayment collected?
•Normally, action will be taken by NETPDTC to have TA indebtedness collected via member's pay.
•However, member may repay TA debt by mailing a money order or cashier's check (do not send personal check) payable to the U.S. Treasury to:

Commanding Officer
NETPDTC N814/Coast Guard Group
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509-5241

•Member should include a copy of the TA Authorization form and ensure SSN, course name, and TA Authorization number is on the check.

What is the CG Foreign Language Program?
•The program, outlined in ALCOAST 585/05, aims to build a strong pool of members proficient in a variety of languages.
•There are two levels of language proficiency, linguists and interpreters. Linguists have a higher level of fluency while interpreters have a working level proficiency. See the ILR Skill Level Descriptions for details on levels of proficiency.
•Members who have passed the proficiency test and fill billets that require a language proficiency, receive Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) . See ALCOAST 275/06 for details on language billets.

How do I get certified as a linguist or interpreter?
•You will need to take the DLPT V, a computer-based language test than includes both reading and listening components.

How do I arrange to take the DLPT?
•Only full-time regional ESOs and a few collateral duty ESOs can give the DLPT tests. Ask your ESO for information on where you will need to go and how to set up an appointment.

DLPT Frequently Asked Questions
•FAQ about the USCG Foreign Language Program
•FAQ about the DLPT Test 

Defense Foreign Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
•ESO support for reactivating a disabled DLPT Test Administrator account can be obtained by contacting DMDC customer support desk at 1-800-372-7437. The ETQC is not able to reset the DLPT accounts.
•All other issues with DLPT contact your SSM at (405) 954-7238.

DLPT Policies
•ALCOAST 456/11: Expansion and Increase of Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) Rates
•ALCOAST 275/06: Coast Guard Linguists/Coast Guard Foreign Language Program
•ALCOAST 585/05: Coast Guard Foreign Language Program
•DOD Memorandum: Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) Certification (Dec 06)
•OPNAVINST 1550b7
•NAVY USCG SOP
•NETPDTC 1550-9 Mgmt DLPT
•OSD DLPT Management Memo
•The Law

DLPT Procedures
•DLPT-V System Familiarization Guide
•ILR Skill Level Descriptions
•Required Setup to Administer DLPT-5 Exam
•Entering Language/Foreign Language Test Results

DLPT Testing Sites
•Only Coast Guard authorized DLPT Testing sites may administer the DLPT.
•All full-time ESOs should be designated as DLPT testing sites. If a collateral ESO sees a need to be a designated DLPT site, they should contact the Course Support & Testing Division at the ETQC.

DLPT Frequently Asked Questions
•FAQ about the USCG Foreign Language Program
•FAQ about the DLPT Test

Other test/exam results
•For information on how to enter graduate school admission exams (i.e. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.) in Direct Access (DA), please refer to the DA help guide located at the Coast Guard Pay & Personnel Center (PPC) website. Members should contact their SPO for assistance. The CG Institute does not enter these test/exam results in DA.

SERVICEWIDE EXAM (SWE) INFORMATION
•ETQC/VOL ED does not handle any servicewide exams. Contact the USCG Pay & Personnel Center (PPC) Advancements and Evaluations Branch with any questions or issues.

◦Email: PPC-DG-ADV@uscg.mil
◦Phone: (785) 339-3400
◦FAX: (785) 339-3765
◦Website: PPC Advancements and Evaluations Branch

EOCT Policies
•21 day retesting policy

E-Testing
•ESO & Member Qualification Course Process Guide

How to order DVDs
•DVDs can be ordered by unit ESOs. These DVDs are expendable items and may be maintained at units.

The time length of these DVDs vary from 10 to 120 minutes per topic. ESOs should preview the contents for applicability prior to showing the DVD at the unit. These DVDs should be incorporated as a supplement to the unit's overall training program.