The Navy's Education Voucher (AEV) Program pays for advanced degrees (bachelors or masters) for selected Navy senior enlisted (E-7 through E-9). Those enrolled in the program must be seeking bachelor or master degrees in areas that the Navy considers "Navy-Relevant."
Applicants must be proven superior performers with the potential for continued upward mobility within the Navy. For the FY 2008 program, E-7 applicants can have no more than 18 years Time in Service (TIS), E-8 applicants no more than 20 years TIS, and E-9 applicants no more than 24 years TIS. For all pay grades, TIS is computed as of October 1, 2008.
Applicants should be transferring to (or currently on) shore duty with sufficient time ashore to complete a baccalaureate or master's degree program. However, applicants on sea duty may apply, provided they submit an education plan, with their commanding officer's endorsement, which demonstrates the ability to complete the program.
Those senior enlisted who have already invested in their professional development by pursuing college education and those currently enrolled in an applicable degree program using Tuition Assistance (TA) or any other financial assistance programs are eligible to apply for the AEV Program, however, reimbursement for any educational expenses incurred prior to participation in the AEV program is not authorized. AEV and TA benefits cannot be combined.
Baccalaureate Degree Program
The program covers 100 percent of tuition, books, and related fees. There is a limit of $6,700 per year for a maximum of 36 months (3 years) from the date of enrollment. The total program costs cannot exceed $20,000. Applicants must have a minimum of an accredited associate's degree or the equivalent amount of college credits already earned and they must be applicable to the degree being sought. The baccalaureate degree must be in a major that is "Navy-Relevant." Such majors include Strategic foreign languages, construction management, emergency and disaster management, human resources, paralegal, leadership and management, engineering, information technology, nursing, business administration, and electrical/electronic technology.
Master's Degree Program
The Master's Degree Program covers 100 percent of tuition, books and related fees up to a maximum of $20,000 per year for up to 24 months (2 years) from the date of enrollment. The total program cost cannot exceed $40,000. Applicants for this program must already possess a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher learning accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education. Applicants must be seeking a master's degree in a "Navy-Relevant" area, such as emergency and disaster management, human resources, project management, engineering and technology, systems analysis, information technology, homeland defense and security, leadership and management, business administration, and education and training management.
What's the Catch?
Upon completion of, or withdrawal from the program, participants must agree to remain on active duty for a period equal to three times the number of months of education completed, or three years, whichever is less. Participants who fail to complete the period of active duty specified must reimburse the Navy for the cost of the advanced education received, prorated for the obligated time served.
For complete details about the FY 2008 AEV program, see Navy Administrative Message 237/07.
