USMC SCHOOL AND COURSE CHOICES AND SUCCESS WITH TUITION ASSISTANCE: AN ANALYSIS OF PARTICIPATION AND OUTCOMES 2014–2021

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between tuition assistance usage, academic success, and Marine Corps retention from 2014 to 2021. Using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazard models, the analysis assesses the effects of tuition assistance on Marines of ranks E1 to E5. Public institutions accounted for 50% of courses taken by Junior Marines, while for-profit and non-profit schools made up 20–25% each. Non-Commissioned Officers saw a decline in for-profit enrollment from 46% to 32%, while public school enrollment increased from 37% to 42%. Private non-profit schools had the highest success rates at 87% for Junior Marines and 92% for Non-Commissioned Officers. Trades and applied professions and military courses had the highest success rates, while STEM and social sciences and humanities had the highest failure rates. Retention rates between three cohorts of Marines showed that those who used tuition assistance were significantly more likely to remain in service. Marines who did not use tuition assistance had a 69% separation rate between years four and six, compared to 44% for successful tuition assistance users and 25% for those who failed at least one course.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Marine Corp