Financial Aid for Trade School Students at The Ocean Corporation

More than 90% of our students qualify for some form of federal financial aid. Tuition for our Ultimate Diver Training program is $27,000 and our Nondestructive Testing Training program is $24,500, but most students pay less out of pocket after federal grants, GI Bil®l benefits, or other financial assistance. The Ocean Corporation’s financial aid team will help you figure out what you qualify for and put a plan together before your start date. We work with federal student aid, GI Bill benefits, private loans, scholarships, and payment plans.

Understanding FAFSA and Federal Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the application process for financial aid for trade schools. Filing the FAFSA form is free and takes about 30 minutes. It allows the U.S. Department of Education to calculate your Student Aid Index, determine your financial need, and connect you with federal financial aid programs.

What the FAFSA Unlocks for Eligible Students:

Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 in need-based aid that does not need to be repaid
Federal Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loan options with fixed interest rates

The Ocean Corporation is a Title IV eligible educational institution. That means our students have access to the same federal student aid available at a community college or four-year university. You do not need a bachelor’s degree or prior college experience to apply. High school graduates and GED holders are eligible.

Our FAFSA School Code: 02600200

How to Apply: Start your free application at studentaid.gov. Our financial aid office will walk you through the process and help you maximize the federal aid you qualify for.

How to Apply

Veteran Funding: GI Bill and More

If you’re a veteran or family member of a veteran, you’ve earned educational benefits that can fund your training at The Ocean Corporation. Our programs are approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for GI Bill® benefits, and we’ve been training veterans since 1969.

What the GI Bill Covers:

Tuition
Books
A housing stipend

Benefits are available under multiple GI Bill chapters, including Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill), Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance), and Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve). Our VA representative, Terry Kelley, will help you verify your eligibility requirements, submit paperwork, and coordinate your tuition assistance before your program begins. Additional military financial assistance and state grants may also be available depending on your service history and location.

See Full Benefits

Alternative Financing: Beyond Federal Aid

Federal financial aid and veteran benefits may not cover everything. These additional financial aid options can help you close the gap and reach your career goals.

Third-Party Loans:

Private loans from outside lenders can supplement federal loans to cover remaining tuition and living expenses. Our financial aid office can help you compare student loan options and find a fit for your budget.

Scholarships:

Scholarships are financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. We can help you identify scholarships available to trade school and vocational school students, including awards from local employers, industry organizations, and community foundations.

Payment Plans:

Spread your educational costs across manageable installments during your academic year. Talk to our financial aid office about a plan that works for your situation.

Explore Options

Talk to our Financial Aid Experts

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our financial aid team helps every prospective student navigate the application process and find the best financial support for their training.

For FAFSA and Federal Aid

Contact our Financial Aid Office.

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For Veteran Funding

Reach out to our VA Representative, Terry Kelley.

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For Loans, Scholarships, and Payment Plans

Edith can assist you with financing.

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Begin Your Financial Aid Journey

Ready to take the next step? Start your financial aid application today. Our financial aid office will guide you through the process and help make your career goals a reality.

Start Your Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of financial aid are available for trade school students?

The Ocean Corporation participates in federal student aid programs as a Title IV eligible educational institution. Financial aid for trade schools includes the Federal Pell Grant (a federal grant up to $7,395 based on financial need that does not need to be repaid), subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, GI Bill® educational benefits for veterans, private loans from outside lenders, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Start by completing the FAFSA form at studentaid.gov to determine your eligibility.

How do I apply for financial aid at The Ocean Corporation?

The application process starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submit your FAFSA application at studentaid.gov using The Ocean Corporation’s school code: 02600200.

The FAFSA determines your Student Aid Index and financial need, which is used to calculate your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, federal loans, and other federal aid. Our financial aid office can walk you through each step and help you explore additional financial aid options including veteran benefits, scholarships, and private loans.

Can veterans use the GI Bill® at The Ocean Corporation?

Yes. The Ocean Corporation is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for GI Bill® educational benefits. Eligible veterans and qualifying family members can apply their GI Bill® benefits toward tuition, books, and a housing stipend for our commercial diving and non-destructive testing programs.

Benefits are available under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill), Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®), Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance), and Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve). Our VA representative, Terry Kelley, can help you verify your eligibility requirements, submit the necessary paperwork, and coordinate your tuition assistance before your start date. Additional military financial support and state grants may also be available, depending on your service history.

How much does it cost?

Tuition for the Ultimate Diver Training program is $27,000, and the Nondestructive Testing Training program is $24,500. Most students pay less than the full tuition amount. More than 90% of our students qualify for some form of federal financial aid, and eligible students may receive up to $7,395 through the Federal Pell Grant alone. GI Bil®l benefits, private loans, scholarships, and payment plans can further reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Contact our financial aid office to get a personalized estimate.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree?

No. You do not need a bachelor’s degree or any prior college experience to qualify for financial aid. High school graduates and GED holders who are enrolled or accepted into an eligible program at The Ocean Corporation can apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA form. Federal Pell Grants, federal loans, and other financial aid programs are available to eligible students attending vocational schools, technical colleges, and trade schools.

What is the Federal Pell Grant, and do I qualify?

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant provided by U.S. Department of Education to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Unlike a student loan, the Pell Grant does not need to be repaid. Eligible students can receive up to $7,395. Eligibility is determined by the information you provide on your FAFSA application, including your income, household size, and Student Aid Index.

As a Title IV eligible educational institution, The Ocean Corporation’s programs qualify for Federal Pell Grant funding. Full-time and part-time students may be eligible. Contact our financial aid office to learn more.