The Navy has several programs that will either pay or supplement payment for college tuition.
Tuition Assistance is available to every sailor. Currently, TA pays for 12 credit hours per fiscal year with a $3000 annual cap.
If your son took the GI Bill, which most every sailor does, he can apply for and use it after he has served 36 months consecutive duty. GI Bill will pay up to $985.00 per month to be used toward college tuition. I believe the GI Bill is up to about 36,000 in total benefits.
TA cannot be used in conjunction with the GI Bill anymore, since TA is 100%.
There is also the Navy College Fund, if taken as an enlistment bonus. It also pays a monthly stipend while in classes to supplement GI Bill.
I use my TA up every year, then use GI Bill funds to pay for any other classes I plan to take.
His Chain of Command and ESO should have all of this information for him.
Taylor (MMC)