Speaking as a recruiter, I'd say stick with the sign on bonus. The MGIB has been increasing every three months ever since it was created nearly two decades ago. 10 years ago it was only $15k and now it's nearly $38k. As long as you're in the Navy it will continue to increase to meet the increasing costs of tuition, however the Navy's College Program has not changed it's cap at all in a decade. It was $50k in 1997 when I joined. There are several "kicker" programs for the MGIB now that can also bring it up to be worth nearly $50k while you're in without even having to take the NCP at all. Instead of merely paying the $100/month for your first 12 months, you can now opt to go for an additional 6 months, and raise your MGIB value somewhere in the mid 40k range. I can't remember the exact amount off of the top of my head though. I"ll check on it later and post the amount.