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Federal Tuition Assistance

The U.S. government offers several educational assistance programs for members of the armed forces and the National Guard. These programs help veterans and active-duty military members pay for college, earn their GED, or complete certificate programs. It’s important to understand the different options and what each one offers.

Armed Forces Federal Tuition Assistance

The Armed Forces provide the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program for active-duty soldiers. This program helps pay for education through federally accredited schools. To qualify, an officer must spend at least two years in the reserves. The program covers tuition for degrees higher than the officer’s current education level. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree cannot use TA for an associate’s degree in a different field.

The TA program covers up to $250 per semester hour, which is usually enough to pay for tuition at most schools. To use this program, soldiers must apply and get approval from the U.S. government education department.

Here are the links to learn more about each branch’s TA program:

National Guard Reserves Assistance

The National Guard also offers education assistance. In addition to federal programs, most states have their own tuition assistance programs. The National Guard follows both federal and state rules, which can be stricter than those for the Armed Forces reserves. Generally, soldiers must commit to staying in the reserves for at least four years after finishing their courses.

Here are the links for more information about National Guard tuition assistance:

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Benefits are payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty, and include the following:

  • Tuition and Fees: Full cost covered for public in-state schools and up to a maximum rate for private or foreign schools.
  • Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA): Based on the cost of living where the school is located.
  • Books and Supplies Stipend: Up to $1,000 per year.
  • Relocation Assistance: One-time payment of $500 for eligible individuals.

For more details, visit the Post-9/11 GI Bill page on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Tuition Top-Up Program

For education costs not covered by the above programs, active-duty GI Bill participants who have served for at least two years can use the Tuition Top-Up Program. This program covers the difference between the tuition assistance amount and the total cost of the course.