Tuition Assistance Program
The Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Program is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has authorized each service to pay up to 100%of the tuition expenses of its members.
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Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. TA money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.
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Additionally, active-duty members may elect to use the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) "top-up" in addition to their service-provided TA to cover high-cost courses.
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TA is not a loan; is money you have earned, just like your base pay.
Soldiers can request TA and enroll in courses online. This will assist in expediting the enrollment process and minimize wait times.
Payment
The maximum amount paid for tuition assistance: 100% Tuition and Fees
Not to exceed:
- $250 @ Semester Credit Hour, or
- $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour, and
- $4500 @ Fiscal Year
Ninety percent of servicemembers enter the armed forces for the educational benefits. However, only 50 percent actually use their educational benefits.
The Army offers active duty soldiers several programs to support their education goals including 100% Tuition Assistance for college courses taken during off-duty hours.
The program is open to all servicemembers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, and National Guard and Reserve on active duty.
| Service | Amount Covered | Covered Fees | Who is Eligible |
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| Air Force | 100% Tuition and Fees, not to exceed:
75% Tuition and Fees Not to Exceed:
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| Army | 100% Tuition and Fees, not to exceed:
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| Navy | 100% Tuition and Fees, not to exceed:
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| Marines | 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed:
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| Coast Guard | 100% Tuition and Fees, Not to exceed:
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Overview
The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs.
Tuition Assistance Provisions
The Department of Defense (DoD) has directed a uniform TA fiscal policy across the military services. Currently (Dec 05), the established semester hour cap is $250 and each Soldier has an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Army will pay 100 percent of the tuition and authorized fees charged by a college up to the established semester hour cap and annual ceiling.
Authorized fees covered by TA are mandatory fees that are associated with an individual course enrollment. Non-reimbursable fees and fees that are not linked to individual course enrollments (e.g., application fees, graduation fees) are not covered by TA.
Tuition Assistance Coverage
TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning. The courses must be offered by colleges that are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A list of approved accrediting agencies may be found at www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html#NationallyRecognized.
In addition to degree programs, TA is available to servicemembers to complete a high school diploma and to complete certificate programs. However, TA will not be approved to complete credentials at the same or a lower educational level than that which the servicemember already holds. TA is not authorized for programs beyond the master’s degree.
Tuition Assistance Eligibility
Most servicemembers qualify for TA.
By law, officers incur an Active Duty service obligation (ADSO) of two years when they use TA. The ADSO is calculated from the date of completion of the last course for which TA was used.
All servicemembers must obtain TA through their own Service. This policy has been mutually agreed upon by all Services.
Military-Friendly Online Education
Although the GI Bill provides money for education after you leave the service, you still can pursue your education while serving in the armed forces.
Credit for your Military Experience
Your military service likely has earned you college credit. Many schools and colleges award military students credit toward a degree based on training, coursework, and occupational specialty.
Military-Friendly Online Education
Here are some compelling reasons why military personnel should seriously consider continuing their education:
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Those people with high school diplomas have a median annual income of $27,915; those with bachelor’s degrees earn $51,206. A college graduate earns 45 percent more than a high school graduate.
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Your military experience may have earned you college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) has established guidelines for evaluating military credit. It is important that you find out if the college you want to attend will award military credit. (See below.)
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Continuing education is more flexible than ever. Thirty years ago going to college part time was the exception today it is the rule. More than 60 percent of today’s college students are part-time students, and 10 percent of all college students take online courses. Online education is becoming the wave of the future. A survey conducted by Opinion Research Corp. revealed that 54 percent of working adults believe that college courses offered via the Internet are the future of higher education.
