Federal Tuition Assistance Types and Benefiits

Types of Federal Tuition Assistance If you are in the National Guard, you may be entitled to education benefits through programs that are designed to help support you in working toward your degree. National Guard soldiers who are registered as part-time students in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program can receive up to 100 percent of tuition and fees for college coursework through Federal Financial Assistance (FTA).

Those soldiers and officers who qualify may receive up to $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 annually. Also, FTA benefits can be combined with benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill. Since FTA funds are limited and therefore not guaranteed, it’s a good idea to apply early as funds are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Army National Guard’s Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program offers aid to part-time soldiers for the purpose of attaining the professional and personal development objectives. The maximum amount of funds paid is as follows: - 100% tuition (up to $250 per semester credit hour/$167 per quarter hour ) - fees up to $500 - $4,500 cap per fiscal year The Montgomery GI Bill SR (Chapter 1606) is available to the Army National Guard as well as the Air Guard.

To qualify for benefits to help with the costs of education and training, service members must meet the following criteria: - Agree to six years of service in the Selected Reserve or Guard, signed after June 30, 1985. Officers must have agreed to serve six years in addition to their original obligation. - Completion of initial active duty for training (IADT) - Meet all requirements necessary to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before competing IADT - Be in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. Your GI Bill can be used to take care of costs associated with a wide range of programs such as college, business, technical or vocational courses, distance learning and correspondence courses, certification tests, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and flight training.

Tuition and fees for high school or equivalency level may be funded at 100 percent but are still limited to the annual allowance of $4,500. Officers must agree to serve four additional years following course completion while those enlisted just have to stay in the Army National Guard for the duration of the term of the course(s).

In addition to Federal Tuition Assistance, most states offer some form of TA, ranging from $500 per semester in Alabama to full coverage of tuition and fees in West Virginia. Just as with FTA, state-backed funding is limited and not guaranteed, so be sure to apply well in advance. For complete details concerning Tuition Assistance benefits and procedures, please visit your base education office and speak with a counselor. This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.