Military Education

The military a lot of help to support your further education goals. Some of the assistance offered is for tuition, there is the GI Bill, and many other resources for education. The education benefits can be hard to figure out that has been a leading force in offering further information on the assistance that is available.

Once you have selected a school, the next step is to determine the best way to pay for it.

 You may be eligible:

• Find Scholarships
  
• Tuition Assistance
• GI Bill
• Tuition Assistance, Fee Reductions, or Waivers
• Federal Loans and Grants – Federal Student Aid

 Using your benefits:

• Veterans Education Benefits User's Guide
  
• Active Duty Education Benefits User's Guide
• National Guard Education Benefits User's Guide
  
• Reserve Education Benefits User's Guide
• Spouse and Family Benefits Programs

Tuition Assistance

Federal Assistance for Tuition military benefit pays costs of some tuition or fees. 

Guardsman may also apply for State Tuition Assistance.

It is up to the service branch to determine its own criteria for eligibility.

Federal Assistance pays up to 100% Tuition and Fees

Listed by limitations:

• $4500 @ Fiscal Year
  
• $250 @ Semester Credit Hour
• $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour

~Prior Service Active Duty served at least 2 years active duty before joining the guard or reserve.

~Reserve and Guard service members served more than 2 years active duty and willing to pay the $1,200.

Possible be eligible $1321 per month for full-time education as of Aug. 1, 2008.

 ~ Ten years from date of last discharge or release from active duty Benefits end.

Federal Student Aid

The Federal Government offers students low interest loans and grants to help finance the cost of going to school.

Virtually all citizens are eligible. However the program is needs based, so certain income limits can apply.

The loans and grants are capped each fiscal year and depend on your personal economic circumstances..

Scholarships

Scholarships can come in the form of direct cash, tuition payments, vouchers and waivers.

Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility criteria.

Scholarships can range from as little as $50 dollar book vouchers to “full rides” paying for tuition room and board. Use this handy scholarship locator to help you narrow your results.

Tuition assistance program guidelines, application procedures and the policies for determining eligibility vary between the services. Select the following link to get detailed information on Reserve Tuition Assistance.

In addition to tuition assistance you may be eligible for service specific education programs, scholarships, college funds, and other programs that can help you reach your education goals. To learn more about your specific education benefits check out the following related links:

• New Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve
• Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
• Army Voluntary Education Programs
• Navy Voluntary Education Programs
• Air Force Voluntary Education Programs
• Marine Corps Voluntary Education Programs
• Coast Guard Voluntary Education Programs

Credit by Examination Program

The DANTES "Credit-By-Exam" is a program that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Read this page to find out how Credit-By-Exam tests can help you save money and time and help you achieve your education goals.

TIP

Before taking any of these tests, check with the college or university you plan to attend, or with your education counselor, to ensure the credits meet your degree requirements.

College credit examinations are widely accepted by colleges and universities. By passing these examinations, you may earn one-third or more of the credits required for a college degree. These examinations are available in more than 150 subject areas and are similar to end-of-course tests offered by colleges and universities. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credit for the following credit-by-examination programs.

Montgomery G.I. Bill Selected Reserve

MGIB provides 4 school years educational benefits to eligible veterans for:

• College, Business
• Technical or Vocational Courses
• Correspondence Courses
• Apprenticeship/Job Training
• Flight Training

Reserve and Guard members who have agreed to a 6 yr. contract.

Up to $329 per month for full-time education as of Oct. 1, 2008.

REAP~Reserve Educational Assistance Program

 ~ reserve and guard members served over 90 days in support of OEF/OIF~ new education benefit

~Reservist served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S. Code for a contingency operation, serves at least 90 days or more is eligible for chapter 1607.

40, 60 or 80 percent of the GI Bill for Active Duty~Chapter 30 benefit. 

The percentage is determined by the amount of time a service member is active.

Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty & Veteran

MGIB up to 4 regular school years education benefits:

• College, Business
• Technical or Vocational Courses
• Correspondence Courses
• Apprenticeship/Job Training
• Flight Training