Tuition Support is one of the many ways the Military can help servicemembers with the rising cost of further education. There are four main initiatives that make up Tuition Support Programs:
Tuition Assistance
The rising cost of tuition can be hard to manage, but the Military’s Tuition Assistance Program pays for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition or expenses, up to a maximum of $250 per credit and a personal maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year per student. This program is the same for full-time-duty members in all Military Services. Selected Reserve and National Guard units also offer Tuition Assistance Programs, although the benefits may vary from the Active Duty’s program.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective on Aug. 1, 2009, and has the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. Veterans who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, with at least 90 days of continuous service, are eligible. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also gives Reserve and Guard members who have been activated for more than 90 days since 9/11 access to the same benefits as their active-duty counterparts.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit amount an individual can receive is calculated from these numbers:
- Tuition and fees payment (not to exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees in each state)
- Living stipend (equivalent to basic housing allowance in that ZIP code for an E-5 with dependents)
- Allowance for books and supplies ($1,000 per year)
The actual benefit amount will vary based on an individual’s total length of service. For example, those who have served at least 36 months or 30 continuous days prior to discharge for a service-connected disability can get maximum tuition and fees, a monthly housing stipend and an annual stipend for books and supplies. Those who have served at least 90 days, but less than six months, receive 40 percent of the maximum benefit.
Another aspect of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the Yellow Ribbon Program. Colleges and universities that participate in this program contribute additional funds toward educational costs that exceed the maximums allowed by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Institutions may set the amount they wish to contribute, which is matched by Veterans Affairs. This can be very beneficial for students at private colleges and universities, graduate programs or those attending with out-of-state status. A list of participating institutions can be found here.
New to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the ability to share educational benefits with family members. In exchange for an additional service commitment, a servicemember may be able to transfer all or part of his or her earned benefits to spouses and children (including stepchildren). This is a first for the GI Bill and opens up new opportunities for servicemembers and their families.
For examples and maximum allowances state-by-state, visit the Veterans Affairs GI Bill site or speak with a recruiter.
College Fund Programs
(also known as the GI Bill “kicker”)
Here’s another little-known secret with a large payoff. Enlistees in the Armed Forces who become eligible for their College Fund Programs receive additional money toward college tuition, when combined with the GI Bill, upon honorable discharge. Enlistees who are awarded the College Fund by the Marine Corps or Coast Guard receive additional dollars that can make up a significant part – or all – of the funds needed to complete a college education.
Loan Repayment Programs
Army: For many college students, debt becomes a very big concern following graduation. But in the full-time-duty Army, Soldiers can qualify to have their loan repaid by the Military at the rate of one-third of the loan for each year of full-time duty served (maximum loan repayment is $65,000). The Army even helps Soldiers pay off student loans they’ve taken out, provided they attended schools on approved Perkins, Stafford or other Department of Education guaranteed student loans.
Learn more about Army Loan Repayment Programs
Navy: In the full-time-duty Navy, a $65,000 Loan Repayment Program is also available. Qualifications include no prior military service, a high school diploma and a loan guaranteed under the Higher Education Act of 1965. A candidate must qualify for the Navy Nuclear Field or other designated critical rating as defined by the U.S. Navy, and other restrictions apply. If an individual does qualify, either of these programs is a great way to get out of debt!
Learn more about Navy Loan Repayment Programs
Air Force: The College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) is a program created for all non-prior-servicemembers considering enlistment in the Air Force. For young people who have taken some college courses and have accumulated debt, this could very well be the perfect opportunity. Participants must sign up for this program when signing the enlistment contract. Under CLRP, the repayment maximum is $10,000 per recruit.
Share your comments.
closeSubmission Guidelines