Federal Tuition Assistance Types and Benefiits

Types of Federal Tuition Assistance If you are in theaddition to their original obligation. - Completion of initial
National Guard, you may be entitled to educationactive duty for training (IADT) - Meet all requirements
benefits through programs that are designed to helpnecessary to receive a high school diploma or
support you in working toward your degree. Nationalequivalency certificate before competing IADT - Be in
Guard soldiers who are registered as part-timegood standing while serving in an active Selected
students in a bachelor’s or master’s degreeReserve unit. Your GI Bill can be used to take care of
program can receive up to 100 percent of tuition andcosts associated with a wide range of programs such
fees for college coursework through Federal Financialas college, business, technical or vocational courses,
Assistance (FTA).distance learning and correspondence courses,
Those soldiers and officers who qualify may receivecertification tests, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and
up to $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500flight training.
annually. Also, FTA benefits can be combined withTuition and fees for high school or equivalency level
benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill. Since FTA fundsmay be funded at 100 percent but are still limited to the
are limited and therefore not guaranteed, it’s aannual allowance of $4,500. Officers must agree to
good idea to apply early as funds are granted on aserve four additional years following course completion
first-come, first-served basis.while those enlisted just have to stay in the Army
The Army National Guard’s Federal TuitionNational Guard for the duration of the term of the
Assistance (FTA) program offers aid to part-timecourse(s).
soldiers for the purpose of attaining the professionalIn addition to Federal Tuition Assistance, most states
and personal development objectives. The maximumoffer some form of TA, ranging from $500 per
amount of funds paid is as follows: - 100% tuition (up tosemester in Alabama to full coverage of tuition and
$250 per semester credit hour/$167 per quarter hour )fees in West Virginia. Just as with FTA, state-backed
- fees up to $500 - $4,500 cap per fiscal year Thefunding is limited and not guaranteed, so be sure to
Montgomery GI Bill SR (Chapter 1606) is available toapply well in advance. For complete details concerning
the Army National Guard as well as the Air Guard.Tuition Assistance benefits and procedures, please
To qualify for benefits to help with the costs ofvisit your base education office and speak with a
education and training, service members must meetcounselor. This article is based on publicly-accessible
the following criteria: - Agree to six years of service ininformation and has not been reviewed or approved
the Selected Reserve or Guard, signed after June 30,by any military branch.
1985. Officers must have agreed to serve six years in