The National Guard Tuition Assistance Program

National Guard Tuition Assistance

National Guard Tuition Assistance programs vary depending on the service branch. In addition to National Guard TA, members have access to other military education benefits, such as the:

• Montgomery GI Bill
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Student Loan Repayment Program

The specifics of the programs vary by branch, but Army National Guard soldiers are eligible for National Guard Tuition Assistance upon enlistment. Unlike other benefits programs, members of the National Guard don't have to complete basic training and advanced individual training to qualify for National Guard TA. Guard members can apply for tuition assistance up to 30 days after a class begins.

The National Guard provides funding for ONE of the following credentials (the Guard does not fund dual degrees):

• High school diploma
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's or professional degree

In addition, National Guard Tuition Assistance provides funding for many non-degree certificate programs such as aviation maintenance, culinary arts, massage therapy, or a real estate license.

National Guard Tuition Assistance Rates

Army National Guard Tuition Assistance covers:

• 100 percent of tuition costs, up to $250 per credit hour
• 100 percent of tuition costs, at $167 per quarter hour
• Maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year for tuition and fees

The $4,500 per year is based on the terms of commitment to the National Guard.

The Air National Guard Tuition Assistance program, on the other hand, covers tuition under different terms:

• Tuition reimbursement of $500 per semester or quarter
• Annual cap of $1,000

Unlike some military education benefits, National Guard Tuition Assistance can be used for traditional classroom instruction or at an online college. National Guard TA benefits also may be combined with Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to fund additional tuition costs.

How to Apply for National Guard TA

Army National Guard members must be in active drilling status and have enough time left on their service obligation to qualify for tuition assistance. Commissioned officers must commit to a four-year Reserve Duty Service Obligation. Additionally, Guard members must have less than nine Absent Without Leave periods within 12 months before submitting a tuition assistance application.

To apply, Guard members can register online at the National Guard's Education, Incentives and Employment site.

While attending classes, Guard members are required to submit a degree plan outlining their educational goals before completing nine semester hours of coursework. Guard members who are enrolled in non-degree programs must also document their plans for completing their certificate or licensure programs. These plans must be updated if Guard members change their degree path or licensure goals as well as add, drop, or withdraw from a class.