Understanding Tuition Assistance

If you are currently on active duty in the military, you may be eligible for one of the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance programs. Although it is possible to use GI Bill benefits for which you are eligible while you are on active duty, it is generally a good idea to wait until after your military service to draw from them. This is because Tuition Assitance will pay for some or all of the tuition costs of college courses that you take while on active duty. Tuition Assistance benefits are separate from your GI Bill benefits and do not count against them.

What Does Tuition Assistance Do?

Through the Tuition Assistance program, your parent service pays the tuition cost of your courses directly to the school that you are attending. The amount paid to the school is equal to 100 percent of the tuition, up to an annual maximum set each year. This means that if your tuition is above that amount, which is not uncommon, then you have to pay some amount of the tuition out of your own pocket. However, if you are eligible for either the Montgomery GI Bill or the new Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, you may be able to draw from your GI Bill in order to make up the difference so that you can pay the full cost. See your education center for more information.

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How Do You Get Tuition Assistance?

The procedure to apply for Tuition Assistance varies according to your service and even your unit. However, your education office should have the latest information and forms you need to take advantage of this program. The forms have to be signed by your commander and supervisor, who determine whether college courses will interfere with your duties. In most cases, tuition assistance is granted.