Is It True the Air Force Will Not Pay for Two of the Same Types of Degrees?

Hello. I’m 8 credits away from earning my first Associates Degree, and I’ve used the regular 100% Tuition Assistance Program to cover the expenses, and I’m also ready to start my second Associates Degree (which will be in a different field of study.) I was told that the Air Force WILL NOT pay for TWO of the same Degree type. (In my case being 2 Associate Degrees). Is this even true??? So, since I was told this, I was wondering if my GI Bill will cover the expenses of me earning a second Associates Degree??? I joined the Air Force in 2008. I’m on Active Duty, and I’ve never used my GI Bill before. If what I’ve been told isn’t true, will my GI Bill help pay for my second Associate Degree?? I really hope that they will pay for it. Thank you for your time in reading my question Have a great evening. – Jenny

Hi Jenny. What you heard is true – the Air Force will not pay for you to get two degrees that are at the same level. The part of your question I don’t understand is why you want two associate’s degrees?

Generally speaking, most people get an associate’s degree and then their next step in their education process is to use that two-year degree as a stepping stone to a four-year degree. If you would go on to get your four-year degree, the Air Force would pay for that, so by not getting your Bachelor’s degree, you are leaving money on the table – Tuition Assistance (TA) money that you could use for your next degree.

Then once you get out, use your Post 9/11 GI Bill to get the second associate’s degree that you want. Because they were procured with two different funding sources, TA and the GI Bill, there isn’t an issue of getting two degrees of the same level.

If you do decide to get your BA, but run into the situation of your per credit cost higher than what TA pays, you can use the Top-Up program. The amount over $250 per credit comes out of your GI Bill, but at a much slower rate because TA is picking up most of the expense. Even if you use Tuition Top-Up, you would still have enough left in your GI Bill to get your second two-year degree. TA is a benefit you earn from your service, so why not maximize its use.