Active-Duty Military Education Benefits

For those who qualify for the GI Bill, the Tuition Assistance Top-Up program can help pay for costs beyond TA maximums. While traditional Tuition Assistance doesn't impact GI Bill benefits, using the Top-Up slightly reduces one's overall GI Bill benefits.

GI Bill Options for Active Duty Members

Like Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill is another military-wide education benefit. The GI Bill is typically used after separation from the military, and has two main forms: the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Eligibility requirements for each are different, and choosing which one to use depends on the servicemember's education goals.

• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): One must sign up for this version of the GI Bill at the time of enlistment. To participate, $100 monthly payroll contributions are deducted from the servicemember's paychecks for one year. Three continuous years on active duty must be served in order to be eligible for up to 36 months of MGIB benefits. The MGIB pays a fixed monthly sum directly to the servicemember for tuition and fees.
• Post-9/11 GI Bill: The new GI Bill offers tuition and fees (paid directly to the school), a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. Eligibility varies depending on length of service, but military personnel who serve at least 90 days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001 may be eligible. No servicemember contribution is required for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

The Army College Fund is an additional incentive that can increase the value of the GI Bill by $40,000 in exchange for a six-year enlistment into a critical skill. While the Army College Fund is not technically part of the GI Bill, it is an enlistment incentive option that must be used in conjunction with one of the GI Bills.

Benefits to Pay Down Student Loans

The Student Loan Repayment Program is an enlistment incentive option for servicemembers who may already have student loans when entering the armed services. When an individual enlists for three years, he or she can opt to have up to $65,000 of existing eligible student loans repaid during the term of service.

Military Scholarships for Dependents

Serving on active duty not only makes the servicemember eligible for a range of military education benefits, it can also make his or her family eligible. There are many branch-specific benefits for dependents of soldiers, and schools may offer additional scholarships for military family members.

• Army: The State-Side Education Assistance Program (SSEAP) is an annual scholarship paying spouses and retired spouses/widows(ers) living in the U.S. to attend school full-time
• Navy: The Naval Special Warfare Foundation awards scholarships to dependents/spouses of active duty SEALS on a need-based criteria
• Marines: The Travers Scholarship Program provides up to $2,000 scholarships to need-based active duty Marines spouses or retired Marine spouses/children
• Air Force: The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program awards $2,000 scholarships to need-based dependent spouses/children of active duty, retired or deceased Air Force members

The Education Services Office can be a good resource for servicemembers who would like a listing of all the dependent tuition assistance programs available. Additionally, it's a good idea for servicemembers to not overlook the various service organizations as most have scholarship programs. Finally, many military friendly schools award their own scholarships or discounts. This information should be requested while servicemembers are doing school or program research, or at least during the application process.