The program
TA is an excellent way for service members to further their education with
very little, if any, out-of-pocket expense. Each service branch has its own
application procedures and restrictions for TA. Courses and degree programs
may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions
on base, off base, or by distance learning. Tuition monies are usually paid
directly to your qualifying institution by your particular branch of service.
The following information will help you understand the basics of the program
and how it can benefit you.
Eligibility
All four service branches offer financial assistance for voluntary off-duty
educational programs in support of service members' personal and professional
goals. The program is open to officers, warrant officers, and enlisted active-duty
service personnel. In addition, Reserve Component service members in active-duty
status -- including the Army National Guard -- are eligible for TA. (Some
service members in Reserve status may also be eligible for TA. Check with
your branch Reserve component to see if this applies to you).
In order to be eligible for TA, an enlisted service member must have enough time remaining in service to complete the course for which he or she applied. After the completion of a course, an officer using TA must fulfill a two-year active-duty service obligation that runs parallel with -- not in addition to -- any existing obligation.
Coverage amounts and
monetary limits
TA will fund up to 100 percent of your college tuition and certain fees with
the following limits:
* Not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour.
* Not to exceed $166 per quarter credit hour.
* Not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). An exception to this rule is that the Navy places a cap of 12 semester hours onto its fiscal year (so the total will not exceed $3,000 per fiscal year).
How TA differs from
the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
While the TA program is offered by the Armed Forces, the MGIB is a Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) program. The MGIB program also requires a $100-per-month
reduction of pay during a service member's first 12 months of active duty
in order for the service member to be eligible to receive benefits. In addition,
you must have served on active duty for two years before you can use your
MGIB funds. However, the MGIB can work well with the TA program, as it can
supplement fees not covered by TA. And MGIB funds are available to you for
10 years after you leave the military. TA, on the other hand, is a benefit
available only while you're in the service.
Authorized degree programs
The following programs may be authorized for TA:
* vocational/technical programs
* undergraduate programs
* graduate programs
* independent study
* distance-learning programs
TA benefits
Here are some of the items that TA will cover:
* tuition
* laboratory fees -- for example, science, aviation, computer, network user, studio, and shop fees
* mandatory course enrollment fees (all fees must be refundable)
* special fees -- such as some supply fees, physical education fees, and distance learning fees and their accompanying internet fees (all fees must be refundable)
* computer usage fees (for computer courses)
TA restrictions
Here are some of the items that TA will not cover:
* books
* flight training
* taking the same course twice
* continuing education units (CEUs)
Application process
Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures. In addition,
be sure to keep the following important information in mind when you apply:
* TA may only be used to pursue degree programs at regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. A quick way to check the accreditation of a school you are interested in is by visiting this U.S. Department of Education site: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.asp
* TA must be approved by your service's education center before you enroll in a course.
The following branch-specific application information can help you get started:
Army
* Visit your nearest Army Education Center and meet with a counselor to declare an educational goal and create a plan to reach it.
* Listen carefully to the counselor, as she will explain TA procedures to you, including the requirements for TA reimbursements, and, if applicable, your obligations in the program as an officer or commissioned warrant officer.
* The counselor will provide you with a DA Form 2171-E -- Request for Tuition Assistance -- for a specific course or courses.
* Sign a "Statement of Understanding for Army Tuition," which verifies that you understand your TA benefits and obligations.
* Obtain your unit commander's or authorized representative's signature on the DA Form 2171, which you must return to the Education Center before course enrollment for an education officer's signature.
* Take the DA Form 2171 to the appropriate college representative to enroll in your desired courses.
* Effective April 1, 2006, active-duty service members must request TA online at http://www.GoArmyEd.com
