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A Guide to Military Education Assistance Programs

Monday, December 7, 2009

Military service members have many options when it comes to getting the education they need to prepare for their post-military career or military promotion. Military education assistance programs can be used to support their educational endeavors by covering part, if not all, of their tuition costs.


Military education assistance programs are designed to serve the needs of men and women in the military who are pursuing higher education. They are designed to provide service members and their families with financial options for their education. These military-friendly assistance programs may cover 100% of their tuition costs as well as fees associated with getting an education.

Here are a few examples of available military education assistance programs:


Military Tuition Assistance – Congress has authorized the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force to pay up to 100 percent of tuition expenses for eligible members. Each service has different criteria for eligibility and the application process. The money awarded is normally paid directly to the school of choice.

There is also a MTA Top Up program that can help pay for more expensive education courses.

Montgomery GI Bill – The Montgomery GI Bill helps active service members get as much as $72,900 for education and/or up to 36 months of veteran education benefits. They can use these funds toward degree and certificate programs, as well as other kinds of training. Additionally, the Montgomery GI Bill offers benefits to Select Reserve Members.

Post 9/11 GI Bill – The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. They must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

There is a special provision in the Post-9/11 GI Bill that offers education benefits for the spouses and children of service members and veterans. Under the new law, the Department of Defense is authorized to allow individuals who have served at least six years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another four years to transfer unused GI Bill entitlement to their spouse. In addition, when a service member reaches their 10-year anniversary, they can choose to transfer the benefit to any dependents, including spouse or children.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program – Even family members of veterans may be eligible for military education assistance programs. Qualified candidates can receive up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

There are many options when it comes to military education assistance programs. Service members or their family members should conduct research if they want to determine which program best suits their needs. There are old and new programs available to help them pursue their education and career goals, with little or no out-of-pockets costs to them.


For the latest information concerning military education benefits and procedures, please visit your education counseling office.

This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

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Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 4:09 PM • 0 comments

Tips on Using Active-Duty GI Bill Benefits

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Montgomery GI Bill provides eligible members of the Military an opportunity to receive financial assistance to help pay expenses associated with education and training. Here's a brief rundown of the program:



GI Bill benefits are used to pay for a variety of programs, including college, business, technical and vocational courses, distance learning, flight training, certification tests, and apprenticeship/job training. The Bill is estimated to be worth over $47,556. This amount is based on the 2008-2009 monthly full-time student payment rate of $1,321, multiplied by the 36-month limit.

Each October, the payment rate automatically goes up. The increase affects all participants, regardless of when the service member became eligible or began using the assistance.

Who is eligible?
    To qualify, you must:

  • Contribute $100 per month for the first 12 months of active duty, or qualify under VEAP conversion.

  • Complete high school or receive your equivalency certificate before applying for benefits

  • Have served a minimum of two years on active duty



How much will you receive?

There are two factors taken into consideration to establish your monthly payment rate: your student status (i.e. full-time, part-time) and duty status. Generally, if you are taking 12 or more credits per semester, you are considered a full-time student.

If you are on active duty, the GI Bill will only reimburse you for the actual tuition and expenses. Once you are off active duty, the Bill will pay the full rate ($1,321), no matter how much the tuition costs.

When Can I Use the GI Bill?

While you are allowed to start using your benefit after two years of service, it may not be the best idea to use it while still on active duty, as the VA administers the Bill differently for active duty and veterans.

For example, a veteran is charged one month of benefits for each $1,321 in benefits used. So, if a veteran receives $5,285 and you divide that amount by the current payment rate of $1,321, you will see that he or she will be charged for four of the 36 months of education benefits. However, someone on active duty who attends school for four months will be charged four months of benefits even if the tuition costs as little as $1,000.

In light of this, it would seem to make sense to use your GI Bill while on active duty only if your tuition costs are high or you use your "GI Bill Top-up" benefit.

What is the Top-Up Program?

The "Top-Up" program assists active-duty members of the National Guard in paying for the part of their tuition and fees not covered by tuition assistance. As an example, if you tuition costs $6,000 per semester, you will receive $4,400 from FTA. The GI Top-Up benefit may be used to cover the remaining balance of $1,600.

Time Limit

After leaving the service, you have up to ten years to use benefits. The remainder will be lost and you will also lose your initial contribution.

Finally, it is recommended that service members consult with their Education Service Officers prior to enrolling in courses or using benefits. They are trained to provide valuable knowledge and guidance that will prevent you from wasting time or resources.

For complete details concerning Tuition Assistance benefits and procedures, please visit your base education office and speak with a counselor.

*This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

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Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 9:46 AM • 0 comments

Marine Tuition Assistance's Eligibility Requirements

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Marines offer several programs designed to support the educational goals of its members.

The Marine Corps provides up to 100 percent of the cost to service members who elect to pursue off-duty or voluntary education. This would include all active-duty and Reserve enlisted Marines on continuous active duty attending accredited colleges and universities.


Officers who are on active-duty are eligible to receive Marine Corps Tuition Assistance if they commit to staying on active duty for two continuous years after completing the course funded by the program.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and elect to enroll in courses toward a degree may not exceed $4,500 in tuition-assistance funds per fiscal year. Funding is limited to $250 per semester hour or the equivalent in undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical classes, independent study and distance-learning programs.

Marine Corps College Fund - Marines who demonstrate a potential for academic excellence and are listed on eligible Marines' contracts during their initial enlistment into the service may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through this fund.

Montgomery G.I. Bill – At the time of their initial enlistment, service members can sign up for the Montgomery G.I. Bill. During the first year, a monthly deduction of $100 is taken out of the participant's paycheck. After that, a marine can use the Bill at any time for up to 10 years following the time of honorable discharge. Those on active duty can use is in conjunction with tuition assistance.

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Posted by Allied Blogger Admin @ 9:46 AM • 0 comments