Military Tuition Assistance Programs

The all-volunteer U.S. military is the best educated and most effective fighting force the world has ever seen. 99.9 percent of the enlisted force have at least a high school education; 73.3 percent have some semester hours toward a college degree; 16.2 percent have an associate`s degree or equivalent semester hours; 4.7 percent have a bachelor`s degree; 0.7 percent have a master`s degree and .01 percent have a professional or doctorate degree. ^[1] The superior education level of U.S. service members is what makes it the most efficient and lethal combat force in history.

The U.S. military encourages service members to continue their education by making educational opportunities readily available at military installations, on board ships, and through online education portals established by each branch. In fact, promotion to higher rank often requires service members to attain additional academic qualifications. Luckily, with distance education being what it is, soldiers are now able to earn college credit while even while deployed.

It`s a simple fact that the more educated you are the greater your earning power is. This is true in the military too. Having your education will help you get promoted, get commissioned or get that career goal you always wanted. What better way to do it than by letting your Military Tuition Assistance program help pay for it?

Service members are only a few mouse clicks away from financial support for continuing their education, thanks to Military Tuition Assistance (TA) programs that pay up to 100% of the tuition expenses of off-duty education programs taken by eligible active duty service members including members of the Active Guard Reserve, as well as Reserve Component Soldiers who are activated under U.S. Code Title 10 or Title 32.

Tuition Assistance is also available for members of the Selected Reserve who are not on active duty through the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Reservists can receive $263 per month, or a total of $9,468 for full-time study in Veteran’s Affairs approved courses if they have made at least a six-year commitment in the Selected Reserve, signed after June 30, 1985, and otherwise fulfill their service requirements. Reservists in critical career fields may be eligible for an additional $100, $200 or $350 per month or $12,600 utilizing the new MGIB-SR Kicker program. Information about eligibility, approved schools, benefit amounts, and application instructions can be found at the Department of Veteran`s Affairs GI Bill Website.

Courses Eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA) Benefits

Tuition Assistance is available to eligible officers, warrant officers, and enlisted service members for accredited courses including certificate programs that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning. The courses must be offered by colleges that are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. TA is not authorized for courses leading to a lateral or lower level degree than applicant already possesses, and TA is not authorized for programs beyond the master’s degree.

Tuition Assistance Benefit Limits

Currently, the Department of Defense`s Military Tuition Assistance program will pay 100 percent of the tuition and authorized fees charged by a college up to the following limits:

$250 per semester hour
$166.66 per quarter hour
$166.67 per Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
24 CEUs per year
$4,500 per year

Authorized fees covered by TA are mandatory fees that are associated with an individual course enrollment. Non-reimbursable fees and fees that are not linked to individual course enrollments (e.g., application fees, graduation fees) are not covered by TA. Tuition Assistance funding must be requested prior to the start of class, and is paid on a reimbursable basis, after the student has successfully completed the course(s) for which TA was requested and approved.

Tuition Assistance Top-up Benefit: can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course. To be eligible for the Top-up benefit, the person must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits. To be eligible for MGIB benefits, the person must be an MGIB - Active Duty participant and must have served at least 2 full years on Active Duty. If a person receives the Top-up benefit, his or her regular MGIB benefits will be reduced. More information about Top-up Benefits and application procedures can be found here.

Reimbursement of TA funds is required for all failing (F) grades, incomplete (I) grades in effect longer than six months, non-reimbursable fees paid for canceled courses and voluntary withdrawal (W) grades.

Eligibility and Application

Each service branch and component have established guidelines regarding eligibility, degree plan requirements, possible additional service obligation for use of TA benefits, and other factors. Service members need to check branch specific requirements and must apply for Tuition Assistance through their own Service as follows:

1. Air Force Tuition Assistance:
Apply for USAF Tuition Assistance online through The Air Force Virtual Education Center. Access the Virtual Education Center through the Air Force Portal at www.my.af.mil

2. Army Tuition Assistance:
TA for Active Duty Soldiers, Activated Reserve Component Soldiers and the Active Guard Reserve Soldiers must be requested through the GoArmyEd portal at www.goarmyed.com.

Army Reserve Soldiers in drilling status need to apply through the Web-Enabled Education Benefits System (WEBS), site at https://www.armyreserveeducation.com.

Army National Guard Soldiers in drilling status must request Tuition Assistance (TA) online through the NGB iMARC site at https://www.nationalguardbenefits.com.

3. Navy Tuition Assistance:
a) Receive educational counseling from your Navy College Office in person, by phone or email.

b) Complete a (TA Application form) listing course(s) and fee(s). Receive command approval signature to enroll in your approved course of study.

c) You should then receive a TA Authorization Voucher from your Navy College Office that you will provide to the school.

Marine Corps Tuition Assistance:
First-time students must complete a TA Orientation Class PRIOR to using TA. Marines at remote sites (non-Marine Corps installations) may access the course by clicking the link here. Marines must apply for and receive written authorization for TA PRIOR to enrollment through their appropriate base Lifelong Learning or Education Office.

U.S. Coast Guard:
The Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense, but it`s Tuition Assistance Programs follow the same fiscal guidelines as branches of ther military do. Coast Guard Tuition Assistance is centralized at the USCG Institute through a consolidated tuition assistance processing system managed by the U.S. Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) in Pensacola, Florida. Coast Guard members should visit the USCG Institute Education Portal for further information and application procedure.

Your base education office and the financial aid representative of the school of your choice will gladly assist you in putting together a financial assistance plan that offers you the most benefit and helps make getting your degree a reality.

^[1] U.S. Air Force Personnel Center Quarterly Demographics Report of Aug. 31, 2006. www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/demographics/.

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

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University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

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Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

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• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
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University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

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• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

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• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
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Vista
San Diego
Bakersfield
Chula Vista
Riverside
Stockton

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

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Anaheim
Los Angeles
Ontario

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
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San Marcos
San Diego
National City

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Campus Locations:

Addison

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
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San Leandro
Antioch
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Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

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• Vocational Nurse
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South Gate
San Bernardino
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Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
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Rancho Mirage
Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
Ventura

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
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Fairfield
Elk Grove
Orange
West Covina

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

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• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
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Canyon Country
Oxnard
Lancaster
Long Beach

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
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Campus Locations:

Redding
Citrus Heights
Stockton
Clovis
Modesto

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

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• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
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Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

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Anaheim
Colton

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

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Fort Lauderdale

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
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Los Angeles

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
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Chicago

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide
• Medical Office Assistant

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

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• Diploma - Medical Assistant
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Los Angeles
Anaheim
San Francisco
Reseda
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LA Puente
Torrance
Gardena
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Alhambra
Santa Ana
Hayward
Ontario

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
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• Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science

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Alhambra
Ontario
Riverside

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

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• Medical Assisting
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Fresno
Roseville
Stockton
Concord
San Francisco
Salinas
Rancho Cordova
Milpitas
Hayward
Salida

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Stockton
Gardena
Riverside
Fresno

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Administrative Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Bakersfield
Visalia
Indio
Clovis

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

WyoTech

Campus

The career-focused programs at WyoTech can give you the hands-on training you need to succeed. Program areas includemechanics, technician training, and technology.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical General

Campus Locations:

Long Beach

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City