Does Military Pay for College?
Enlisted service members, officer candidates, and their family members have access to several educational benefits that can help fund their college expenses. These benefits can take several forms, including military service grants, scholarships, tuition assistance, and financial aid packages. In this article, we will delve into the various ways military members and their families can benefit from college funding opportunities.
Does the Military Pay for College?
To answer the question, we must look at the various options available to service members. While the military doesn’t pay for college entirely, there are various ways to cover the cost:
• Tuition Assistance (TA): TA is a program provided by each branch of the military that pays for some of the college tuition fees for enlisted personnel and commissioned officers.
• Federal Scholarships: Service members may be eligible for federal scholarships, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, Military Assistance Compact (MAC) Award, and the Frank C. Ellis Scholarship.
• Service-specific education assistance programs: Each branch has its own education assistance programs, such as the Marine Corps College Fund and the Air Force’s Heritage Academy.
Tuition Assistance (TA)
How does it work?
- Eligibility: Enlisted personnel, commissioned officers, and selected civilian employees with more than three years of federal service can apply.
- Funding limits: TA funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each branch has a predetermined annual allocation, which varies between $2.7 million to $16 million per year.
- Covered expenses: TA pays for tuition fees for approved undergraduate and graduate degree programs at accredited colleges and universities.
Eligibility and Funding Levels (Table)
| Branch | Eligibility Criteria | Annual Funding Limit | Program Amount per Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Active duty soldiers and select Reserve and Guard soldiers | $2.7 million | $250 – $266 per credit hour |
| Navy | Active duty sailors and select Reserve and Guard sailors | $16 million | $266 per credit hour |
| Air Force | Active duty airmen and select Reserve and Guard airmen | $7 million | $250 per credit hour |
| Marines | Active duty Marines and select Reserve and Guard Marines | $5 million | $250 per credit hour |
Federal Scholarships
Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP):
- Eligibility: The program is designed for public institutions of higher learning to enter into a share the cost agreement with the military to fund 50% of tuition not already covered by the Montgomery GI Bill or other government scholarships.
- Benefit amount: The student or their dependents will have the opportunity to study free or low-cost with YRP benefits.
Other Federal Scholarships:
• Military Assistance Compact (MAC) Award: Awarded to residents of certain states and Puerto Rico for education expenses not fully covered by other financial aid sources.
• Frank C. Ellis Scholarship: For eligible veterans to receive $3,500 – $6,500 annual scholarship to pursue advanced studies in various fields.
Service-specific Education Assistance Programs
• Marine Corps College Fund (MCCTF):
- Eligibility: Commissioned officers, active-duty enlisted personnel, and Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members who are serving or have served a minimum of two years of active duty or drilling with the Marine Corps Reserve.
- Program benefits: 100% payment of college tuition for commissioned officers, and $300 to $1,100 per semester for enlisted personnel.
• Air Force Heritage Academy (FAFA):
- Eligibility: Active duty personnel, including officers, senior airmen, and those serving in remote tours or high-demand MOS, with at least four years of active duty time, as well as AFR personnel and their spouse’s descendants.
- Program benefits: 75% of college tuition or room and board, capped at $5,500 – $9,400 annual stipend.
Tips and Recommendations
- Explore all available options: Consider both branch-specific education assistance programs, as well as federal and military-funded scholarships.
- Plan ahead: Calculate and prioritize your funding options based on your tuition requirements, service commitment, and time to graduation.
- Maintain satisfactory performance: Ensure high grades to retain eligibility and potential to receive additional educational support.
In conclusion, military service members and their family members have access to several education benefits that can assist with funding their college education. Understanding the specific tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and other financial aid sources can help service members strategically plan and manage their college expenses.
