Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Air Force and Space Force Education Programs

The Air Force and Space Force offer a multitude of programs designed to support the educational aspirations of their members, from enlisted personnel to officers. These programs provide financial assistance, educational opportunities, and career development resources, empowering Airmen and Guardians to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Foundational Education: The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is a cornerstone of Air Force and Space Force education. As the world's largest community college system, it serves approximately 300,000 active, guard, and reserve enlisted personnel. When individuals join the Space Force through the enlisted route, they are automatically enrolled in CCAF.

Earning an Associate Degree

Beginning in basic training, Airmen and Guardians earn credits toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. This is achieved through a combination of on-duty training and voluntary off-duty courses. The CCAF offers AAS degrees in various career fields, including:

Intelligence Studies and Technology
Cybersecurity
Air and Space Operations Technology

The college credit earned through CCAF can then be applied toward further higher education goals, such as pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

CCAF History and Accreditation

The CCAF's origins trace back to the early 1970s when the Air Force sought accreditation for its training programs. After numerous conferences, the establishment of an Air Force community college was recommended. In 1971, the Air Force Chief of Staff approved the creation of the CCAF.

Initially, the CCAF offered only certificate programs. However, it became evident that CCAF standards exceeded the minimum requirements of associate degree programs in civilian community colleges. In 1975, the Air Force sought degree-granting authority for the college from Congress, which was granted in 1977.

The CCAF received accreditation from the SACS Commission on Colleges in 1980. In 2004, Air University, with which CCAF is associated, became accredited by the SACS Commission on Colleges to award associate and master's degrees, further solidifying CCAF's academic standing.

CCAF and Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) Program

The Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) program directs Department of the Air Force (DAF) members with Associate in Applied Science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to a collection of accredited colleges and universities to consider when completing a four-year degree. The program maximizes the application of military career education and training and provides a multitude of online academic and support services for the enlisted member.

The AU-ABC program guarantees CCAF AAS graduates need no more than 60 semester hours to complete an AU-ABC degree program. Students complete up to nine semester hours with partner school to complete CCAF AAS degree through dual tracking -- simultaneously fulfilling the CCAF AAS degree requirements and some of the AUABC degree program requirements. Each AU-ABC partner school has gone through an extensive AU-ABC application and vetting process. The partner school determines which CCAF AAS degree or degrees to link to its bachelor degree programs. Students work directly with the AU-ABC partner school to enroll and manage the degree program process. Upon completion of all bachelor degree requirements, the AU-ABC partner school will award the bachelor degree.

General Education Mobile (GEM) Program

General Education Mobile, or GEM, is a partnership between CCAF and partnering regionally accredited civilian schools to provide general education courses that meet CCAF requirements in an online format: anytime, anywhere availability.

Read also: Interning with the US Air Force

Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

The Air Force and Space Force offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs to help Airmen and Guardians fund their education.

Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) Program

The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program helps active-duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. The program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition, with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

Eligible, active duty Airmen and Guardians can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies, and monthly housing.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is a veteran benefit program designed to assist military members in paying for college. Eligible, enlisted Airmen may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship or on-the-job training, and correspondence courses.

Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program (ECLRP)

The ECLRP allows Active Duty Airmen to earn 33 ⅓ percent (a maximum of $21,664.50) of their unpaid principal loan balance each year for three years.

Read also: Modern Learning Platform

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians (SOAR)

Enlisted Airmen and Guardians who strive to attend or complete college may apply to the SOAR program. Up to 50 people can be nominated for two- to four-year ROTC scholarships that cover most tuition and all fees. Commanders are encouraged to seek out their strongest performers with exceptional potential, motivating them to complete college degrees and be commissioned through AFROTC.

Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

Enlisted Guardians may apply for the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP). Those selected temporarily separate from active duty Space Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college. Participants receive tuition and fees scholarships for up to $15,000 per year and a textbook allowance of $600 per year.

Health Professions Scholarship Program

Students who wish to pursue a healthcare career can earn financial assistance through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. This scholarship covers all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment and supplies, as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses.

Judge Advocate General (JAG) Programs

This program enables eligible JAGs to apply for up to $65,000 toward student loan repayment. This is a tuition-free option for pursuing an advanced degree in specialties such as Government Contract Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, Cyber Law, Air and Space Law, or International Law. While obtaining an advanced degree, participants receive full tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on Active Duty with full pay, allowances and other benefits.

Commissioning Programs

For Airmen who aspire to become officers, the Air Force and Space Force offer several commissioning programs.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

Active Duty Airmen can take advantage of the POC-ERP to enter Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Active Duty, enlisted Airmen also have the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree. Those selected temporarily separate from Active Duty Air Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college.

Air Force ROTC is a scholarship program available at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across the country. The program can help you study at the college of your choice while earning money for school and preparing to be an Officer in the Air Force after graduation.

Leader Education and Development (LEAD) Program

The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give our best and brightest Airmen the opportunity to earn a college degree at the Air Force Academy and Academy Prep School.

United States Air Force Academy

The prestigious Air Force Academy is a university that offers world-class education, leadership training and cost-free tuition in exchange for your commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force. Each year, unit and delta commanders nominate highly qualified, enlisted Guardians who exhibit officer potential for consideration of appointment into one of the 170 available seats for the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Air Force Academy. The Academy Prep School is a 10-month program designed to prepare candidates for the Academy.

Officer Training School (OTS)

Civilians and prior-service Airmen with college degrees can take part in this nine-week program to become an Officer in the Air Force. You’ll be challenged physically and mentally while gaining the skills needed to be a leader in the Air Force.

Advanced Education and Professional Development

The Air Force and Space Force recognize the importance of continuous learning and offer programs for advanced education and professional development.

Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time active duty assignment. AFIT’s Air Force Graduate School for Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and enables officers to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. Helping train and equip warriors of the future for the cyber domain, this program conducts defense-focused research at the graduate level. Officers can step out of their current specialty and focus on becoming a more effective leader through this program.

Residency Financial Assistance Program

Medical and dental professionals can complete their residency without financial worry through the Residency Financial Assistance program. Those selected will receive more than $45,000 for every year they participate in the program as well as a stipend of over $2,000 per month to cover living expenses. Upon completion of residency, participants complete one year of service in the Air Force for each year of participation, plus one extra year.

Allied Health Internship Program

The Allied Health Internship Program offers several internship opportunities at Air Force medical facilities. The program allows participants to become interns in practice areas such as Clinical Psychology, Audiology, Clinical Social Worker, Dietetic and more.

Physician Assistant Training Program

Active Duty Airmen can apply to the Physician Assistant Training program. Physician Assistants are an in-demand and highly respected career within the Air Force.

Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE)

Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE) is critical to the success of the Air Force mission. We support healthcare career development with mentorship opportunities and humanitarian missions around the world through funding and scheduling that allows for continuing study. The program offers Active Duty Airmen an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to eventually become a Nurse in the Air Force. Participating students remain on Active Duty and continue to receive an income while going to school full time at a college or university that participates in ROTC.

Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School

JAGs seeking to expand their knowledge in different areas of practice, become more specialized in their field or earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are encouraged to participate in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School.

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AFCOOL) Program

The Air Force Voluntary Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AFCOOL) program provides Guardians with the opportunity to obtain and maintain professional certifications (within their career field, leadership and special interest) to improve force readiness. It provides members with expanded professional skills and competencies while in the Space Force as well as prepares them for their post-military civilian careers. Allows Airmen to earn professional certification in their specialty at no cost.

Additional Opportunities

Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps

The Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps offers three avenues of service to the Air Force. The first enables ministry professionals to serve with a local reserve unit and train one weekend a month. The second commits you to serve 12 days on annual tour and 12 in a chapel on an Active Duty base. The final option is the Chaplain Candidate program tailored to students. Seminary and religious school students who are interested in Air Force service can apply to the Chaplain Candidate program. Candidates collaborate with an Air Force chapel team during summer tours of active duty.

Space Force Internship Program

The Space Force offers full-time paid internships for students currently attending college or who have recently graduated, with hands-on training and available tuition assistance.

Voluntary Education Program

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Voluntary Education Program supports Guardians by maintaining a highly educated force. The program supports off-duty voluntary education goals such as the pursuit of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees through tuition assistance. Furthermore, the program supports credentialing through the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-line (AF COOL) program.

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