Army National Guard Tuition Assistance Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

The Army National Guard offers several tuition assistance programs designed to support soldiers in their pursuit of higher education and professional development. These programs provide financial aid for voluntary off-duty civilian education, helping soldiers achieve their personal and professional goals. This article provides a detailed overview of these programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. This is an Army only program. FTA pays up to $250 per semester hour (SH)/up to $165 per quarter hour (QH). Soldiers are eligible to receive FTA for up to $4,500 OR 18SH (whichever limit is reached first) each fiscal year (Oct. 01 - Sept. 30). FTA goes toward tuition only; it does not pay for any fees.

Eligibility and Requirements

E1 to O5, including Warrant Officers are eligible for State Tuition Reimbursement. Effective 11 December 2024, Soldiers new to FTA must complete Career Path Decide or the Kuder Career Assessment and ArmyIgnitED 101 training prior to submitting an education goal. Contact the education office for information on completing the training.

Application Process

You must have your Tuition Assistance request submitted and approved No earlier than 60 days prior to course start but also No Later than eight Business Days prior to start. With the new ArmyIgnitED 2.0, Soldiers must request tuition assistance in the system no earlier than 60 days and no later than eight days prior to the class start date. Submit requests for wait-listed classes. The Education Office can assist with removing requests if you do not get in. A Soldier may pre-register for a course to secure a slot.

Once your TA is approved, print your TA authorization, and submit to your education institute. Education institutions have varying requirements on submission. Make sure you are following your school’s latest guidance. Submitting a Tuition Assistance request does not enroll you in the course. You must register for the course at your Academic Institution.

All Tuition Assistance must be approved prior to the start date of the course; however, if a class is canceled at the last minute and you select a new course or if you drop a course, the Education Office can assist with adjusting your TA. If an eligible Soldier decides to use Tuition Assistance, Academic Institutions will enroll him/her as TA-funded only after the TA is approved by the Army. Soldiers will be solely responsible for all tuition costs without this prior approval. Tuition Assistance is approved on a course-by-course basis and only for the specific course(s) and class dates that a Soldier requests. Start by contacting the education office.

State Tuition Assistance (STA)

State Tuition Assistance (STA) programs vary by state, offering financial support to National Guard members pursuing higher education within their state. These programs often work in conjunction with Federal Tuition Assistance to cover the full cost of tuition.

Texas State Tuition Assistance (STA)

By Texas State law, this program is only authorized to issue payments directly to a college or university in Texas. State TA is a third-party sponsor. Schools will code eligible STA Service Member student accounts for up to 12 credit hours + mandatory fees to secure classes. After each school's Census Date (Add/Drop deadline), the school will invoice STA for the tuition and mandatory fees due. Payments are sent as a bulk payment that includes all awards for all approved recipients at a given school. Schools may take days or weeks from the date the payment is received in their accounting system before processing the payment. If the STATE TA payment creates a positive balance on the student’s account, then the school may issue a refund of the appropriate amount.

Application Process for Texas STA

Apply for State Tuition Assistance after applying for Federal Tuition Assistance. Phenomenal care and concern from a dedicated State Tuition Assistance Staff in every sense of the word. Precise communication from start to end. Display of a CAN-DO ATTITUDE. Contact the State Tuition Assistance team immediately!

Minnesota GI Bill

The Minnesota GI Bill program provides assistance to eligible Minnesota Veterans, currently serving military, National Guard and Reserve members who served after September 11, 2001 and eligible spouse and children. The Program provides a maximum benefit of $10,000, up to age 62.

Read also: Affording ECU

General Requirements

Eligibility is extended for a period of two years, plus the amount of time equal to the duration of that person's active service. To apply for State Tuition Reimbursement you MUST contact your unit full-time representative to ensure you have a current, completed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on file as well as state Direct Deposit and W9 Tax forms. Forms must correspond with the school year being applied for. Service members must complete the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and turn in to their unit prior to submitting their payment request form, grades and tuition/fees statement. Final Fee Statement must show amount of other Federal Benefits which pay tuition costs directly to the institution (i.e.

Credentialing Assistance (CA)

Credentialing Assistance (CA) is another valuable program that supports soldiers in obtaining professional credentials, certifications, and licenses. CA can be used to pursue courses and exams for over 1,500 credentials, certifications and licenses. CA may be authorized for the payment of credentialing expenses for classroom, hands-on, online/blended training, study guides, materials, textbooks, fees, exams, and/or recertification of credentials.

Eligibility and Usage

New CA users must complete MilGEARS and CA 101 training prior to submitting an education goal. CA can be requested up to 90 days but MUST be requested 45 DAYS PRIOR to the start date of the course or exam. Credentials are limited to ONE per FY. CA usage will be capped at three credentials per ten years of service. Soldiers are required to take the exam associated with the Credential training.

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 aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing.

Benefits and Approved Training

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for GI Bill benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the educational institution is located. For more expensive tuition, the “Yellow Ribbon Program” exists which may help to reimburse the difference. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some Service Members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

Additional Educational Resources

Besides tuition assistance programs, the Army National Guard offers resources to help soldiers improve their academic skills and prepare for standardized tests.

Academic Testing and Preparation

Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT): Soldiers who need to improve their original ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) score may be administered the AFCT via the online iCAT. The iCAT replaces the paper-based version of the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT). Soldiers may not be given the AFCT earlier than six months after the date of their MEPS ASVAB exam. The AFCT must be administered in its entirety. There is an AFCT Preparation Course. The Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) is designed to help Soldiers prepare for the AFCT. This course is self-paced and customized based on your answers on a pre-assessment. Lessons utilize interactive exercises such as drag-and-drop matching, video game-style multiple choice, and dynamic flash cards. Quizzes and practice problem sets also help students gauge their mastery of the material. Lessons include the following areas: reading comprehension, math, and vocabulary. The OASC is available to all ARNG Soldiers.
Section Instrument Flight Training (SIFT): The SIFT is a computer-based test battery that was developed using industry-standard scientific methods to predict the success of students in aviation training programs. The complete test battery is used as a primary selection instrument for the Army aviation program.
Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT): The DLPT is a computer-based battery of foreign language tests produced by the Defense Language Institute (DLI) and used by the DoD to document foreign language proficiency of Service members.
Testing Location: Testing is offered at ISTS, Jefferson City on the first Wednesday of every month.

DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) provides numerous programs and services to assist service members seeking to further their voluntary education goals and objectives.

Important Policy Information Regarding STAG

SMs utilizing STAG with a final grade listed as failed, incomplete, or withdrawn will result in indefinite suspension from the program. Special courses which run longer than a semester will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the State Education Office. SMs can be reinstated in the STAP by requesting an exception of policy (ETP) through their chain of command to The Adjutant General. STAG will not be used for the repeat of a previously passed course.

STAG Application Registration Deadlines

Semester	Registration Window Opens	Registration Window Closes	Submission Deadline Document Package 1	Submission Deadline Document Package 2
Fall Semester	MAY 15	JULY 1	OCT. 10	JAN. 15
Spring Semester	SEP. 15	NOV. 1	DEC. 1	JUNE 20
Summer Semester	FEB. 15	APRIL 1	MAY 1	SEP.

Understanding the Award Process

Phase 1: Apply for aid.
Phase 2: Verifying military eligibility.
Phase 3: Calculating award.
Phase 4: Issuing award payments.

Status updates are sent to all applicants throughout the review process. If you submit a request for aid, you should receive at least one status update by the end of the first month of classes.

The Selected Reserve

The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must agree to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. Meet the requirements to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT.

Personal Stories and Advice

Texas Army and Air National Guard Member: "I’ve been with both the Texas Army and Air National Guard for a combined 15 years. I work full-time for the Texas Military Department’s Government Affairs Office as an Executive Assistant and Congressional Inquiries Analyst. I’m currently using State Tuition Assistance to pursue an Executive Master of Public Service & Administration through the Bush School at Texas A&M. I’m committed to advancing my career in government so I can become a more impactful asset to the agency, especially in policy work that improves the lives of our soldiers and airmen."
Goal: "To help shape initiatives that truly support those who serve."
How STA is Helping: "State Tuition is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a doctor by reducing the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on completing my prerequisites and excelling academically."
Advice to Service Members: "I’d tell them to take a step back and remember why they started in the first place-what goals or dreams inspired them to begin their education. Sometimes the bigger picture can feel overwhelming, so focus on small, manageable steps and celebrate progress along the way. I’d also remind them that as a member of the Texas Army National Guard, they’ve already proven their dedication and resilience-qualities that can carry them through anything, including finishing their degree."

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