Education Assistance

Tuition Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

District of Columbia National Guard – State Tuition Assistance (DC TA)

Effective 01 OCT 2025

Find pertinent links below:

i.                         FY2026 policy governing the use of The Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Retention and College Access Program

ii.                       Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

iii.                     Statement of Understanding (SOU) the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program

      iv.                     Memorandum of Good Standing for [INSERT SERVICE MEMBER’S NAME] to the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program



Q1: What is DC TA?

A: DC TA is the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program. It provides financial assistance for eligible DCNG Service Members to pursue higher education, certifications, licensures, and professional development courses.


Q2: Who is eligible for DC TA?

A: You must:

  • Be a current member of the DC National Guard.
  • Have at least two (2) years of service remaining from the last day of the funded course.
  • Be in good standing (verified via the MOGS checklist).
  • Have no SFPA, UIF, or pending adverse actions.
  • Meet readiness, administrative, and conduct standards (fitness test, security clearance, medical/dental readiness, evaluation compliance, DTS/GTC status).
  • Eligible immediately upon enlistment (before IET), as long as classes don’t conflict with training.

Q3: How much can I receive?

A: Maximum: $20,500 per Fiscal Year.

    • Up to $20,000 for tuition.
    • Up to $500 for authorized fees (books, lab, technology, program-specific fees).
      • If your school is not on the DoD MOU list at dodmou.com, your max is reduced to $16,000/year

Q4: What can DC TA be used for?

A: Authorized:

  • One credential per degree level: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate.
  • Pre-requisite courses at any degree level.
  • Academic certificates from accredited institutions.
  • Licensure programs supporting professional development/career advancement.
  • Credentialling Assistance (CA) for no more than one (1) credential per FY not to exceed $2,000.

Not Authorized:

  • Lateral or lower degrees previously funded by DC TA.
  • Recreational/personal interest courses unrelated to professional development.


Q5: Are there school requirements?

A: Yes:

  • Must be DOE-accredited (regional/national).
  • Must be registered in the DC Government Vendor Services Portal.
  • Should have a current DoD MOU (non-MOU schools get reduced benefit).


Q6: How do I apply?

A: Submit a complete application at least 30 days before course start date via the DC TA website.
Required documents:

  • DC TA Application Form.
  • Signed SOU (Enclosure 1).
  • Signed MOGS (Enclosure 2, completed by your commander).
  • Degree Plan.
  • Itemized Cost Verification from school.
  • Federal TA Eligibility/Ineligibility documentation.


Q7: What if I need an Exception to Policy (ETP)?

A: Submit ETP no later than seven (7) business days before course start.

·       Must include justification and commander endorsement.

·       Route through ESO to G1/MILPO.

·       Approval is not guaranteed.

·      

Q8: What deadlines should I know?

A: Application: 30 days before course start.

·       Course changes: Notify ESO/DC TA Program Manager within 5 business days.

·       Grades: Submit within 30 days after course completion.

·       Payment documentation: Submit all required documents by 15 August annually to ensure processing before FY closeout.

· 

Q9: Can I use DC TA with other benefits?

A: Yes – you may combine DC TA with Federal TA, GI Bill, Pell Grants, and loans, but total aid cannot exceed 100% of tuition and fees.

Q10: What happens if I fail or drop a course?

A: You may face:

  • Recoupment of DC TA funds.
  • Suspension from the program.
  • Possible administrative action.

Q11: What is the “Memorandum of Good Standing” (MOGS)?

A commander-certified checklist verifying your compliance with all readiness, conduct, and participation standards.

  • All items must be marked “Yes” or explained in commander comments.
  • Required for every DC TA application.

Q12: Where can I get help or more information?

  • Army: ng.dc.dcarng.list.per-edu@army.mil
  • Air: angel.holley@us.af.mil

 



The DC Education Office is here for the Soldier.  Please contact us to set up an appointment so we provide you with all the tools to be successful in your education journey! And review the newly expanded schools listing here!  


DC Army National Guard Tuition Assistance contact: 

Maj. Megan Jackson, Education Officer (MDAY), Tuition Assistance Manager, megan.e.jackson14.mil@army.mil

 


Federal Tuition Assistance contact: 

Dr. Sharma Wolfe, Education Services Specialist, 804-236-7509, sharma.d.wolfe.civ@army.mil 


Group email: ng.dc.dcarng.list.per-edu@mail.mil

You may also contact the #ArmyNationalGuard Education Support Center at: 1-866-ARNGEDU (1-866-276-4338) or emailing, arng.esc@army.mil. They are available 7AM and 5PM CST Monday through Friday. 


DC Air National Guard Tuition Assistance contact:

Maj. Chelsi Johnson, 202-685-9852, chelsi.johnson@us.af.mil


​​​​​​FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE (FTA)

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a benefit available for Soldiers in the ARNG to financially assist with off-duty voluntary civilian educational pursuits. This program is governed by ArmyIgnitED (www.armyignited.army.mil) and can be used concurrently with State Tuition Assistance Programs (STA), GI Bill, grants and scholarships.

FTA Qualification:

             -Must be actively serving in the ARNG (IADT, BOLC/WOBC no required for Reserve Component as of 20 SEP 2022).

             -Have a Common Access Card (CAC)

             -Not Flagged or pending unfavorable action

             -Maintain 2.0 undergraduate of 3.0 for graduate GPS (failing grades are subject to recoupment)

            Commit to service obligation:

-Commissioned Officer/Warrant: 2 Years for AGR and 4 years for MDAY/TPU from the last course date)

            -Enlisted (complete FTA-Funded courses prior to ETS)

 

FTA Benefits:

-100% Tuition costs up to $250 pers semester hour up to 16 semester hours per fiscal year.

-MAX $4,000 per fiscal year (TA and CA)

-May be used towards an Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s Degree*

-Career Limits:

            130 undergraduate semester hours

            49 graduate semester hours

 

*FTA will not pay for a second degree at any level, regardless of what funding was used (FTA or other funds) to pay for the first degree.

            *FTA will not cover fees or books

            *FTA cannot be used for professional degrees i.e. PhD, MD or JD.

 

**FTA is not a reimbursement program; all funding requests must be submitted prior to the start of the course and are paid directly to the institution. **            


Federal Tuition Assistance Policy after 24 August 2022


 As if 24 August 2022, there is no longer a two-tiered system of eligibility for TA.  Soldiers are eligible to use FEDTA at the completion of their basic entry training (IADT, WOBC, BOLC). As of 20 September 2022, Reserve Component Service members are exempt from this requirement, and are eligible to received FEDTA benefits once they receive a valid CAC.


​​​​

CREDENTIALING ASSISTANCE (CA) 

Credentialing Assistance is an Army education program that provides financial assistance to help pay for a credential or licensure listed on the Army COOL Website https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/).

CA Qualifications:

-Must be actively serving in the ARNG (IADT, BOLC/WOBC no required for Reserve Component as of (20 SEP 2022).

-Have a Common Access Card (CAC)

-Not flagged or pending unfavorable action

 

CA Benefits:

            -Up to $4,000 each fiscal year (MAX TA and CA)

            -CA pays for training, materials, supplies, books, fees and exam costs

            -Credentials must be listed on the Army COOL website: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/

            -Credential does not have to be related to the Soldiers MOS.

For any questions on FTA, CA or the ArmyIgnitED website, contact Ms. Vivian Moss, Education Services Specialist at 804-236-7509 or vivian.e.moss4.civ@army.mil.

​

STATE EDUCATION BENEFITS

Major General David F. Wherley Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program Joint (DC State TA)

The DC State TA (DCTA) is available to DCNG Soldiers and Airmen whose Tuition and Fees are not 100% covered by FTA. 

DCTA Benefits (Temporary Increase to $12,500 this fiscal year. No increase to $500 fee allowance)
            -$12,500 per fiscal year towards tuition (including up to $500 in fees)

                        -Subject to temporary increase per FY.

            -No semester caps

-May be used towards an Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Professional degree (STA will only pay for one of each degree level)

-Is not limited to DC Schools

Any school that is accredited by the US Department of Education is qualified but must be registered with the DC Government Vendor portal to be eligible for DCTA Funds- Contact the DC Education Office to verify your school eligibility.

 

**DCTA is not a reimbursement program, all funding requests must be submitted prior to the start of the course and are paid directly to the institution.**

 

DCTA Qualifications

-Must be actively serving in the ARNG

-Have a Common Access Card (CAC)

-Not flagged or pending unfavorable action

-Have at least 1 year remaining on your service obligation from the last day of the course being paid by DCTA funds.

*Must apply to FTA first*


To apply, download the application here and submit the complete packet to the Education Services office at ng.dc.dcarng.list.per-edu@army.mil.


MONTGOMERY BI GILL

Since 1985, the Montgomery GI Bill has helped Soldiers reduce the financial burden of paying for college. Recent changes have enhanced the benefits available,specifically for Soldier who have deployed since September 11th, 2001. The GI Bill is governed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and provides monetary assistance for Servicemembers pursuing higher education. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please contact the Education Office or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

MGIB-Selected Reserve
The MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606) is the basic benefit for traditional National Guard Soldiers who have completed their initial entry training. It starts with downloading your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) at https://minuteman.ngb.army.mil to confirm your eligibility. The MGIB-SR also offers 36 months of benefits to eligible reservists and Guardsmen. As with the MGIB-AD, the student’s course load determines the rate. A full-time student can receive $439 monthly.

MGIB-Active Duty
The MGIB-AD (Chapter 30) program is for National Guard Soldiers who are AGR, prior service, or were mobilized for 2 or more consecutive years. The verify eligibility for this program please contact the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1 or the MD National Guard Education Office.

MGIB Kicker
The MGIB-SR Kicker is an extra monthly payment made with the Soldier’s basic benefit. Soldiers must meet eligibility requirements based on their MOS and/or UIC and have signed a valid kicker contract at the time of enlistment/reenlistment.

Post 9/11 GI Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is available to National Guard Soldiers who have served in a qualifying period of Active Duty for a minimum of 90 days. This benefit includes payments for tuition and fees, a housing allowance and book stipend. For specific information and eligibility verification please contact the MDNG Education Office. More Information 

Transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill
Soldiers eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill can transfer this benefit while still a member of the Armed Forces, as long as they meet certain eligibility criteria. At a minimum, Soldiers must be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, have 1 or more eligible dependents in DEERS, have 6 years time in service, and agree to serve an additional 4 years from the date of transfer. More Information

FINANCIAL AID

TUITION PAYMENT PLANS

Tuition payment plans are short-term (12 months or less) installment plans which split your tuition into equal monthly payments. Many such plans are essentially interest-free, but some have fees or finance charges. Ask about the costs to you before using a tuition installment plan.

FACTS Tuition Management
FACTS Tuition Management offers tuition management and budgeting services for educational institutions at all levels, from pre-school through post-graduate institutions.

Sallie Mae Tuition Pay
Sallie Mae’s Tuition Pay lets you pay your tuition bill in small, monthly installments at more than 1,500 schools nationwide. The service is interest-free. An application fee is required. 1-800-635-0120.

Tuition Management Systems
Tuition Management Systems provides tuition payment programs for kindergarten through college. The interest-free monthly payment option allows students and families to spread educational costs over a several months, without interest and without borrowing. (There is an enrollment fee that ranges from $30 to $60, depending on the school.) Their BorrowSmart counseling optimizes the combination of tuition payment plans and PLUS loan debt to minimize loan interest payments for a given monthly payment. 

For more information, see the FY23 ARNG Education Handbook at https://content.nationalguard.com/sites/default/files/FY23ARNGEducationHandbook102022.pdf.  

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