Tuition Assistance
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a benefit available for Soldiers in the ARNG that may be combined with the State Tuition Assistance (STA) programs. This program is governed by GoArmyEd (www.goarmyed.com). The Education Office can assist Soldiers in setting up their account and applying to Tuition Assistance.
Federal Tuition Assistance Policy after 1 January 2014
On 1 January 2014, the Army’s FY14 Tuition Assistance (TA) program will change. The new policy will allow Soldiers to use TA after successful completion of their first year of service after graduating from AIT, OCS or BOLC. Soldiers are eligible for up to 16 semester hours per year and they can use TA for a second, higher-level post-bachelor’s degree after completion of 10 years of service. The second degree time in service requirement applies to movement from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree and not from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree. Also, the 10-year requirement only applies if Army TA was used to pay for any portion of the undergraduate coursework. After 1 Jan 2014 there may be other changes to the 10 year rule. Those changes will be published immediately upon receipt form HQ Army Education Services.
Soldiers will continue to receive up to $250 per semester hour and the current policy limits of 130 semester hours for completion of a bachelor’s degree and up to 39 semester hours for a master's degree remain in effect. Soldiers cannot use TA for a second equivalent degree, i.e., no second bachelor’s or master's degree. All courses must be part of an approved degree plan. TA cannot be used for first- professional degrees, e.g., PhD, MD or JD. In addition to DA adverse action flags, we will continue our policy to not allow TA for Soldiers who are flagged for APFT/AWCP. The Army will honor TA requests for payment for Soldiers with approved TA requests by 31 December 2013 whose eligibility for TA will be affected by these policy changes. However, no further TA-funded enrollments will be authorized until they meet the new eligibility requirements. For more up to the minute information contact your Maryland Army National Guard Education Service Center at 410-576-1499. If you have any question contact Mr. Fisher, Education Services Specialist at 410-576-6025.
State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR)
STAR is a program available to DCNG Soldiers and Airmen whose Tuition and Fees are not 100% covered by FTA. Servicemembers can be reimbursed for these costs each semester. Servicemembers are required to turn in the STAR form to the Education Office, signed by their unit commander, along with a copy of their schedule and bill, within 45 days after the start of the semester. No later than 60 days after the end of the semester, servicemembers are required to turn in their grades to the Education office for reimbursement. Up to $2,000/year for tuition and $500 for fees ($6,000 for Air); Must successfully complete course or be recouped. Maintain 2.0 GPA. No PT failure or HT/WT failure. Must have NLT 1 yr remaining before ETS. Used only up to Master's.Please check with the Education office to obtain current reimbursement rates
Montgomery GI Bill
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.
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.
Reserve Education Assistance Program
REAP (Chapter 1607) is available to NG Soldiers who deployed after September 11th, 2001 for at least 90 consecutive days in support of a contingency operation. Eligible Soldiers need to fill out the VA Form 22-1990 on the VA website. You will need to attach your DD 214 to complete the form. More Information
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.