The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd, are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).
The Department of Defense (DoD) has directed a uniform per semester hour cap of $250 for tuition assistance (TA) and an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Services are authorized to establish Service specific eligibility criteria to manage TA funds. The Army will pay 100 percent of tuition costs up to the DoD semester hour cap of $250 per semester hour cap for up to 16 semester hours of TA funded courses per fiscal year. School fee charges of any type are no longer eligible for funding with TA.
State Tuition Assistance may cover up to the total cost of tuition at In-State Institutions and is available to ARNG Soldiers in most States; these additional benefits can be combined with GRFD Scholarships. To learn more about State Tuition Assistance in your State, contact your State Education Benefits Office.
The term GI Bill refers to any Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit earned by members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. The benefit is designed to help servicemembers and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education or training. The GI Bill has several programs and each is administered differently -- depending on a person's eligibility and duty status.
The Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is a special incentive that the Army offers to highly qualified applicants entering the Army. Under the LRP, the Army will repay part of a Soldier's qualifying student loans. Only specified Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) qualify for the LRP.
The Army Reserve Student Loan Repayment Program is a Selected Reserve (SELRES) incentive program that helps USAR Soldiers pay off student loans. When used properly, this program allows Soldiers to greatly reduce educational debts. The SLRP is part of a Soldiers enlistment or reenlistment contract. Eligible officers normally execute an agreement on their oath date. In some circumstances, enlisted Soldiers who get commissioned can continue to apply for SLRP as long as they remain qualified. Dual status "MILTECHs" working for the Army Reserve are not eligible for SLRP payments.