Education Benefits & Student Loans

THE POST-9/11 GI BILL

Eligible, active duty Airmen 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. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.

The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program 

is designed to help active-duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, 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. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two or four-year institutions on base, off base, or by correspondence.

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line - Air Force COOL

The Community College of the Air Force recently launched the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program. Air Force COOL is a pathway for enlisted Airmen to earn industry-recognized professional certifications and licenses. Found on the Air Force Portal, Air Force COOL has a credential mapping of 642 professional certifications and licenses for 190 enlisted Air Force specialty codes. The credentials are at the national and state levels and from the industry. Not only does it pay for your certification, but also helps pay for exams and preparatory materials (e.g., books)

Credentialing has two purposes. First, it continues to professionalize the enlisted force by providing up-to-date industry-recognized credentials in an airman's AF job. Second, it provides a way for airmen to prepare for civilian life by ensuring that they are ready for work in the civilian sector. There are many aspects to credentialing, including certifications and licenses. 

The most sought certifications include the Federal Aviation Administration's Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate, Certified Manager, Project Management Professional, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Professional in Human Resources, and Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. 

Student Loans - College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)

Join the Air Force and qualifying student loans will be paid off by the Air Force in an amount up to $65,000 over the course of the first 3 years of your initial enlistment. 

Qualifying student loans

• Guaranteed Student Loans/Stafford Loans

• National Direct Student Loan/ Perkins Loans

• Supplemental Loans for Students

• Federally Insured Student Loans

• Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

• Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students