Federal Tuition Assistance Programs

Federal Tuition Assistance is an additional educational benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This funding was provided as a directive of Congress to allow each branch of service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses to its members. Each branch of service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service time, the application process, and funding restrictions. The funding is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.

Active Duty members may elect to use the "MGIB - Top-Up" in addition to their service-provided FTA to cover high-cost courses. 

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) or (TA) is not a loan; and should be considered as funds you have earned, similarly to your base pay.

Army

1. The soldier must go to the Army Ignited 2.0 portal and request Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) consideration. Tuition Assistance Requests (TARs) can be created up to 60 days prior to the start of the term date. Create or update the profile information and provide your educational center liaison with your Evaluated Degree Plan. All Evaluated Degree Plans should at a minimum contain the following details:
   • • Soldier's Name
     • AI Name
     • Name of Degree Pursing
     • Classes/credits required for graduation/completion
     • Evaluation of all successfully completed prior coursework (transfer credit)
     • Evaluated military training and experience (JST or CCAF)
     • Note: If you manually create this document through Word, Excel, or another application, we’d appreciate it if you saved it as a PDF for uploading ease.
2. The soldier must complete the Military Funding Request Form provided on the VES online forms page. 
3. The VES team will process your request form and post a temporary marker on your account for the equivalent funding based on the award amount. 
4. All TA requests that are approved in the Army Ignited portal, will be invoiced by our Third Party Biller. (Invoices are submitted only 1x a month). 
5. Soldiers should ensure that their Tuition Assistance Requests (TAR) are submitted in the Army Ignited Portal no later than seven (7) business days before the start of the term. 

Air Force

1. The student must go to the Air Force web portal
2. Create a profile and upload all required documents including the class schedule and billing statement.
3. Students should contact the portal administrators to determine the last possible date for submission for any given semester.
4. Students should then access and complete the Military Funding Request Form provided for submission to the Veterans Engagement team
5. Take the original copy of any projected FTA awards to the Bursar office along with a valid Military ID for processing, if applicable.

Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy

1. The students must go to the respective portal links provided above.
2. Each portal requires the student to create a profile and upload the required documents for review and approval.
3. Each branch has its own deadline for document submission and it is suggested that students contact the portals service desk for assistance.
4. Students should then access and complete the Military Funding Request Form provided for submission to the Veterans Engagement team
5. Take the original copy of any projected FTA awards to the Bursar office along with a valid Military ID for processing, if applicable.

For more detailed information on each branches Tuition Assistance eligibility and requirements, follow the links below to begin taking advantage of this opportunity:

• Air Force Tuition Assistance
• Army Tuition Assistance
• Navy Tuition Assistance
• Marines Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• National Guard Tuition Assistance
• Reserve Tuition Assistance

Click here for more detailed information regarding Top-Up eligibility.