State Tuition Assistance
Many states will pay 100% of your tuition. Benefits vary by state, so contact your recruiter for details.
Pay for College
Get Help Paying for College
Take advantage of the Guard’s education benefits designed to help you get your education without piling up a bunch of debt.
Your Education Benefits Explained
Federal Tuition Assistance
Federal Tuition Assistance pays up to $4,500 per year.
GI Bill
The GI Bill pays for school and job training expenses.
Watch Your Benefits Stack Up
You don’t have to choose between state and federal education benefits. Combine them to receive the maximum assistance possible. Talk to a recruiter about how much your benefits might be worth each year.
State Tuition Assistance
100%
Most states cover 100% of in-state 4-year college tuition
*Amount varies by state and program; percentage not guaranteed
Federal Tuition Assistance
$4,500
Maximum annual amount, total not guaranteed
GI Bill
$6,000
The GI Bill (Selected Reserve) + bonus kicker pays you directly to help with education and career expenses.
Average is $500/month; amounts vary and are not guaranteed
Total Annual Assistance
$10,000+
Connect with a recruiter to discuss options
“Between state tuition reimbursement and tuition assistance, I have my bachelor’s degree paid for.”
– SSG Shanice Buckhalton, Minnesota ARNG
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
This varies by benefit:
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA): Apply through your ArmyIgnitED account.
- GI Bill programs: Obtain your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) from your unit first, then follow these steps.
- State Tuition Assistance (STA): Processes vary by state. Current Soldiers should contact their state's Education Services Officer. Chat with us if you need help.
Is there a service requirement?
Requirements vary by program:
- FTA: No service requirement.
- Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (Ch. 1606) and Kicker: Require a 6-year service contract.
- Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33): Requires 90+ days of qualifying Active Duty service. Learn more
- STA: Varies by state — confirm with a Recruiter or Education Services Officer.
How much money do I get?
This will depend on the program:
- FTA: Up to $250/semester hour; up to $4,500/fiscal year.
- Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (Ch. 1606): Up to $493/month for full-time enrollment (as of Oct. 1, 2025).
- Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33): Up to 100% of in-state tuition + up to $1,000/year for books + BAH at the E-5 with dependents rate. Amount is prorated by eligibility tier.
- Kicker Incentive: Up to $350/month, depending on contracted rate.
- STA: Varies by state — view the current STA amounts.
Can I use this benefit at any college?
Not all schools qualify, and eligibility depends on the program:
- FTA: School must be regionally or nationally accredited and participate in ArmyIgnitED.
- FTA can also be used for a high school diploma or equivalency, and up to a master's degree level.
- GI Bills: School must be regionally or nationally accredited and VA-approved.
- STA: Some private colleges are covered; varies by state. Soldiers are only eligible for STA in the state where they serve, so an online school in another state may not qualify.
- Online programs: Covered by FTA and most GI Bills, though Post 9/11 GI Bill payments may be reduced for fully online enrollment.
Is it paid directly to me or the school?
Most benefits are paid directly to the school. The exceptions are:
- Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (Ch. 1606): Paid directly to the Soldier.
- Kicker Incentive: Paid directly to the Soldier.
Do I have to pay these benefits back?
For FTA, repayment may be required if you:
- Receive below a C (undergraduate) or B (graduate)
- Fail to resolve an incomplete grade within 180 days
- Drop a course on or after the start date for personal reasons
- Transfer to ING or IRR before the course ends
Note: Your degree does not need to be related to your MOS.
What if I already have student loans?
The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may help. Key details:
- Available to eligible Soldiers and Officers
- Covers federal loans listed in the NSLDS
- Federal PLUS loans for individual use are eligible; state and private loans are not
- Loans taken after enlistment must be at least 1 year old on your anniversary date
Can the Guard help pay for certifications or trade school instead of college?
Yes. FTA and GI Bill programs can be used for certifications and trade school. The Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program also provides funding for more than 1,900 credentials.
Learn more about CA
STA eligibility for non-degree programs varies by state — confirm with a
Recruiter or Education Services Officer.
What education benefits are available to my spouse or children?
Eligible service members can transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33) benefits to a spouse or dependent children through the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) program. This requires meeting qualifying service periods and initiating the transfer before discharge.
Learn more about TEB.Should I finish college and then join the National Guard?
Either path can work — it depends on your situation:
- Joining during or before college gives you faster access to education benefits and maximizes financial support while you're still in school. You may also qualify for the Split Training Option, which lets you complete Initial Entry Training during summer breaks.
- Joining after college may make sense if you want to focus solely on school or don't need tuition assistance. The Student Loan Repayment Program may be an option if you graduate with federal student loans. Chat with a recruiter to find the right fit for your timeline.
How Much Could You Receive?
To find out exactly how much education assistance you could get, contact your state’s recruiter.