I Want You...To Go To College - Military Tuition Assistance
For many years one of the main recruiting tools used by the United States Armed Forces has been the ability of service members to earn up to a certain amount of money to go to college. These funds administered through programs originally known as the G.I. Bill, later changed to the Montgomery G.I. and currently titled the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, provide funding for the costs of attending college after a service member separates from service.
But what about those service members who are interested in taking college courses while still actively serving in the military? Fortunately, there is an additional, less well-publicized program known as a Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA). This program provides some funding for college expenses for active duty military personnel.
For Whom? - The MilTA program provides college funds for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members from all branches of the service. This allows them to get a jump start on their higher education while still in military service instead of waiting for the G.I. Bill benefits only available after separation.
For What? - As the name states, the MilTA program is primarily for the payment of college tuition. Each military branch is allowed to stipulate if college fees can be included or not. Currently, the Air Force allows some associated fees to be paid using program funds while all other branches allow only payment of tuition.
For What Not? - While the G.I. Bill also includes money for fees and books as well as monthly stipends for housing while enrolled in college, none of these expenses can be paid with MilTA funds. Since housing is already provided for active duty service members, it makes perfect sense that this would not be included.
For Where? - In order to insure that the funds from the program are not being wasted and that service members are receiving a quality education, all courses paid under the MilTA program must be from accredited institutions and must be approved by the program. Both on campus and online courses can qualify for this approval.
How Much? - Service members qualify for up to $250 per credit hour with a maximum of 16 credits per year. The total amount of assistance available is up to 130 hours of undergraduate classes and 39 hours of graduate level courses.
For individuals looking for an educational benefit from the military, the Military Tuition Assistance program can provide an invaluable boost to the already generous benefits afforded to service members through other programs. For more information and help getting this assistance, contact local colleges like the University of Maryland University College.