Members of the National Guard are eligible for tuition assistance. However each of the Armed Forces determines how to administer their own Tuition Assistance  (TA). In addition each state may offer its National Guard servicemembers state funded education incentives based on state guidelines and eligibility (i.e. TA, waivers, exemptions, student loan repayment, etc.). Return to Military Education Guide.

The following information has been gathered about National Guard TA benefits for each service:

• Army National Guard (ARNG)
• Air National Guard (ANG)

Before you take your first college course, be sure to take the CLEP exams. This can save you time and money. For more information, please visit our CLEP page.

Army National Guard (ARNG)
The ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) provides financial assistance to part-time ARNG soldiers in support of their professional and personal self-development goals. A masters degree may be supported provided funding is available. Their vision is to provide quality programs, services and support that will enable soldiers to achieve their education objectives and further enhance the strength and relevance of the Army National Guard. Members of the Army National Guard may qualify for one or more of the following TA program:

Federal Tuition Assistance (Part-time Citizen Soldiers)
For FY05 the ARNG maximum amount paid for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) for Part Time Soldiers is:

• 100% Tuition up to $250 @ Semester Credit Hour, or $167 @ Quarter Credit Hour
• Fees up to $500
• May be used with the MGIB-Selected Reserve (SR) or MGIB-Active Duty (AD) for the same course based on the following;
• High School or equivalency level may be funded at 100% of tuition and fees, but are still limited to the $4,500 annual cap.
• Not to exceed $4500 @ Fiscal Year
• MGIB-SR participants must be enrolled at least ½ time or more to combine benefits
• MGIB-AD participants who are drawing GI Bill-Kicker (Army College Fund, etc.) benefits are NOT eligible for ARNG FTA
• ARNG recommends that schools apply FTA prior to Pell Grants, to allow for maximizing benefit for student financial needs

Note: ARNG FTA operates on a limited budget and is NOT a guaranteed benefit. It is offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Visit the National Guard Virtual Armory website to access the National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance online application.

Eligibility

• Must have a valid expense from an accredited school
• Be a traditional (part-time) ARNG soldier in an active drilling status
• Eligible beginning the day member joins ARNG, even prior to boot camp or AIT or while yet in high school
• Officers must serve 4 years after course completion
• Enlisted must simply remain in the ARNG during term of courses
• Members receiving an ROTC scholarship are not eligible

State Tuition Assistance
Although not all states offer payment of TA, Many states have additional tuition incentives, which are offered at varying amounts. You can visit the Air National Guard ANG Benefits website to determine which benefits your state offers.

Go Army Ed (CTAM) TA (Activated Guard and Reserve)
If activated you will become eligible for the Army's Tuition Assistance for Active Duty and Activated Reserve/Guard.

The ACE TA program offers:
100% Tuition and Fees up to $250 @ Semester Credit Hour or $167 @ Quarter Credit Hour. Not to exceed $4,500 @ Fiscal Year.

Visit the National Guard Virtual Armory website where you can get the latest information on Education Benefits for Citizen Soldiers.

Air National Guard (ANG)
The Air National Guard provides access to all CLEP information, Community College of the Air Force Associate Degree programs, federal tuition assistance for AGR members for distance learning courses, and state education benefits for all members.

State Tuition Assistance
Although not all states offer payment of TA, many states have additional tuition incentives, which are offered at varying amounts. Visit the ANG Benefits website to determine your state benefits.

Air Force Tuition Assistance (Activated Guard and Reserve)
If activated, you will become eligible for the Air Force Tuition Assistance for Active Duty and Activated Reserve/Guard. This Tuition Assistance Program offers:

• 100% Tuition and Fees up to $250 @ Semester Credit Hour or $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour.
• Not to exceed $4,500 @ Fiscal Year.