Types of Federal Tuition Assistance

If you are in the National Guard, you may beaddition to their original obligation.
entitled to education benefits through programs- Completion of initial active duty for training
that are designed to help support you in working(IADT)
toward your degree.- Meet all requirements necessary to receive a
National Guard soldiers who are registered ashigh school diploma or equivalency certificate
part-time students in a bachelor's or master'sbefore competing IADT
degree program can receive up to 100 percent of- Be in good standing while serving in an active
tuition and fees for college coursework throughSelected Reserve unit.
Federal Financial Assistance (FTA). Those soldiersYour GI Bill can be used to take care of costs
and officers who qualify may receive up to $250associated with a wide range of programs such
per semester credit hour and up to $4,500as college, business, technical or vocational
annually. Also, FTA benefits can be combined withcourses, distance learning and correspondence
benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill.courses, certification tests, apprenticeship
Since FTA funds are limited and therefore noton-the-job training, and flight training.
guaranteed, it's a good idea to apply early asThe "Top-Up" Program of the Montgomery GI Bill
funds are granted on a first-come, first-servedhelps active duty members of the National Guard
basis.by paying the balance of their tuition and fees
The Montgomery GI Bill SR (Chapter 1606) isthat aren't covered by Tuition Assistance (TA).
available to the Army National Guard as well asFor instance, if your tuition for the semester is
the Air Guard. To qualify for benefits to help with$6,000, you will get $4,400 from FTA. The
the costs of education and training, serviceremaining balance of $1,600 would then be
members must meet the following criteria:covered through the Top-Up program. To find out
- Agree to six years of service in the Selectedif you are eligible, ask your education service
Reserve or Guard, signed after June 30, 1985.officer.
Officers must have agreed to serve six years in