You Don't Have to Do It Alone - Take Advantage of Financial Resources
A Guide to Online Education for Military Service Members
If you're an active servicemember, a veteran, or a reserve member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, an online program can help you achieve your educational goals.
In addition, your service to this country qualifies you for military benefits, which include financial assistance plans designed to pay for your tuition and help with any extra educational costs.
How to Use Your Military Benefits to Pay for School
Once you've chosen your course of study, there a several options to help pay for your education, and you may be eligible for any, or all of the following:
Tuition Assistance
The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary education programs taken during off-duty hours. This money does not need to be paid back, and all active-duty service members are eligible to participate.
Each branch of the armed forces has its own application process, eligibility, and program rules. The program will often cover 100% of tuition and fees up to a maximum set amount.
For more information, specific program details, and to apply online for your Tuition Assistance benefits, follow the links below:
Army – GoArmyEd
https://www.goarmyed.com/public/public_money_for_college-tuition_assistance.aspx
Navy – Navy College Tuition Assistance
https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/ta1.html
Air Force – Air Force Virtual Education Center
https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp
Marine Corps – Marine Corps Community Services
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/education/mta.cfm
Coast Guard – United States Coast Guard
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/cfa/ta.asp
National Guard – National Guard Virtual Armory
http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/fedbenefits/tuition_fta.aspx
If you have any questions on Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, or your educational benefits, you are encouraged to call 1-800-GI-BILL1 (1-800-442-4551).
The G.I. Bill
The GI Bill is an education benefit program earned by Active Duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard service members. It is designed to help eligible servicemembers, veterans, and eligible dependents cover the costs associated with getting an education or additional training. The GI Bill can be used alone, or to supplement any tuition or fees not covered by Tuition Assistance.
Determining GI Bill Eligibility
To determine if you, your spouse, or a dependent is eligible for GI Bill education benefits, visit the official GI Bill website and fill out the appropriate application for your service status. If eligible, you'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility showing how long you are eligible for, and how many months of benefits you can receive.
If you have any questions on Tuition Assistance, the GI Bill, or your educational benefits, you are encouraged to call 1-800-GI-BILL1 (1-800-442-4551).
Educational Support for Military Spouses and Dependents
The online option is also a great way for a spouse or dependent of a military servicemember to get an education. As such, you are entitled to educational benefits under the GI Bill, as well as Federal Student Aid loans, grants and scholarships. There are even unique funding options developed specifically for helping you achieve your educational goals.
For more information about paying for your education and scholarship opportunities, click here, call the GI Bill Information Line at 1-800-442-4551 to determine your eligibility, or view the list of additional resources at the end of this article.
Scholarships
There are approximately $300 million of military related scholarships and grants available to active service members and veterans. These scholarships can help cover any additional educational costs you may have.
Scholarship Search
http://acinet.org/acinet/scholarshipsearch/ScholarshipCategory.asp?searchtype=category&nodeid=22
Scholarships for Military Spouses
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=links#scholarships
National Military Family Association Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Spouse_Scholarship
Scholarships for Military Family Members
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=links#FamilyEd
Veteran Scholarships
https://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org/nrd/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6890
Veteran Benefits
Veterans and their dependents pursuing an education may be eligible for additional benefits in most states. Eligibility is determined by the GI Bill, visit the official GI Bill website and fill out an application. You can also call 1-800-GI-BILL1 for assistance and further information.
Federal Loans and Grants
The Federal Government offers students low interest loans and grants to help finance the cost of going to school. Almost all citizens are eligible for some type of federal student financial aid.
To fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or for more information go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or contact the University of Saint Mary Financial Aid Office at
1-800-752-7043.
Private Loans
There are also non-need based private loans available from banks, credit unions, and private lenders that can help you pay for your school. For more information and to apply for these opportunities contact your local branch, or the financial aid office for more information.
Additional Resources
G.I. Bill Website
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
Student Veterans of America
http://www.studentveterans.org/index.php
Veterans Online Application System (VONAPP)
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
FinAid.org
http://www.finaid.org/military/
Free Military Handbooks
http://www.militaryhandbooks.com/
Department of Veterans Affairs (Returning Service Members)
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/
National Military Family Association
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_military_spouse_education_resource_guide
Collegeboard.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/scholarships-and-aid/index.html
Federal Student Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Scholarships for Military Children
http://www.militaryscholar.org/
MIL Spouse.org
http://www.milspouse.org/Educ/Fund/MilFScholar/
Military Spouse Magazine
http://www.milspouse.com/default.aspx
CareerOneStop Military Information
http://www.careeronestop.org/militarytransition/