What is Military Tuition Assistance (TA)?

For many service members, the path to a stronger career starts long before transition day. Education becomes a way to stay competitive, expand skills, and prepare for the civilian workforce. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is one of the most widely used benefits on active duty because it helps you take college classes with little or no out-of-pocket cost, even while you continue to serve.

Here, we will walk you through what TA covers, who can use it, how to apply, and how it fits together with the GI Bill and other benefits. Whether you’re taking your first class or piecing together a long-term degree plan, this guide gives you clarity from start to finish.

What Is Tuition Assistance (TA)?

Tuition Assistance is a Department of Defense program that pays the full or partial cost of college courses taken by active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members.

Most branches pay up to:

$250 per credit hour
$4,500 per fiscal year

TA can be used for:

Associate degrees
Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
Certificates
Online, hybrid, and in-person courses

In most cases, tuition is covered at 100 percent up to the annual limit, making TA one of the most cost-effective education benefits available while still serving.

Why TA Matters for Active-Duty Service Members

For many service members, Tuition Assistance becomes a career-changing strategy. It allows you to quietly build your education in the background while still earning full pay and benefits.

The most common reasons service members use TA:

To work toward a degree needed for promotion
To transition into a civilian career field
To explore new interests without financial risk
To prepare for retirement or separation
To complete college courses before using the GI Bill later

The biggest advantage is that TA helps you get ahead without touching your GI Bill months, which you can save for a future degree or pass to your family.

Who Is Eligible for Tuition Assistance?

Eligibility varies slightly by branch, but the general rules are similar.

You may be eligible if:

You are on active duty, either full-time or mobilized
You have completed required time-in-service (usually one year)
Your command approves your request
Your course is offered by a TA-approved school

Branch-Specific Notes

While the core program is similar, each service branch manages its own TA portal and policies:

Army Tuition Assistance (ArmyIgnitED)
Navy College Tuition Assistance
Air Force & Space Force (AFVEC)
Marine Corps Tuition Assistance
Coast Guard Tuition Assistance

Some branches also require:

Passing your fitness test
No pending disciplinary actions
Taking courses off-duty or outside work hours

Your Education Service Officer (ESO) or base education center can confirm your exact requirements.

What Does Tuition Assistance Cover?

TA primarily covers tuition costs, but it may also support certain related fees depending on the branch.

TA Covers:

Tuition up to $250 per credit hour
Up to $4,500 per fiscal year
Accredited institutions and degree programs
Online, hybrid, and traditional classes
Career and technical education in some cases

TA Does Not Cover:

Books and supplies
Application fees
Repeat courses
Non-accredited or recreational classes
Courses taken without command approval

How To Apply for Tuition Assistance?

The TA process is not complicated, but timing matters. Here is the simplest version of what to do.

Step 1: Visit Your Base Education Center

This is optional but highly recommended. An Education Service Officer can help you:

Understand your branch's TA rules
Pick accredited programs
Avoid schools with predatory recruiting practices

Step 2: Choose a TA-Approved School

Make sure the school is:

Regionally accredited
Listed in your branch’s TA portal
Offering degree programs relevant to your goals

Step 3: Create an Education Plan

Most branches require service members to upload a degree plan showing:

Required courses
Expected schedule
Graduation timeline

Step 4: Submit TA Request Before Class Starts

You must request TA before your course begins.
Common deadlines: 7 to 30 days before class.

Step 5: Wait for Command Approval

Your supervisor or chain of command must sign off. They usually check:

Duty station tempo
Your performance
Your availability

Step 6: TA Pays the School Directly

Once approved, your TA funding will be sent directly to your school.

TA vs. GI Bill: When Should You Use Each?

This is one of the most common questions across all branches. Many service members do this strategy: Use TA while on active duty, and use the GI Bill for a graduate degree or for children later. This stretches your benefits significantly.

When TA Makes More Sense

You are still on active duty
You want to save your GI Bill for after separation
You plan to pursue a master's degree later
You might transfer your GI Bill to a spouse or child
Your chosen school is TA-approved

Can You Use TA and the GI Bill Together?

In most cases, you cannot stack TA and the GI Bill for the same course.
However, you can use:

TA for tuition
GI Bill for books stipend (sometimes)
GI Bill for housing during off-duty graduate programs (rules vary)

Your education office can confirm what applies to your branch.

TA for Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs

All service branches allow TA for:

Online programs
Hybrid (part online, part on-campus)
In-person classes

The format does not affect your eligibility, as long as the school is accredited and approved.

Common Degree Paths for Service Members Using TA

Based on military education center surveys, the most common TA-supported programs include:

Business administration
Cybersecurity
Computer science
Criminal justice
Logistics and supply chain
Healthcare administration
General studies
Aviation and aeronautics

Many service members also take individual classes to build promotion points or begin prepping for transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to repay TA if I fail a class?

Yes, most branches require repayment for grades below the minimum standard (usually below C for undergrad or B for graduate courses).

Can I take classes while deployed?

Yes, if mission allows and you have command approval. Many deployed service members take online courses.

Does TA pay for books?

No. Books, supplies, and technology are not covered.

Can I use TA for multiple degrees?

Yes, but many branches prioritize first-time degrees. Some restrict TA for second master’s degrees.

Can I use TA after separation?

No. TA is for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve in a qualifying status.

Connect with a GI Bill Navigator

Free one-on-one support to help you understand your benefits.

VeteranDegrees.com Navigators help you:

Understand GI Bill® tuition coverage
Interpret your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Learn how BAH works for hybrid, online, and in-person programs
Verify whether a program type is VA-approved
Know which questions to ask a School Certifying Official (SCO)
Explore education paths based on your goals