Military Tuition Assistance Programs - myFootpath

There are a number of military tuition assistance programs that can help service members cover the costs of a college education – up to $70,000!

Tuition Assistance
This military tuition assistance program pays up to a maximum of $250 per semester credit hour or $4,500 per fiscal year per student. All full-time duty members, in each branch of the military, receive the same benefits. Selected Military Reserve and National Guard units also offer Tuition Assistance programs, which may vary from the full-time duty program.

Montgomery G.I. Bill
Service members, who commit to three years of full-time duty, receive up to $37,224 in tuition coverage. The money can be put toward a typical college education, certificate programs, flight training, or any number of other educational programs. Members of the Military Reserve and National Guard are eligible for reduced tuition benefits.

College Fund (a.k.a. G.I. Bill “Kicker”)
When combined with the Montgomery G.I. Bill, eligible Armed Services enlistees can receive up to $70,000 toward college tuition upon honorable discharge. If awarded by the Marine Corps or Coast Guard, enlistees receive additional funds that can help make up most or all of the costs of a college education.

Loan Repayment
Each branch of the Military has its own version of this program, which enable servicemembers to pay back part or all of their college debt while serving full-time duty.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
ROTC is a college-based, officer commissioning program designed as a college elective that focuses on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics. ROTC is available for the US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. The Coast Guard does not have a college-level ROTC program.

Army ROTC and Scholarships
Army ROTC is designed to be part of your college curriculum and is offered at over 1000 colleges and universities nationally. During classes and field training, you will learn first-hand what it takes to lead others, motivate groups and how to conduct missions as an Officer in the Army. Upon graduation from Army ROTC, you will earn the bar of a Second Lieutenant in the US Army.

Army ROTC scholarships include:

• Two-, three-, and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree
• Full-tuition Scholarships
• Additional allowances pay for books and fees

Air Force ROTC and Scholarships
Air Force ROTC is a college program that prepares you to become an Air Force officer and is offered at over 1000 colleges and universities across the United States. It provides you with a challenging program to hone time management, physical fitness and analytical skills –  and helps you push yourself to achieve your goals. Upon graduation from AFROTC, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force.

The AFROTC offers 4-year and 3-year scholarships based on the time remaining to complete your degree. In addition, there are three types of AFROTC scholarships:

• Type 1 – Pays full college tuition and fees
• Type 2 – Pays college tuition and fees up to $15,000 and pays $900/year for books
• Type 7 – Pays full college tuition and fees, but the student must attend a college/university where the tuition is less than $9,000 per year. These students also receive $900/year for books

Navy and Marine ROTC
The Naval ROTC Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers, and is currently offered at approximately 150 colleges and universities in the United States. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the NROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. Upon graduation from the NROTC, you will be commissioned as a Ensign in the US Navy or a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.

NROTC scholarships fall under three types — Navy Option, Navy Nurse Option, or Marine Option. NROTC Scholarships include:

• Two- and four-year scholarship options based on the time remaining to complete your degree
• Full-tuition Scholarships
• Additional allowances pay for books, fees, and uniforms