Money for College in the National Guard
The Guard is your ticket to higher education.
Looking for a way to pay for school? The National Guard has you covered, with benefits like:
* 100% Tuition Assistance - up to $18,000 over four years.
* The Montgomery GI Bill
* The Post 9/11 GI Bill
* Army National Guard Kicker
Read on or watch the video below to see how the National Guard can pay for college and put cash in you pocket.
Federal Tuition Assistance
The Guard can pay up to 100% of your college tuition and general fees, up to $4,500 per year—that’s up to $18,000 over four years. The amount is based on in-state public institution tuition rates, and can be applied to the other financial assistance programs listed below.
In addition, many states also offer college funding such as State Tuition Waivers that reduce a percentage of the cost of tuition even more. Ask your recruiter about state tuition assistance.
Note: Federal Tuition Assistance is based on funds availability and is issued on a first come, first served basis.
Montgomery GI Bill
In addition to paying your college tuition, we’ll send you a monthly expense allowance of over $300—about $11,000 over a four-year period. Best of all, this money is sent directly to you (not to your school) to spend on books, supplies—or anything you want.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
For Soldiers with at least 90 days of Active Duty service on or after September 11, 2001, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 100% of your tuition, depending on the length of time you’ve served. You may also be eligible for an annual stipend of $1,000 for books and supplies, and your benefits may be transferrable to your dependents.
Plus, for individuals paying higher private school, graduate school or out-of-state tuitions, the Yellow Ribbon Program may be able to provide the necessary additional funding.
Army National Guard Kicker
The Army National Guard Kicker supplement to the Montgomery GI Bill pays up to $350 per month in living expenses—up to $12,600 over 36 months. You’ll need to apply and qualify for this program.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
The leadership program also helps lower the cost of college by offering two-, three- and four-year ROTC scholarships, as well as monthly allowances for some cadets.
Scholarships include:
* A wide array of merit based scholarships that pay full tuition
* Additional funds to pay for books, supplies and other school fees
* Tax free stipends, up to $500 per month if you qualify
* All ROTC scholarships require a service commitment. Your local recruiter or your schools military science department can furnish complete details.ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army.
Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
For Soldiers and officers who have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment in the Guard, the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may pay up to $50,000 for certain jobs, with a six- or eight-year enlistment as a member of a unit.
In addition, current Guard members who extend their enlistment contract for a minimum period of six years are also eligible for this program, provided they meet certain requirements, including a qualifying score on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test and being in a valid Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in a National Guard unit.
This incentive is also available to applicants entering Officer Candidate School (you must have at least 90 college credit hours and agree to an eight-year commitment).
Additional Programs and Resources
The Guard has other programs and services to help you earn additional college credits, prepare for your graduate school exam, or even get your GED—all while earning your Guard pay. Learn more about:
* College Credit Exams
* Vocational School Opportunities
* Education Support Center Programs and Services
GED Testing
If you left high school without a diploma, you can still join the Guard. Our GED Testing Service will help you pass your GED exam. The Guard pays for tutoring in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies while you earn your Guard pay. Learn more about GED Plus or ask your recruiter if you qualify for our GED Plus enlistment option.
For complete details about federal education programs and any funding packages your state may offer, click this hyperlink to complete a request for information or call 562 900-0575 to speak to a recruiter near you.
