Looking for a way to pay for school?
The Guard is your ticket to a successful education. The Guard offers benefits like: 100% Tuition Assistance”up to $18,000 over four years; the Montgomery GI Bill; Post 9/11 GI Bill; Army National Guard Kicker; National Guard Scholarships that can pay up to $10,000 a year plus a $1,200 book allowance; and the Student Loan Repayment Program. It’s a great way to pay for college and put cash in your pocket. They can even help you get your GED. Check out all the details.
Money for College: 100% Tuition Assistance
The Guard can pay up to 100% of your college tuition and general fees, based on in-state public institution tuition rates”that’s up to $18,000 over four years.*
Note: Federal Tuition Assistance is based on funds availability. Many states offer additional college funding such as State Tuition Waivers that reduce a percentage of the cost of tuition upfront.
Montgomery GI Bill
In addition to paying your college tuition, we’ll send you a monthly allowance of up to $333 for expenses”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. Your recruiter will have all the details.
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 you 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. Ask your recruiter for details.
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. For more information, talk to your local recruiter.
Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships
ROTC is a college elective that allows you to earn a commission straight out of college as a second lieutenant in the Army. The course consists of both academic classes and hands-on training”mental and physical challenges that will help you succeed in college and beyond. Participation takes just a few hours per week.
Scholarships include:
- A wide range of merit-based scholarships that pay up to full college 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. Check with your recruiter for details.
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). Your recruiter has complete details.
Your state may have its own funding packages in addition to these federal programs. Ask your local recruiter.
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. Find out more.
*Up to $4,500 per year, based on your commitment.