Monday, April 22, 2024

Can The National Guard Pay For College

Don't Miss

Montgomery Gi Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 Of Title 10 Us Code

The National Guard Can Pay for College

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 of Title 10, U.S. Code is for members of the National Guard and Reserve.

You may qualify for GI Bill benefits under this chapter if you joined the National Guard or Reserves and signed a 6 year contract. This benefit will provide a monthly allowance of $375 depending on your enrollment. Thats a total of more than $13,212 over 36 months. And if you qualify for the Army National Guard Kicker, youll earn even more. Best of all, this money is sent directly to you to spend on books, suppliesanything you want.

GI Bill 1606

Please visit the following link to apply www.va.gov

Please contact us at 253-512-8435 or email us at

A Brief List Of The Other Education Benefits We Offer:

· Student Loan Repayment Program Available to Soldiers and officer candidates who have one or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loan up to $50,000.00.

· Tuition Grant Program There are several Michigan colleges and universities that offer grants exclusively to Michigan National Guard Soldiers that attend their school. This grant is offered as a reduction in tuition.

· Federal Tuition Assistance Program Available to all Soldiers in the Michigan National Guard. This federal benefit is used to pay tuition directly to the school.

· GI Bill Program Earn a monthly expense allowance in a four year period. This money is sent directly to you to spend on books, supplies and anything else you may need.

How Long Do You Have To Be In The Military To Have Your College Paid For

The amount of time you need to serve before the military can pay for college depends on the program that youve signed up for. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will need to serve at least 90 days of continuous service before you can make use of the benefits.

With the MGIB-AD, youll need to render two years of active duty while in the MGIB-SR, youll have to finish six years in the Selected Reserve or Guard.

Also Check: How Much Does 4 Years Of College Cost On Average

Ways The National Guard Can Help Pay For School

The National Guard is really sought after by some citizens because it allows you to continue to work or go to school, while also serving your country part-time.

The stations are almost always in the United States, or nearby in places like Guam or Puerto Rico, so members also do not need to worry about getting displaced.

Related ArticleAmerican Military University Reputation: Worth It?

In addition to the traditional benefits of serving your country proudly and being a part of something bigger than yourself, the National Guard college pay programs are exceptional.

In short, the Guard will cover college tuition, room and board , as well as graduate school in certain cases.

The National Guard supports tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Army National Guard Kicker, and also hosts scholarships related to higher education learning.

The Guard has also helped many receive their GED or high school diploma.

Related Article:Can You Join The Military With A GED?

The organization has always been encouraging and supportive of those that wish to seek higher education.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different methods you can utilize to receive college tuition assistance, room and board, and graduate school or Medical school assistance.

What The National Guard Will Not Pay For

Does The National Guard Pay For College? Absolutely!

The National Guard cannot guarantee 100 percent coverage of your college tuition. It can also not promise to help forgive 100 percent of existing student loan debt.

However, its college tuition assistance is outstanding. You would struggle to find any type of employer that could come close to matching this type of higher learning assistance.

Also, while room and board is usually not covered in full from the Army National Guard Kicker, or other stipends it can help cover half or most of your living expenses, depending on where you are located.

Don’t Miss: Do Technical College Credits Transfer To University

College Costs For Medical Professionals

Some of the best financial incentives to joining the military exist for healthcare professionals.

With 4-year medical school costs ranging from $150,000 to almost $400,000, it is no surprise that newly graduated medical professionals are looking for programs the help pay their medical school loans while providing rewarding and challenging experiences.

*** The Darlene Hooley Scholarship ***

Purpose This scholarship is to support eligible students who are attending an Oregon educational institution of higher learning and have served or are serving in support of the Global War on Terrorism . Eligible applicants must be currently serving or previously served in the Oregon National Guard or in a Military Reserve Component after 9/11 and deployed overseas supporting the GWOT. This is a need based scholarship and the amount awarded will be determined by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid . The funds awarded are to be used to support the costs of attendance while enrolled in an Oregon educational institution of higher learning.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be currently serving or previously served in the Oregon National Guard or in a Military Reserve Component as an Oregon resident after September 11, 2001.
  • You must have been deployed overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism under Honorable Conditions.
  • You must be enrolled in an Oregon educational institution of higher learning.
  • You must be enrolled at least ½ time as determined by your school.
  • You must complete all of the following steps:

1. Create a Student Profile with the Office of Student Access and Completion

4. Submit a copy of your DD-214 or NGB-22 to verify eligible service period and character of discharge.

Recommended Reading: How To Make Quick Money In College

Basic Allowance For Housing

This allowance is intended to offset the cost of housing when you do not receive government-provided housing. Your BAH depends upon your location, pay grade and whether you have dependents. BAH rates are set by surveying the cost of rental properties in each geographic location. Therefore, BAH rates in high-cost areas will be much greater than those in low-cost areas. Members performing IDT are not entitled to a housing allowance. However, the members unit may provide lodging in kind when government quarters are not available.

Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Scholarships

NATIONAL GUARD VS RESERVE’S: PAY 100% FOR COLLEGE?

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 trainingmental and physical challenges that will help you succeed in college and beyond. Participation takes just a few hours per week.

Don’t Miss: What Colleges Offer Chiropractic Degrees

How To Get The National Guard To Pay For College:

In order to apply for college tuition assistance, please consider the following steps:

  • Contact a local U.S. Army National Guard recruiter. Explain during your initial meeting that you are hoping to receive college tuition assistance during your time serving the U.S. Military. You can fill out a contact form online to get started.
  • Take an eligibility test. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test helps determine what jobs in the Guard you qualify for.
  • Enlist in the U.S. Army National Guard. By now you know the ship date of your Basic Combat Training as well as assignment and pay.
  • Complete basic training. After you finish Basic Combat Training you will get recognized as a full-service member.
  • Qualify and apply for college tuition assistance. Once you are a full-service member of the Guard you can start receiving college tuition assistance depending on the program and its qualifications. Contact a rep in the National Guard for more details.
  • You Can’t Beat The Benefits

    If you can find better perks for part-time work, I’d love to know where. From huge signing bonuses to heaps of tuition money for college, plus some pretty awesome retirement benefits, it truly can help you get on the right path financially.

    Through the GI Bill and tuition assistance, you can easily get your college degree without spending a dime of your own money. Already have your degree? Then just pass along the benefits to your kids.

    And how many jobs nowadays give bonuses of up to $20,000 cash just for signing up, plus a retirement benefits package if you stay for 20 years? Not bad at all.

    Khakimullin Aleksandr / shutterstock.com

    You May Like: What Do College Credits Do In High School

    The Montgomery Gi Billactive Duty

    To be eligible for college funding through the Montgomery GI BillActive Duty , veterans must meet certain criteria listed on the VA website, including active-duty service for at least two years during specified time periods. In most cases, they must also have paid a total of $1,200 into the education program while they were serving.

    If they qualify, veterans can receive up to 36 months of financial assistance toward college. The maximum monthly benefit is $2,122 a month for full-time students .

    Lower Your Payments With Income

    Does The National Guard Pay For College? Absolutely!

    Apply for an income-driven repayment plan while youre on active duty so that you wont pay more than necessary in comparison to your income. These plans could bring your payments down to as little as $0 per month.

    The Heroes Act Waiver is also there to help, because youre not required to submit proof of income while in active duty. That means you can maintain low payments even if your income increases.

    Don’t Miss: Should I Join The Military Before Or After College

    Are Military Dependents Eligible For Education Benefits

    Individuals enrolled under the Post 9/11 GI Bill can transfer their benefits to their dependents. If youve served at least 90 days of active duty since September 10, 2001, then you or your dependent can already receive tuition and fees, in addition to a stipend for housing and books.

    Family members who have survived a military members passing after September 10, 2001, may also be eligible for the Fry Scholarship, which offers the same benefits.

    Final Thoughts On How The Military Pays For College

    The military wants to incentivize people to enlist and one way to do that is by helping to pay for education. The variety of options available show that the U.S. government wants to assist its servicemen and women in paying off their student loans or having them forgiven or discharged whenever possible. Its a small, but significant, way to show gratitude for your service.

    You May Like: How To Join Air Force After College

    What About Annual Training

    • AT is annual training and happens once a year, for about two or three weeks. During this time, your base pay would be the same as your active duty counterpart with the same rank and time in service. This will, of course, be prorated for the time that you are away on training.
    • If youre gone for less than 30 days, you will receive what is called Basic Allowance for Housing Reserve Component/Transient, or BAH II. This is not the same as BAH, what an active duty service member would receive.
    • BAH II pays less than what BAH I would pay. It is also not based on your location but instead on rank, if you have dependents or not, and on the national average for housing. The E-5 with dependents would earn $948.30, the 0-7 with dependents would earn $2050.80. This number is also prorated. If you are gone for three weeks, you will receive three weeks worth of BAH II, not the full amount.
    • You can pull up these rates on the military pay charts here as well.
    • If you happen to be gone for more than 30 days, you would then receive BAH I. This is a change as it used to be that you had to be gone 140 days to qualify.

    Army National Guard Tuition Assistance

    Going to College While in the National Guard

    Air National Guard

    You can receive TA benefits through serving in the Air National Guard. Make sure to check out your states specific educational benefits to know what you would qualify for. You can also work towards your associates degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

    Tuition Assistance for the Reserves

    The branches that offer Reserves TA do usually stay within these guidelines:

    • Up to 100% coverage for tuition, up to $250 per semester hour, or $166 per quarter hour. Up to $4,500 per fiscal year.
    • You will need to be a reservist in good standing.
    • You will need to declare an educational goal by the 9th credit hour for the USAFR and by the 15th for the USAR.
    • You will need to work towards an educational goal higher than what you already have.
    • You will need to be able to complete your course under your current term of service or reenlist or have at least four years left of remaining service from the date of your course completion

    The Navy Reserves and the Marine Corps Reserves do not have a tuition assistance program at this time. However, if you get called to active duty, you will fall under the Federal Tuition Assistance program of your active duty counterparts during your activation period.

    The Army Reserve Tuition Assistance

    The Air Force Reserve Tuition Assistance

    The Coast Guard Reserve Tuition Assistance

    Recommended Reading: How Do I Find The Right College For Me

    Coast Guard Education Programs

    Like the other military branches the Coast Guard offers its members great opportunities to get a college education. These programs are generally referred to as Voluntary Education or Vol Ed. The Coast Guard Institute offers the following programs to help Coast Guardsmen reach their education goals.

    Washington National Guard Post

    Administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council, The National Guard Grant helps eligible, actively participating members of the Washington National Guard get an undergraduate degree or certificate. The program provides education opportunities to qualified service members and serves as an incentive to extend their National Guard service.

    Participants commit to serving one year in the Washington National Guard in exchange for each year of grant funding. Combined with state and federal aid, grants can cover tuition and fees at approved colleges in Washington, as well as a portion of books and materials.

    Those interested are encouraged to reach out to their education office or recruiter for more information on good standing with the Washington National Guard. The Washington National Guard may select applicants to meet certain recruitment needs.

    The current grant was created in 2020, replacing a prior scholarship for Guard members.

    To more information and to apply go to Applicants interested in learning more about the Post-Secondary Grant can contact the following offices:

    Also Check: What Do I Need To Transfer To Another College

    Other Benefits Of Joining The National Guard

    In addition to the wonderful benefits provided by the National Guard in terms of achieving a college degree, or helping pay for existing student loans, the Guard has many other benefits.

    Serving the National Guard is a special honor because it allows you to still live your life on your own terms. Young people can still pursue college full-time or continue to work a civilian job.

    Family men and women can still remain close to their families for the vast majority of the year, yet also get some financial assistance.

    It is a great alternative to active duty because the commitment is not nearly as demanding yet still offers the same self-fulfillment and pride that comes with any traditional type of military service.

    You will learn things about your character you never envisioned, join a second family in the U.S. Military, help serve your country directly in it, and receive plenty of government benefits in the process.

    Other Types Of National Guard College Pay Programs

    Does The National Guard Pay For College? Absolutely!

    The Army National Guard has additional financial assistance programs for its members.

    The Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarships can help finance your higher learning. There is a wide range of merit-based scholarships and additional funds available through the U.S. Armed Forces.

    Related Article:17 Scholarships For Military Children, Spouses, and Veterans

    Already attended college but still paying back student loans?

    The National Guard supports a student loan repayment program known as SLRP. It directly supports soldiers and officers with existing student loan debt at the time of enlistment.

    SLRP may pay for up to $50,000 in college debt for certain jobs, which is incredible. There are additional requirements so a local recruiter can help with the details regarding the obligation.

    The Guard is particularly kind to those that extend their enlistment contracts for a minimum period of six years. The incentive can help cover previous undergraduate tuition, graduate school, medical school expenses.

    Also Check: Can College Students Get Medicaid In Texas

    Health Professions Scholarship Program

    Those interested in joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force can take advantage of a scholarship to attend medical or dental school.

    The scholarship includes full tuition and fees, health insurance reimbursement, other school-related expenses, and even a monthly living stipend.

    If you want to pursue a career in medicine and join the military, this is a great option to take full advantage of the financial incentives that come with that path.

    The program is open to those with an undergraduate degree who are applying for medical or dental school, as well as those currently enrolled in medical or dental school.

    Related ArticleAir Force Signing, Enlistment, and Reenlistment Bonuses

    National Guard Tuition Tips & Tactics

    Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Course In College

    More articles

    - Advertisement -

    Popular Articles