Benefits - Education

MORE STUDENT. LESS DEBT.
Joining the Army National Guard gives you more than just the pride that comes from serving your country. You can earn benefits to help pay for your education and related expenses, and you can complete your education while you serve. The National Guard offers many programs for every type of student, whether you're still in high school, attending college or working toward a vocational certification.  

ROTC 
The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) prepares college students to become future officers. As a cadet, participation takes just a few hours per week, so you'll maintain a normal collegiate schedule, in which ROTC is an elective. Upon graduation, those who complete ROTC will receive a bachelor's degree and commission as a second lieutenant. While in college, ROTC cadets can earn additional benefits through the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), participating in the Army National Guard and your college's ROTC program at the same time. Cadets will be paired with and mentored by a unit officer, and get paid to drill once a month with their Army National Guard unit.  

• Qualify for up to 100 percent tuition with the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GFRD) scholarship.
• Earn a cash bonus, depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
• Receive a monthly allowance, based on your grade level.
• Get more money every month through the Montgomery GI Bill® and Guard Kicker. 

Tuition Assistance
The Army National Guard's Federal and State Tuition Assistance programs help students cover the cost of college or professional training. 

• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
• Pays tuition costs up to $250 per semester hour, up to 16 SHs up to $4,000 per fiscal year 
• May be used to earn one degree; Associates, Bachelor's and Master's
• One academic certificate, up to 21 semester hours per liftetime/career 
• State State Tuition Assistance (STA) 
• Up to 100% tuition assistance; programs vary by state
• To find out what your state offers, go to: www.nationalguard.com/select-your-state 

Certificates/Licenses - Credentialing Assistance 
In the civilian world, credentials – certifications and licenses – may be required for a job or help you become a highly qualified candidate for a job opportunity. The Army Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program helps Soldiers find and pay for certifications or licenses for a broad range of military and private-sector jobs. 

• Pays tuition, fees, books, and exam costs for any approved credential 
• Soldiers may use up to $4,000 per fiscal year  

GI Bill 

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve 

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve is unique to part-time Soldiers. It helps pay for education and training benefits for up to 36 months in return for six years of service.

• Pays more than $400 in monthly tuition payments for 36 months
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete initial training (Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training)
• Benefits must be used during your service and cannot be used after your service ends 

Additional Benefits 

• Loan Repayment - The Army’s Loan Repayment Program (LRP) repays close to $65,000 of outstanding student loan debt. You must meet certain requirements to qualify.  
• Registered Apprenticeship & On-the-Job Training Programs - Offer a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction provided under the supervision of a trade professional, journeyman-level, or craftsman in which workers learn practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. 
• Spouse Education Support - Support your spouse’s ambitions with funding for education, licensing and credentials, and career counseling services—available to eligible military spouses. 
• Education Guidance- helps Soldiers meet education goals by providing guidance, advice, and planning assistance.
  CTA: College Planning Assistance 
• Education Support Services - Tutoring, Test Prep, ASVAB & Army Personnel Testing
  CTA: Education Support Services 
• Education Resources - Financial Aid & Grants, College Scholarships,