FAP740: Special – Active Duty Military Education Benefits

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I got a very special email yesterday from an active duty service member. Keith asked:

+ I’m currently a specialist in the U.S. Army and have several years before my contract expires. Before joining I obtained my B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science. After my service is complete, I plan to pursue my Ph.D. in the same. However, that’s a long way off and to pass to the time (and hopefully stimulate my mind) I thought I’d pursue another Masters while still in the Army through a distance education program.
+ Could you describe for me the financial support options available to me through the Army and otherwise? Muchas gracias.
+ By the way… great program. Thanks for puttin’ out quality information.

Happy to help, Keith. I did some research and here’s what I’ve come up with. There are three basic benefits for active duty service members when it comes to continuing education – the Montgomery GI Bill, the GoArmyEd program, and the eArmyU program.

GI Bill
+ Usable after 2 years of service
+ You forfeit $100/month of active duty pay for the first year
+ Not usually a good idea to use GI Bill while on active duty – it depletes the overall amount you qualify for
+ Think of the GI Bill as an investment pool
+ The MGIB is an entitlement under the law and is currently valued at $28,800 for three or more year’s enlistment and $23,400 for a two year enlistment for 36 months of benefits.
+ If you use it while on active duty, you have less when you leave the service
+ ALWAYS consult your Education Service Officer or Navy College representative before using your GI Bill or taking any college classes.
+ http://www.gibill.va.gov

GoArmyEd Tuition Assistance
+ Provides up to $4,500 per year, $250 per semester hour
+ TA is available to Soldiers to complete a high school diploma and to complete certificate programs. However, TA will not be approved to complete credentials at the same or a lower educational level than that which the Soldier already holds. TA is not authorized for programs beyond the master’s degree.
+ By law, officers incur an Active Duty service obligation (ADSO) of two years when they use TA.
+ Distance learning program
+ GoArmyEd gives you access to many regionally accredited colleges and universities and over 1,000 available degree plans.
+ 25 partner colleges and universities and 145 degree and certificate programs
+ All credits earned are automatically transferred to your host institution
+ 2.0 minimum GPA sustained
+ http://www.GoArmyEd.com

eArmyU
+ eArmyU provides Soldiers access to 145 degree plans at 25 regionally-accredited colleges and universities. Through eArmyU, Soldiers and Officers/Warrant Officers Army-wide have the opportunity to earn a certificate or an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from a home college while taking courses from multiple colleges. Web-based courses offer unique “anytime, anywhere” flexibility, allowing Soldiers to study at times that are most convenient for them – even as their responsibilities, schedules, and duty assignments change.
+ Once enrolled, Soldiers receive up to 100% funding for tuition, course-related fees, and books (up to the established semester hour cap and tuition ceiling). In addition to 24-hour technical support, eArmyU provides Soldiers with assistance in determining a program of study, and in registering for courses and transferring credits, as well as providing online academic tutoring and access to home college library resources.
+ http://www.eArmyU.com

Civilian financial aid
+ Some programs may be available; most federal financial aid requires half time enrollment or greater
+ Private student loans can be used for continuing education, but I strongly encourage you to check out the Army’s offering first.

Most important, contact your Education Service Officer or Navy College representative. These folks know the military’s internal education benefits system much better than I do, and will help you make sure you don’t lose any benefits.

Finally, a special note of thanks to anyone in the armed forces who listens to the Financial Aid Podcast. Whatever the politics of things going on in civilian life, please know that we all support and honor the commitment you’ve made to serving your country, and we wish you a safe and speedy return home. If you’re a civilian who’d like to show support in a direct way, join up with eMailourMilitary.com!

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