Reserve Education Benefits User's Guide

The military offers several programs to support your education goals including tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and other education programs. The following guide will help you make the most of these benefits.

Tuition assistance program guidelines, application procedures and the policies for determining eligibility vary between the services. Select the following link to get detailed information on Reserve Tuition Assistance.

In addition to tuition assistance you may be eligible for service specific education programs, scholarships, college funds, and other programs that can help you reach your education goals. To learn more about your specific education benefits check out the following related links:

The following table highlights the most common education benefits.

Program

What is it?

Who is Eligible?

Benefit

Tuition Assistance

Federal Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. Click here to learn more

In addition Guardsman may qualify for State Tuition Assistance.

Virtually all military servicemembers are eligible. However each service branch determines its own criteria for eligibility.

Federal Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed:

  • $250 @ Semester Credit Hour
  • $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour
  • $4500 @ Fiscal Year

Montgomery G.I. Bill – for Selected Reserve

MGIB provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

  • College, Business
  • Technical or Vocational Courses
  • Correspondence Courses
  • Apprenticeship/Job Training
  • Flight Training

Reserve and Guard servicemembers who have agreed to a 6 yr. contract.

Up to $329 per month for full-time institutional education (beginning Oct. 1, 2008).

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

A new education benefit for reserve and guard members who served over 90 days in support of OEF/OIF.

A member of a reserve component who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 U.S. Code for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for chapter 1607.

40, 60 or 80 percent of the GI Bill for Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefit.

The percentage is determined by the amount of time a servicemember is activated.

Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty & Veteran

MGIB provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

  • College, Business
  • Technical or Vocational Courses
  • Correspondence Courses
  • Apprenticeship/Job Training
  • Flight Training

Prior Service Active Duty members who have served at least two years on active duty before joining the guard or reserve
- or –
Reserve and Guard servicemembers who served more than 2 years continuous service on active duty and elected to pay the $1,200 contribution.

Up to $1321 per month for full-time institutional education (beginning Aug. 1, 2008).

Benefits end 10 years from the date of your last discharge or release from active duty.

Federal Student Aid

The Federal Government offers students low interest loans and grants to help finance the cost of going to school.

Virtually all citizens are eligible. However the program is needs based, so certain income limits can apply.

The loans and grants are capped each fiscal year and depend on your personal economic circumstances..

Scholarships

Scholarships can come in the form of direct cash, tuition payments, vouchers and waivers.

Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility criteria.

Scholarships can range from as little as $50 dollar book vouchers to “full rides” paying for tuition room and board.

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