Chaplain Incentives and Benefits

With student loan repayments, excellent salary and more, the Guard helps honor your service and commitment in a number of ways.

Pay and Incentives

Your pay will depend on your rank, and the higher you go, the more you’ll earn. Since you’ll be starting as an officer, you’ll earn excellent pay—especially for part-time service. For additional information, refer to our Guard Pay section. 

Chaplain and Chaplain Candidates additional incentives:

  • Up to $80,000 Chaplain Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) to help pay off education loans
  • Montgomery GI Bill

Special Branch Officers Additional Benefits:

  • Medical and dental care for you and your Family (Tri-Care Reserve Select)
  • Up to $400,000 in low-cost life insurance
  • Discounted and tax-free grocery and shopping privileges at post exchanges and commissaries
  • Free Military Air flights based on space availability
  • Free academic testing and counseling for spouse
  • Access to recreational facilities on military installations
  • A retirement pension plan at the completion of 20 years of part-time service

Return to Incentives main page.

Seminaries and Scholarships

A higher education takes you a step closer to your higher calling. The National Guard understands this, so we have programs that make college, seminary or divinity school affordable. Check with your officer recruiter or state Education Services Officer (ESO) for current assistance programs.

In addition, the following schools or seminaries currently offer scholarships:

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 
$4,500 in tuition assistance
15 tuition scholarships at $4,500
Phone: 1.800.435.8805

Regent University School of Divinity 
$4,500 in tuition assistance
15 partial scholarships
Phone: 1.800.373.5504

Southwestern Christian University 
Loan Repayment up to $20,000
$4,500 in tuition assistance
20 scholarships up to $70 additional per credit hour
Phone: 1.888.418.9272

Oral Roberts University 
Loan Repayment up to $2,500
$4,500 in tuition assistance
$250 per credit hour
10 tuition scholarships at $2,500
Phone: 1.918.495.6510

United Theological Seminary 
15 scholarships at $3,600 each
Phone: 1.937.529.2201

Winebrenner Theological Seminary 
25 scholarships at $4,500 each
Phone: 1.800.992.4987

Liberty University
Phone: 1.434.582.2000

Oklahoma Christian University
Phone: 1.800.877.5010

And don't forget these additional Guard educational benefits:

  • Over $300 a month extra with the Montgomery GI Bill
  • Up to $80,000 in student loan repayment with the Chaplain Loan Repayment Program
  • Monthly drill pay for just two days service
  • Tri-Care Reserve Select health insurance program
  • Additional state-based aid to students who serve in the National Guard (varies by state)

Contact your National Guard state Education Services Officer (ESO) for more details.

Return to Chaplain Corps main page.