Federal Tuition Assistance

The National Guard supports your civilian educational dreams and goals, and can help you pay your tuition. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) (as opposed to those opportunities which may exist in your state) is available through GoArmyEd and has these current caps:

  • $250/semester hour up to $4,500/fiscal year
  • 150 semester credits or bachelor's degree—whichever comes first
  • 45 semester hours after a bachelor’s degree or master's degree—whichever comes first (once you have a master's degree, you are no longer eligible for FTA)

In light of these caps, it’s in your best interest to work with an Education Counselor and choose your coursework wisely. Your counselor can assist you with various assessment tools to help you. (You can use the PReP assessment tool in GoArmyEd to help you decide.)

You will be required to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better to use FTA. Soldiers whose GPA falls under 2.0 (or 3.0 for Graduate students) will be placed on a funding hold until their GPA improves to the minimums. If you fail a course, you will have to pay back that FTA money.

You can use FTA with other financial assistance programs (like state waivers and the GI Bill), but there may be restrictions. For more information about tuition assistance in your state, click on your state (link will take you to U.S. map) to contact personnel in the State Education Office, or ask your recruiter. For more information about the GI Bill, talk to your GI Bill Manager.

GoArmyEd provides you with the ability to apply for FTA online and manage your education record—anytime/anywhere. To establish an account, go to GoArmyEd, click on the “New User” button on the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. Make sure to follow all the instructions, provide the necessary information, and participate in the required training.

If you’re not interested in a degree but are interested in certification—since many business fields and trades require education credits for certification, licensure or credentialing—then these courses may be eligible for tuition assistance. Learn more about testing, licensing and certification.

Additional education funding resources include grants and scholarships. These require filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Some may provide living expenses, depending on the terms. Learn more about Additional Education Funding Resources.

Current Guard Soldiers can get information on education programs by emailing the Guard Support Center or calling 1-866-628-5999. If you would like to join the Guard and take advantage of these benefits, click Join the Guard below.