GoArmyEd

ROTC

Earn a commission and a degree.
Commitment

Find state benefits.

See what your state offers.
GoArmyEd

Start at GoArmyEd.

Tuition help begins here.

Education Benefits

The National Guard has education covered.

The National Guard offers excellent education benefits. And your service qualifies you to cash in. Whether you want to move up in rank or advance your civilian career, education is your ticket.

In addition to funding your degree or business training, the Guard also helps you—and members of your Family—with academic counseling services and testing for school credit. And many of these benefits increase, based on factors like your time in service or days spent on Active Duty.

To make the process easier, you can now begin and manage all your Federal Tuition Assistance requests and other education records through GoArmyEd, the Army's online gateway for education support. And for answers to your specific questions, you can contact your state Education Services Officer (ESO).

Check the sections below to learn more about all the Guard’s education programs and benefits, or click this link to download the National Guard's Education Benefits Handbook.

Guard Education Resources

GI Bill – Earn up to $356 monthly expense allowance—totaling over $12,000 in a four-year period. Find the version that pays the most for your service. If you qualify for the Army National Guard Kicker, you’ll add even more.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) – The Guard will pay up to $4,500 per year, based on in-state tuition rates. You can use FTA with other financial assistance programs to easily cover up to 100 percent of your tuition.

Academic Testing – Find information about the SAT and ACT, graduate school exams, and tests that can help you earn academic credit for civilian and military experience (the CLEP, DSST and Excelsior exams). The Guard can also help pay for many of the tests to further your education.

Counseling Services – Keeping track of credits, planning your degree and tailoring it to a career can be a challenge. The education counselors at the Guard Support Center can answer questions and point you toward the right resources.

State Education Programs – Many states offer education benefits in addition to federal and GI Bill benefits. You may be able to fund 100 percent of your education and put money in your pocket. Find out what your state has to offer.

Additional Education Funding Resources – Learn about other resources that can make a big difference in finding military-friendly schools and paying for your degree.

FAQ – Many of the questions you have may already be answered for you. Check our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Additional Education Programs and Incentives

Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) - This program repays existing student loans up to $50,000 for qualifying new Soldiers, prior service Soldiers and officers.

Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) - For healthcare professionals joining the Army Medical and Dental Corps, the Guard may repay up to $240,000 in medical school loans.

Guard Scholarships - Army National Guard/ROTC scholarships can help you pay for college and put extra money in your pocket every month.

GED Plus - If you left high school without a diploma, you may still be able to earn your GED and join the Guard under the GED Plus Program.

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.