You are here: home > Fund Your Education

The Army's Tuition Assistance Program: Fund Your Education
According to the United States Census, college graduates make $23,000 more per year than high school graduates. Given the benefits of a degree, you're smart to take advantage of the tuition help the Army offers. Through Armed Forces Tuition Assistance, you can get up to 100% of your undergraduate education paid for by the Army. Earning your degree gives you a huge advantage whether you choose to continue your military career or opt for a civilian career.
Benefits for Active Duty and Reserve Soldiers
Tuition benefits are the same for both active duty and reserve soldiers. As an active duty or reserve soldier, you are entitled to payment for 100% of your tuition and fees up to $4,500 per year. Keep in mind that the Army pays a maximum of $250 per semester credit hour, so you will have to make up the difference if your college charges more per credit hour. If you have served three years or more, you are eligible for up to $32,400 toward your education through the Montgomery GI Bill. The GI Bill also has a "top-up" option for more expensive courses that covers the difference between the Army's payment of $250 per credit hour and the actual cost of the course per credit hour.

Why Take Advantage of These Programs?
Using the Army's tuition assistance program to earn your bachelor's degree can help you to advance your military career. The Army places a high value on continuing education, and that commitment shows in the makeup of its officer corps. According to a Department of Defense survey, 87% of new active duty officers have earned or will soon earn their bachelor's degrees. Ninety-five percent of the officer corps as a whole have bachelor's degrees. The figures for the Army Reserve are similar. Eighty-one percent of new Reserve officers and 91% of the officer corps have their bachelor's degrees.

Also, earning your bachelor's degree can provide big benefits in your civilian life. Many careers are only open to bachelor's degree holders, and bachelor's degree holders make far more money than their less educated peers over the course of their careers.

Whether you want to further your career in the military or are looking ahead to a civilian career, the Army's tuition assistance program is a great way to work toward your goal.

Sources:
"Benefits," GoArmy.com
"Population Representation in the Military Services Executive Summary," Department of Defense
"Women Edge Men in High School Diplomas," U.S. Census Bureau