Tuition Assistance (TA) Guide

Active-duty funding that helps cover course costs while serving

Tuition Assistance (TA) is a military education benefit that helps active-duty service members pay for college courses while on duty. This guide explains how TA works, who it’s for, and how to use it strategically alongside other benefits.

Who this guide is for:

• Active-duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve members (eligibility varies by branch)

If you’re pursuing education while serving, TA can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs when used correctly.

What is Tuition Assistance (TA)?

Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that helps pay for college courses taken during active service. TA typically covers tuition costs up to a set limit per credit hour and per year, depending on branch policies.

TA is often used for:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate degrees
• Certificates and credential programs

How Tuition Assistance works

While details vary by branch, TA generally follows this process:

1. You apply for TA approval before enrolling in a course
2. Approved funds are paid directly to the school
3. You complete courses while meeting service and academic requirements

TA is designed to support education without interrupting service obligations.

What Tuition Assistance covers

TA typically helps pay for:

• Tuition costs (up to branch limits)
• Approved degree or certificate programs

TA generally does not cover:

• Books and supplies
• Fees beyond approved tuition limits
• Courses not aligned with an approved education plan

Using Tuition Assistance strategically

TA can be even more powerful when combined with other decisions:

• Pair TA with military-friendly or online programs
• Use TA for coursework and reserve GI Bill® benefits for later
• Choose schools with strong transfer and prior learning credit policies

See RoEDU Accelerants for military students

Find schools that accept Tuition Assistance

Not all colleges work equally well with TA. Start with schools experienced in supporting active-duty students.

• TA-Eligible Colleges Schools that work with military education benefits
• Online Colleges for Active-Duty Service Members Flexible formats designed to fit service schedules

Degrees that work well with Tuition Assistance

Some degree paths are easier to manage while serving.

• Degrees for Working Professionals Programs designed to balance education and full-time responsibilities
• Degrees Designed for Online Learning Flexible options for remote study
• Accelerated Degree Paths Options that may help you finish sooner

How TA affects long-term value

Using Tuition Assistance can reduce total education cost, but outcomes still matter.

RoEDU™ helps you compare schools and degrees based on cost, time to completion, and outcomes, so you can understand long-term value — not just upfront savings.

→ Compare options with RoEDU™