LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Service members have various reasons for volunteering to serve. According to Air and Education Training command, Airmen list their desire to continue college education as one of their top three reasons to join the military. There are a number of education benefits provided by the services, as well as veteran organizations. The following article will help you navigate Tuition Assistance requirements with the 913th Airlift Group.
TA can be used to pursue academic or technical courses or degree programs, which can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on or off base, or by distance learning. The institution must be accredited.
Reserve members may use tuition assistance for the following programs:
• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate programs
To be eligible for TA, the member must:
Be an actively participating Reserve member on drill status for pay and points, and be in good standing with the unit. Member must attend all monthly unit training assemblies or have training accounted. Physical fitness test must be current and a passing score. TA will be automatically denied for Airmen with Unfavorable Information Files, on a control roster, or received a referral evaluation.
If the member is in upgrade training, they must be on track with their career development courses (not over 10 months) and training timeline (not over 18 months).
Before obtaining TA, Airmen must receive a briefing with the unit’s Education Office, be approved by their supervisors, via the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC), and fall within the TA application window of 45 calendar days prior to, and no later than 7 calendar days before, the semester start date. To schedule a meeting with the 913 AG Education Office call 501-987-4529 or email katie.widger.1@us.af.mil.
Reserve TA Benefits:
Similar to Active Duty TA benefits, reserve Airmen approved for TA receive $4,500 every fiscal year and the left over funds to not roll over to the following fiscal year. TA covers up to $250 per credit hour, which will cover most undergraduate courses. Airmen will have to cover costs that exceed the $250 per credit hour limit. The TA funds do not cover books or fees such as lab costs.
Maintaining Benefits:
Members are required to pass the undergraduate courses with a “C” or higher or “B” or higher for graduate courses pass courses. Members who do not meet those academic standards will reimburse the TA used for that particular course.
Other Resources:
For more information you can reach out to the unit Education Office or visit the websites below:
https://myairforcebenefits.altess.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Tuition-Assistance-(TA)?serv=24
https://www.va.gov/education/eligibility/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/education-employment/for-service-members/preparing-for-higher-education/how-to-use-the-military-tuition-assistance-program