Army Education Programs
Like the other military branches, the Army offers its members great opportunities to get a college education. These programs are generally referred to as Voluntary Education or Vol Ed. The ACES (Army Continuing Education System) offers the following VOL ED programs to help soldiers reach their education goals:
- GoArmyEd
- Tuition Assistance
- Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOCAD)
- eArmyU
- Other Army Education Resources
GoArmyEd
GoArmyEd is the virtual gateway for Soldiers on active duty to request Tuition Assistance (TA) online, anytime for classroom, distance learning, and eArmyU online college courses. GoArmyEd provides an automated process that has replaced some of the processes that were historically conducted with your Army Education Counselor.GoArmyEd can be used by:
Army Tuition Assistance
If you are on Active Duty or in the Army Reserve, you may be eligible to receive up to 100% of your college tuition.
The Army Continuing Education System will launch a tuition assistance automation project on April 1, 2006. The TA automation will allow Soldiers to request TA and enroll in courses online. This will assist in expediting the enrollment process and minimize wait times at Army Education Centers. Soldiers will be able to request TA online through the ACES portal called GoArmyEd. Learn more about the Army TA.
SOCAD
SOCAD is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the Army.
- SOCAD consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to Army installations worldwide.
- SOCAD colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others.
SOCAD guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Army may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.
Click here for more on SOCAD.
eArmyU
eArmyU is an exciting new college program that provides you:
- 100 percent tuition assistance (TA)
- Books and study materials
- Fees for online courses
- A technology package which includes a laptop computer, printer, email account and Internet access
Click here to learn more about applying for eArmyU.
Other Army Education Resources
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Spouse Education Assistance Program (EAP)
If you are assigned in Europe, Korea, Japan or Okinawa, Army Emergency Relief offers your spouse a grant to assist with the costs associated with pursuing his or her education, up to a maximum of $350 per term.
Click here to learn how to apply for Spouse Education Assistance.
The Army College Fund (ACF)
The Army College Fund is also known as a MGIB Kicker, and is available to those who sign up for the GI Bill. If you're a high school graduate, score a 50 or better on the ASVAB, and qualify for certain Army jobs or specialties, you can get more than $20,000 in addition to your GI Bill money for your education upon enlistment.
Click here for more on the Army College Fund.
Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
If you are a college student or graduate who qualifies for the Loan Repayment Program (LRP), the Army will pay, upon enlistment, up to $65,000 of your student loans for a college level education.
Click here for more on the Army Loan Repayment Program.
- Soldiers to pursue their postsecondary educational goals.
- Army Education Counselors to provide educational guidance.
- Colleges to deliver degree and course offerings and to report Soldier progress.
To learn more about this program visit the GoArmyEd website.
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The GI Bill can provide up to $52,500 for school. Request info from schools with VA approved education programs today.
Important Note: You should confirm with schools whether programs and policies meet your specific requirements.
