In addition to federal Tuition Assistance, military reserve and National Guard members may qualify for GI Bill benefits, Federal Student Aid, and scholarships.
The additional aid can help reservists bridge the gap if their benefits cover only part of their college costs.
To learn more about service-specific education benefits, check out the following related links:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
- Army Voluntary Education Programs
- Navy Voluntary Education Programs
- Air Force Voluntary Education Programs
- Marine Corps Voluntary Education Programs
- Coast Guard Voluntary Education Programs
The following table highlights the most common education benefits.
| Program | What is it? | Who is Eligible? | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Assistance | Federal Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. In addition, Guard members may qualify for state tuition assistance. | Virtually all military service members are eligible. However, each service branch determines its own criteria for eligibility. | Federal Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% tuition and fees not to exceed:
|
| Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve | MGIB provides up to 36* months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible veterans for:
*Members who serve multiple terms of service may qualify for 48 months. | Reserve and Guard service members who have agreed to a 6-year contract. | Up to $481 per month for full-time institutional education in fiscal 2025. |
| Federal Student Aid | The federal government offers students low-interest loans and grants to help finance the cost of going to school. | Virtually all citizens are eligible. However, the program is needs-based, so certain income limits can apply. | The loans and grants are capped each fiscal year and depend on your personal economic circumstances. |
| Scholarships can come in the form of direct cash, tuition payments, vouchers and waivers. | Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility criteria. | Scholarships can range from as little as $50 book vouchers to full rides paying for tuition, room and board. |
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
