Spiraling college costs make it hard for people to get their college or advanced degree, but members of the Army Reserve can get help. Army Reserve tuition assistance is available for members of the Selective Reserves. And if you are a member of the National Guard, your state may give you additional tuition assistance as well.
What are your financial aid options as a member of the Army Reserve?
The Army Reserve encourages its members to pursue additional education. Advanced education can help you advance with promotions through the ranks. You need to get this voluntary education on your own time, but the Army Reserve gives you tuition assistance to focus on your studies. This is different from what you could receive from the regular Army, which could include MOS training for enlisted soldiers and AOC for commissioned officers.
So, what types of financial aid can you get?
Specifically, you could qualify for 100% scholarship for tuition up to $166/quarter hour or up to $250/semester hour (depending on whether your school is on the quarter or semester system). The annual total limit is $4500.
If you are going after your BA or BS degree as an officer, the Army Reserve provides 75% assistance with an annual limit of $4500. They allow $250/semester hour or $166/quarter hour.
Requirements for Applying
The eligibility requirements are specific for you to qualify for tuition assistance as an Army Reservist. These include:
Set your education goal to achieve a higher degree than your current degree already obtained
Be in good standing as a reservist who participates in drills as required.
If you are a warrant officer or enlisted soldier, you must have sufficient time to complete your course of study within your current term of service to qualify for assistance.
If you are a commissioned officer, you have to have at least four years of Selected Reserve service remaining after you have completed the course you are getting tuition assistance for.
You need to follow proper Army Reserve procedures to enroll in your independent study program.
Enlisted Personnel Spouses Have Other Opportunities
For instance, the EAP or Education Assistance Program for Spouses of Army personnel helps pay for education for husbands and wives of qualified soldiers deployed in Korea, Europe, Okinawa, or Japan. The grant helps pay for educational costs up to a limit of $350/term.
For more information, to get help with applying for Army reserve tuition assistance or other educational assistance for Army members and their spouses, contact your local Army Reserve Education Office.
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