A Guide to Military Education- The Army, part 2.

Army Tuition Assistance

Army Tuition Assistance  or (TA) provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. The program is open to nearly all soldiers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, and Army National Guard and Army Reserve on active duty.

Army Tuition Assistance
Army Tuition Assistance (TA) provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. The program is open to nearly all soldiers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, and Army National Guard and Army Reserve on active duty.

There are some restrictions to who may use Army Tuition Assistance and what courses it can be used for.

Download AR 621-5 (Army Continuing Education System Regulations) to get further details.

Tip
The Army has launched a new online TA process. Be sure to register and get your username and password set up even if you don't intend to start classes right away.

Payment
The maximum amount paid for tuition assistance: 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed:

• $250 @ Semester Credit Hour, or
• $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour, and
• $4500 @ Fiscal Year

The Army Continuing Education System has launched a new automated tuition assistance project. The TA automation will allow active duty soldiers to request TA and enroll in courses online. This will speed up the enrollment process and minimize wait times at Army Education Centers. Active Duty soldiers are now able to request TA online through GoArmyEd.

The New Online Application Process
The following key points and GoArmyEd procedures are now in effective:

• If you were enrolled in the eArmyU program and have maintained the minimum standard Army TA grade point average of 2.0 you will automatically have access to the new system.
• If you have received tuition assistance with a passing grade since 1 October, 2004 you will receive an invitation in your Army Knowledge Online email account to obtain a login/password for the new website.
• In order for you to obtain TA for classes starting 1 May, 2006 and beyond, you must register on the GoArmyEd website – register for a login/password as soon as possible.
• Obtaining a login/password does not obligate you to take eArmyU or any other college courses.
• You will choose your degree/certificate program and request TA online through www.GoArmyEd.com.
• TA eligibility checks will be automated. If TA is approved, a request for enrollment will be passed electronically to the school.
• If the TA request is disapproved, you will be notified about the steps you will need to take. Education Center personnel will be available to assist with resolving TA issues.
• If you are not in eArmyU, or you have not received an invitation through your AKO email, you must request a GoArmyEd login by choosing the “New Users” tab in the public view of GoArmyEd.com before requesting TA. The “New Users” tab will guide you through the processes necessary to obtain a login and establish an account.
• Your record of previous courses and degree plan will be accessible online.
• If you need to withdraw from class, the withdrawal must be done online through www.GoArmyEd.com. The withdrawal will be forwarded to the school.
• If you withdraw for personal reasons, the new system will initiate TA repayment procedures. Personal withdrawal reasons require you to repay the TA. Repayment will take place through an automated feed between the Army and Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
• If you withdraw for military reasons, your Unit Commander information will be required with the military reason for withdrawal. The request is subject to verification. If the military reason is approved, TA repayment will be waived.
• Remember that fraudulent requests for military reasons are subject to disciplinary action or criminal charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
• You will need to get your Commander’s signature on a TA Statement of Understanding (SOU) each year. Sergeants First Class (SFC) and above may sign for themselves in place of the Commander. Each term you will need to recertify the TA SOU online.
• If you choose to attend a school that does not have any courses available in the new system, you need to pay tuition directly to the school and request reimbursement. Authorized TA reimbursement will be paid through DFAS directly to your bank account after receipt of successful grade.
• Listings of schools that provide upfront TA are listed on the GoArmyEd website under the “Earn a Degree” link. Click on “Schools and Programs”.

For general information about the Army's automated TA process, GoArmyEd.com.