Home  »  Getting Your Degree   »   Air Force Education Programs & College Benefits

Air Force Education Programs & College Benefits

Updated | Julie Provost
Air Force Education

If you’re in the US Air Force and looking to jumpstart your post-military career, there are many education options available. The Air Force offers many schools and programs to help you further educate yourself and work towards the career you would like to have – whether that’s in the Air Force or after separation.

Here are some of the Education Benefits Programs for the Air Force to help you achieve your career goals.

Air Force Education Programs and Benefits

If you are serving in the US Air Force, there are specific programs just for you that may be different than other branches. Make sure to take advantage of these if you decide to go to school to further your career.

Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA)

The Tuition Assistance program covers the cost of courses taken during off-duty hours. The TA benefit may cover up to 100% of tuition up to a specified cap. This benefit is limited by a fiscal year maximum per service member. Check with your command to determine the current cap per student. TA can be used for courses that lead to an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. It is the most commonly used benefit for part-time education.

Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

The Community College of the Air Force is an accredited institution dedicated to the enlisted force. Its primary mission is to offer job-related Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. The CCAF automatically applies credits from Basic Military Training, technical school, and professional military education toward a degree. To complete the A.A.S. degree, service members must fulfill general education requirements, which are often done by taking classes from civilian colleges using Tuition Assistance.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

While Tuition Assistance is typically the first choice for active-duty members, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a more comprehensive benefit. It can be used while on active duty, but many feel it is best saved for use after separation. It can also be transferred to a spouse or dependent after meeting specific service requirements. The benefit also includes a stipend for books and supplies. It is important to note that active-duty service members (and spouses using transferred benefits) are not eligible to receive the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).

Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD)

The LEAD program is a path for commanders to nominate outstanding enlisted members for an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy or the Academy Prep School.

Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

This program is for enlisted members who wish to join an Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) detachment as a full-time student. Selectees for this program are released from active duty to join the AFROTC. The benefit provides a scholarship for tuition, in addition to a textbook allowance and a monthly stipend.

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR)

The SOAR program is similar to ASCP, but it is a nomination-based program. MAJCOM commanders nominate top enlisted members to complete their degree through AFROTC. Selectees are discharged from active duty to join the AFROTC. This program offers a scholarship that covers tuition, along with a textbook allowance and a monthly stipend.

Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP)

This program is designed for enlisted members who are nearing completion of their degree. It is open to Airmen who are within two years of completing their bachelor’s degree. Selectees are released from active duty to join AFROTC as full-time students for their final two years, a period known as the “Professional Officer Course.” Participants do not receive active duty pay but are eligible for a commission upon graduation.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

The HPSP is for individuals pursuing professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, or other specialized healthcare fields. The HPSP offers 3- and 4-year scholarships that cover tuition, books, and all required fees. It also provides a monthly stipend. In return for this benefit, recipients agree to a year-for-year active duty service commitment, with a minimum of three years.

Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)

The NECP offers enlisted members a path to becoming a registered nurse and a commissioned officer in the Nurse Corps. Unlike ASCP or SOAR, NECP participants remain on active duty and continue to receive their full pay and benefits while attending school full-time. The program provides a scholarship for tuition and fees for a maximum of 24 consecutive months.

Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP)

This program is the Air Force’s path for enlisted members to become a Physician Assistant (PA). This is a highly competitive, DoD-wide program. Selected Airmen remain on active duty with full pay and benefits while in school. The program is split into two phases, and upon successful completion, graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and are commissioned as a first lieutenant.

RELATED:  A Community College for Airmen

 

 

RELATED:

 

 

About the author

Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.

Tagged: