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National Guard Tuition Waivers for Graduate School

Are you thinking about getting a graduate degree? You probably already know that as a Guard member, you can access generous tuition assistance programs through Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) or state-funded tuition waivers. But did you know that in some states, these benefits you may also be eligible to use your state waivers for up to a doctoral degree?

For this article, we are focused on state “waiver” programs or ones that are tuition-free, tuition-reduced, or provide tuition reimbursement. And while some states require that you use federal dollars before you can access a waiver, unless you plan to attend a community college FTA isn’t going to go very far.

This list and the information provided are based on available information and data from state .gov websites. It does not include institutions that may offer waivers for graduate courses without verifiable details, nor does it cover combining waivers with the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Read next: National Guard Education Benefits

National Guard Tuition Waivers for Public Schools

Connecticut

Members of the Connecticut National Guard who are accepted into public schools in the state, whether full-time or part-time, may be eligible for free graduate school tuition. Out-of-state residents may also qualify. Additionally, members can access counseling services to help them prepare for any required testing.

While the eligibility for the waiver applies to both the Army and Air National Guard, the process differs slightly for each: 

•  Army National Guard: Members request the waiver through their unit’s Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) for readiness.
• Air Guard: Members request the waiver through their unit’s Education Service Officer (ESO).

The waiver in Connecticut applies to tuition only, so you’ll want to review the cost of fees and other costs, including parking, lab, activity, and technology fees. If your program charges tuition by credit, you’ll want to contact the school directly for more information.

Louisiana State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP)

For Guard members residing in Louisiana, the STEP program offers free tuition to Guard members currently drilling and in good standing. This tuition waiver can be used for multiple degrees, including a Master’s degree, and may be eligible for up to 15 semesters or 20 quarters at public colleges and universities. Fees are not included; however, all Guard members are now eligible for the Patriot Scholarship, which offers additional funds for these expenses.

Check out: Find Scholarships for Military & Veterans

New Hampshire National Guard Education Assistance

State residents who are active members of the New Hampshire National Guard in good standing may be eligible for free tuition for full or part-time attendance at public community technical colleges or ‘degree-enhancing” curricula in any public college or university within the state.

Members will need to use any federal assistance that is available first, and the graduate degree will need to be approved and, in most cases, be related to the undergraduate degree. This is a “space available” program, and there may be a time or credit limit, so be sure to discuss your options and eligibility with your unit’s education office.

Members apply through the Guard Education Office; waiver requests must be made before classes start.

While graduate school coursework is eligible, specific specialty programs may not be fully funded, so you’ll want to double-check what’s covered.

New Jersey National Guard Waiver

Eligible members of the New Jersey National Guard can receive a tuition waiver for up to 16 credits per semester and one degree at state colleges and universities (note that this waiver does not cover fees). To qualify, members must have completed Initial Active-Duty Training (AIT), be actively drilling, and maintain good standing.

To use this benefit, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), apply to your chosen school, and submit the COE to the school’s financial aid office.

New Jersey and some other states require that you first apply for other aid by filling out your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFS) before receiving state support. Your school and your ESO should know if this applies to you.

Read next: Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Overview

 

States Permitting Waivers to be used at Private Institutions

Delaware

Delaware Guard members in good standing attending either a public or private school full-time or part-time may be eligible for free tuition. Private schools are covered up to the average state school’s tuition cost. The state requires at least 6 years of Guard service, and the benefit must be used within 15 years, and the member must provide all documentation for reimbursement within 45 days of completing the semester. The process is as follows:

• Apply before the start of classes.
• Register with the state.
• File for reimbursement at the end of each semester.

While the waiver is applicable for a master’s degree, these costs will only be covered only after all undergraduate degrees for members are funded, so make sure you contact the education office to confirm funding availability. Also, there is limited information on the coverage of school fees, so you’ll want to check with the education office or the school you intend to attend for clarification.

Florida Educational Duty for Dollars

For Guard members who are residents and serving in Florida, you may be eligible for 100% of the resident graduate school tuition at public schools and up to the maximum tuition amount for public schools at private institutions. This benefit is available to members currently serving and in good standing in Florida. Tuition is typically paid directly to the school of attendance.

Florida’s Adjutant General summed up the project like this.

“One great benefit of being a member of the Florida National Guard is the state-funded Education Dollars for Duty. Over 16,000 Soldiers and Airmen have taken advantage of this valuable incentive, which includes coverage of Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees as well as numerous certifications and licensing programs,” said Major General Haas, Adjutant General.

While the program will pay for postgraduate tuition, the amount will be based on the “standard graduate level” and anything else that will be your responsibility.

Maryland Military State Tuition Benefits

The state of Maryland offers 2 programs that support members of their Guard in pursuing graduate and postgraduate coursework at member public and private colleges and universities. However, only the State Tuition Waiver (STW) can be used for postgraduate studies. The waiver is offered on a “space” available basis, and institutions define the specifics of usage. In the case of schools located on the base, there are no space restrictions, and most will have between 35% and 50% of their tuition waived.

To qualify, you must be a resident, currently serving, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and have at least 2 years left in your contract.

Nebraska National Guard

Nebraska residents are eligible for 100% of undergraduate tuition at any “state-supported institution of higher education or university, college, or community college, or an independent, not-for-profit, regionally accredited college or university.” Applications must be submitted between 60 and 5 days before the first day of classes.

For graduate school, the eligible rate is 50% and cannot exceed the resident tuition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. To be eligible, you must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

For both benefits, applications must be submitted 5 days before classes begin, and an additional 3 years of service commitment is required.

North Carolina Tuition Assistance Program (NCTAP)

North Carolina tuition assistance is a reimbursement program that permits members to receive up to 100% of tuition and fees at member schools in the NC College Promise initiative (select public schools). For other schools, only tuition is covered.

Members may apply before they complete AIT. Members actively drilling with at least 2 years left (or extend for 2 more) in their contract. While there are maximum tuition amounts for tuition reimbursement, based on the average public-school tuition, you should be able to cover tuition; private schools are different. If you’re using FTA, you may also be reimbursed for up to $1,000 in fees.

National Guard tuition waivers offer an excellent opportunity to pursue those graduate degrees you’re interested in. From tuition-free education at public institutions to partial assistance at private schools, these benefits can pave the way to achieving your academic and professional goals.

Below is a checklist of action items to get you prepared to take the following steps to optimize your education benefits:

• Research eligibility requirements and confirm them with your education office. Each state has different rules for tuition waivers (e.g., service requirements, residency criteria, degree program restrictions).
• Explore your state’s policy to see if you must complete a FAFSA or use FTA before being eligible for state waivers and other financial assistance.
• Look for other funding options like scholarships, school-specific aid, or Pell Grants to cover other expenses like fees and books.
• Check for degree-specific restrictions in your state. Even if your state permits members to use waivers for graduate school, some states exclude specialized graduate programs like medical or law school.
• Confirm the application process for your state, as procedures may vary between states and branches of the Guard.
• Be proactive and organized when submitting your application—consider submitting early to avoid any unexpected issues.
• Utilize available counseling and support services to refine your application and navigate the process.
• Stay in touch with your state’s education office and unit’s education officer to keep up to date on policy changes or new benefits.

By following these guidelines and confirming your state’s requirements, you can optimize your Guard benefits and fully leverage them even beyond an undergraduate degree.

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