Military Tuition Assistance & Scholarships

Allied School’s Military Tuition Assistance

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:02:40 +0000

Allied School services all branches of the military and accepts 100% Military Tuition Assistance for most programs. Whether you are in the Marines, Navy, Air Force, National Guard or Army Reserve (Allied works with the active-duty Army on a reimbursement basis) you can use Tuition Assistance to pay for your career training.

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is for those service members that are still on active duty and will remain on active duty for the length of their enrolled classes. TA is also available to service members in all branches. One would have to check with their branch to find details about applying and qualifying for this benefit.

Why pay for career training yourself? The military will pay 100% of your tuition expenses! There is nothing standing between you and your future career. Learn about eligibility requirements by contacting Allied Schools. Click on your branch below to view tuition details and plan for a smooth military transition to civilian life:

Allied Schools also offers comprehensive Military Spouse Scholarships for all active duty member’s spouses.

Navy Tuition Assistance Transactions Shift to 100% WebTA

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:23:24 +0000

All Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) transactions will soon shift to an entirely online process accessible through the Navy College Program Web site’s WebTA portal.

Sailors applying for tuition assistance will be required to use WebTA to process all applications beginning April 15.

“WebTA allows Sailors to complete all steps in the tuition assistance and education planning process online,” said Mary Redd-Clary, the Navy’s Voluntary Education (VOLED) program director.

“In the past, Sailors could start the TA application process, but were then required to circulate a printed copy for review and approval through the chain of command. Now, Sailors and Marines can complete the entire process virtually, and the final step is the paper-based submission, in person or via fax, to one of the Navy’s 52 Navy College Offices (NCO) for delivery to the school,” said Redd-Clary.

The WebTA application must be approved by the commanding officer or authorized command delegate.

“We recommend developing an internal command review process, as that process will ensure all management controls for Sailors TA requirements are met. These requirements, such as completion of warfare qualifications, should all be reviewed prior to the commanding officer’s final approval,” said Redd-Clary.

In addition to TA application processing through WebTA, the NCP site includes tools required for Sailors to develop an interactive education plan with direct support from NCO counselors. The site also provides Sailors and counselors access to Sailor/Marine Ace Registry Transcript (SMART) records.

Sailors can also search degree plans based on their ratings. These degree plans are offered through partner schools from the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP).

“WebTA also offers commands an opportunity to provide more timely and interactive support of their Sailors as they work to identify their professional and academic pursuits,” said Redd-Clary.

For more information about the Navy College Program, visit https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.

Source: http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52441

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Available to Student Veterans

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:15:14 +0000

As a military veteran, it’s imperative that you play a proactive role to ensure the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits you have earned are in fact received. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers terrific benefits, but they are not automatic. The actions you take today will simplify the application process and help the VA expedite your benefits payments. I’m contacting you today on behalf of The United States Department of Veterans Affairs to stress the importance of completing all of the necessary steps to ensure the benefits you deserve will be paid in a timely fashion! Here’s what you need to do:

Check your eligibility online at www.gibill.va.gov

Submit your application VA Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.

After you have enrolled in school, check with your School Certifying Official (SCO) to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to the VA on your behalf. This form certifies your actual enrollment period and triggers your payment. *Here’s a little hint: the school’s designated SCO will be found in the Financial Aid Department, Admissions and Records Department, or Registrar’s Office.)

And last but not least, enjoy the education benefits you earned!

If you’re planning to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend school anytime this year, take action today. Please let me know if you would be interested in working together to ensure your readers are securing the benefits they are eligible for. For more information please visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov or text GIBill to 99702. And thank you for your service to our country.

Click here to learn more about Post 9/11 GI Bill

Everything You Need to Know About Online Universities & The Military

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:22:23 +0000

One reason why many individuals join the military is for educational benefits. All branches of the military do not hesitate to mention education as a benefit, as this is part and parcel of recruitment and retention. Military training is just one facet in this story, however, as active military personnel, veterans and their families also have opportunities to extend their learning to college courses. Online universities and colleges in particular are reaching out to the military to offer opportunities to learn while ‘on the job’ so veterans will have a better opportunity for higher-paying jobs upon retirement.

The G.I. Bill, which was first enacted in 1944, provided college or vocation education for returning World War II veterans, or G.I.s, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. This bill enabled many returning servicemen to become competitive in the job market after serving military duty and continues today under slightly different conditions. Additionally, the Department of Defense monitors and has subsidized college tuition for active-duty service members since 1947.

Sometimes military offices do not move as fast as for-profit online universities and colleges, however. The latter institutions are competitive in enrollment, and the numbers of military personnel who have enrolled in online courses over the past few years has increased dramatically. While enrollment is increasing, concerns over the viability of online degrees has become an issue.

Online colleges and universities offer degrees to students who need flexible hours, and the online format suits military students who move frequently. Some online colleges allow transfer credits from other colleges, and enrollment can occur at any time. Plus, many online universities offer perks to military students, such as free laptops and textbooks.

At the moment, the downside to online education falls in the laps of active military personnel and veterans who want to pursue an online degree. Prospective students must take on the responsibility to learn more about the online college to discover whether that school is accredited, whether credits are transferable to other reputable colleges and if the college degree is respected in the business community.

On the upside, many online universities have gained footholds in business communities, as their degrees have become more well-respected. Don’t forget conventional universities and colleges, as they now offer many online degree programs and individual courses. These colleges often are more well-respected in the business community. Additionally, the Defense Department plans to subject online programs to review by the American Council on Education within the next year (see links below). This scrutiny will allow recruits and veterans to pick and choose among for-profit online educational degrees with confidence.

In the meantime, we offer a number of resources that can enable anyone to learn more about online universities and the military, both active personnel and veterans:

The GI Bill:

In August 2009, recipients were eligible for greatly expanded benefits, or the full cost of any public college in their state. The new bill also provides a housing allowance and $1,000 a year stipend for books, among other benefits. But, there are difficulties with this new bill. The following sites may help clarify any issues you may have with this program:

VA GI Bill Information: This is the official Department of Veterans Affairs Web site on the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. The site lists benefit programs, tools and information as well as relevant news.
NewGIBill.org: This entire site is dedicated to explanations about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including news and benefit information.
New GI Bill Overview: This page on Military.com defines the details benefits of the new GI Bill.

Other VA Education Monies

Benefit Comparison Chart: Learn about the differences among the Post-9/11 GI Bill (defined above), the Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty), the Montgomery GI Bill (Reserves) and REAP, all defined below…
Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty: The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve: The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program: REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress.
Veterans Educational Assistance Program: VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.

Other VA Education Benefits

Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Free educational and vocational counseling (Chapter 36) services are provided by the VA to transitioning service members. Visit this link to learn more.
Student Work-Study Allowance Program: If you’re a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can “earn while you learn” with a VA work-study allowance.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program: The DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Online College Accreditation

Database of Accredited Post-secondary Institutions and Programs: Use this search engine to discover information about a college or university accreditation. Each of the post-secondary educational institutions and programs contained within the database is, or was, accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a “reliable authority as to the quality of post-secondary education” within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).
ED.gov: This government site provides lists of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit.

Online Education Searches

eLearners: This site breaks online education down into degrees, programs, courses and colleges. They offer information only on accredited resources.
Online Education Database: OEDb is the original source of online accredited programs. Unlike many other online education directories, their database only lists accredited online colleges so you can be sure that these degrees will be respected by potential employers. Use their rankings to find the best online program for you.

Other Sites of Interest

American Council on Education: The American Council on Education (ACE) is the only higher education organization that represents presidents and chancellors of all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions. Their mission is to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.
The Department of Defense Education Activity: DoDEA is a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is headed by a director who oversees all agency functions from DoDEA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. This site is concerned with DoDEA activities, news and data.
Training, Education, and Career Transitions for Active Duty Military Personnel: USA.gov offers a page filled with links for career transition, training and education for active and veteran service members and their families.
Tutor.com Military: Marine Corps and Army families have had access to this program for more than a year. Seeing the value, Defense Department officials decided to expand the this free, online tutoring service for all service members and their families.

Source: http://onlineuniversitydata.com/2010/everything-you-need-to-know-about-online-universities-the-military/comment-page-1/#comment-97

Myth about Army Tuition Assistance

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:30:02 +0000

Today, I would like to write about one of the myth about Army Tuition Assistance. A lot of active duty Army members have been questioning if they are allow to take any college or career training school are not listed in GoArmyEd.com.

First of all, let me jump up to an answer to it, the answer is “No”, that is not true. Any active Army or their spouses are allow take any courses from schools as long as they are regionally and nationally accredited. Click here to learn more about accreditation.

But, there is one thing you need to make sure before enroll any class. Those schools or colleges must agree to take the Army TAs $250.00 per credit hour as the max they will make you pay, meaning you have no out of pocket cost as long as the tuition is $250.00 per credit hour. So lets say UCLA cost $300.00 per credit hour, and Army TA is only going to pay $250.00 per credit then which will be leaving you to cover the other $50.00 per credit hour.

For more information, please ask JAG officers at your bases.

Army Continuing Education System Change

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:49:32 +0000

SUMMARY of CHANGES OF ARMY CONTINUING EDUCATION SYSTEM – AR 621-5

This administrative revision, dated 19 October 2009-

Replaces paragraph citation “5-7e” with “5-7d” (para 5-6c).

Makes administrative changes (throughout).
This rapid action revision, dated 6 September 2009-

Revises Army Continuing Education System geographic area of support (table 1-
1).

Revises eArmyU policies and procedures (para 4-6).

Authorizes tuition assistance for classes leading to a certificate regardless
of the Soldier’s education level (para 5-6c).

Prescribes tuition assistance use for language course in support of the
Defense Language Transformation Roadmap (para 5-6j).

Updates tuition assistance prohibitions (para 5-7).

Prescribes administrative procedures for GoArmyEd and tuition assistance
(para 5-12).

Eliminates the requirement for a tuition assistance waiver; however, military
withdrawals may be subject to verification upon request (para 5-13c(2)).

Updates Management Control Checklist to reflect the introduction of the
GoArmyEd automated systems (app H).

Changes U.S. Army Installation Management Agency to U.S. Army Installation
Management Command (throughout).

Changes regional education advisors to Army Continuing Education System
Region Chiefs (throughout).

Makes additional rapid action revision changes (throughout).

Army Civilian Benefits

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:15:40 +0000

Army civilian benefits are one of the reasons many people look for a job in the civilian sector or the Army. The army employees may support staff to supplement the men and women in uniform. These jobs provide support in many areas. There are civilian jobs available in the medical, education, logistics and computer fields just to name a few. Where ever the Army needs support you are sure to find civilians there filling the job.

With these jobs come many great benefits. Army civilians are DoD, Department of Defense, employees and have all the benefits of working for the federal government. Veterans, disabled veterans and military spouses are given preference when applying for the positions. Veterans are able to transfer their time in service to the Army civilian job, which is a benefit itself.

Comprehensive health and life insurance is available. Health insurance is a concern for everyone. It is a benefit that many consider before accepting a job. Army civilians are offered some of the best insurance available for the price. This also applies to dental and vision insurance as well as life insurance. While it may not be the same as those on active duty receive it is one of the best plans available.

Retirement benefits are another thing that many consider. Most Army civilians are eligible for FERS, Federal Employees Retirement System. It is three tiers and includes a basic benefit plan, a thrift savings plan and Social security benefits. The Thrift Savings Plan is similar to a 401K. Up to 13% of earnings can be contributed with up to a 5% matching contribution from the Army.

The pay is competitive with many incentives. There is paid vacation and sick leave. Paid training and education as it applies to the position may be available. There are incentives, bonuses and awards that are also available dependent on the job and performance. Across the board there are annual pay increases and locality adjustments.

There are many other benefits as well as pay, insurance and retirement. When working on an Army base many civilian employees can use the facilities that are available. This includes onsite day care and fitness facilities. Some may be approved for commissary and exchange privileges.

Army civilian jobs are available anywhere the solider serve. This includes various locations in the United States as well as abroad. For those who wish to travel and live abroad there are opportunities available. Those who are willing to take civilian jobs overseas will see special incentives and benefits. This may include living stipends or housing amongst various other benefits.

There is also the benefit of advancements. Once an Army civilian job is secured an employee can look forward to working their way up the ladder. There are opportunities for increased responsibility and management potential to those who show initiative.

Army civilian benefits are only part of the reason to secure employment with the Army. The Army depends on their support staff. They play a key role in the military mission. Without the Army civilian support staff much of what the Army does would not be accomplished. Army civilians can take great pride in that. Click here to learn more about Army tuition assistance.

Post by our guest writer.

Navy Education Benefit Programs

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:09:28 +0000

List of Education Benefit Programs (Tuition Assistance) for Navy

The Navy Advanced Education Voucher Program (AEV) – This was originally created to provide advanced education opportunities for senior enlisted personnel E-7 through E-9. Geared toward superior performers who demonstrate the potential for continued upward movement, the program specifically targets assistance for post-secondary degree programs relevant to the Navy. As part of the recently announced Professional Military Education Continuum, AEV supports baccalaureate and master’s degree completion in designated areas of specialization through off-duty education.

For service members working towards a baccalaureate degree, AEV will cover 100 percent of costs for tuition, books, and other related fees. The limit on funds for each participant is $6,700 per year for a maximum of 36 months from the date of enrollment. For a master’s degree, the program will cover 100 percent of tuition, books, and related fees up to $20,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months from the time of enrollment. The total amount of funds authorized for each participant will not exceed $40,000.

Tuition Assistance – The Navy will pay up to 100 percent of your college tuition if you are an Active Duty service member. Click here to learn more about Navy Tuition Assistance.

The Service members Opportunity Colleges degree program for the Navy (SOCNAV) – This is a group of academic institutions that offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs on, or accessible to, Navy installations around the world. The colleges form networks in which each school accepts credits from all the others.

Even if the Navy transfers you many times, the SOCNAV guarantees that you can continue working towards your degree. There are also degrees that can be earned through distance learning, requiring no classroom residency.

The Navy College-At-Sea (NCPACE) – This program affords service members the chance to experience challenging education while at sea, preparing you for personal and professional growth. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are provided by 15 colleges and universities across the country.

Navy Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) – This is a commissioning program that allows Sailors to keep their benefits, pay, and privileges while they receive a scholarship to attend college to earn their degree as well as their commission as a Naval Officer.

There are also a number of Navy Education Benefit Programs, including the Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program, which offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2000 for eligible active duty service members; the Navy College Fund, available to those who sign up for the Montgomery GI Bill; the Student Loan Repayment Program; the Navy College Assistance/Student Head Start Program; and the Accelerate to Excellence, a pilot program that allows enlistees to obtain an associates degree through a community or junior college as part of their initial rate training.

Emergency GI Bill Payments Available to Eligible Veterans

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:49:06 +0000

The Emergency GI Bill Payment program was introduced in the beginning of October in response to reported hardships caused by delays in GI Bill benefits. The following information addresses the most frequent inquiries regarding the latest details of the Veteran Administration’s emergency payment process.

If you are a veteran who is presently enrolled in school and eligible under one of the VA’s education programs, you qualify for education advance payments as long has you haven’t yet received your monthly payment benefit. Those who have applied for their education benefits but have not yet received their monthly installment can receive payments of up to $3,000. The amount allotted to you is based upon the benefit payable under your educational program.

To apply for an advance payment, you can now complete the process online at advancepay.gibill.va.gov. Or, you can go to the VA regional office closest to you in person to receive an advance pay. Regional offices are now open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments. (To view a list of regional offices with their locations, log on to vba.va.gov/VBA/beneifts/offices.asp.) If you need transportation, you can request the free van service provided by volunteers, which is on a first-come, first-served, space availability basis.

If you make your request online, the advance payment will be issued by the U.S. Treasury within three workdays after submission. Payments will be made in the form of a check and delivered by US Mail. However, if you elect to go to the regional office to pick up an advance payment, you will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and poof that you are enrolled in school (i.e. class schedule, letter from the school admissions office). Also, it’s important to note that you must appear in person to pick up your check. You cannot send someone in your place. If you are unable to get there, the VA recommends that you apply online.

Some Veterans have asked if they are still eligible for a $3000 advance payment if they received their October 1st education payment. The answer to this question is NO. Advance payments are only approved for those Veterans who haven’t yet received their monthly installments for the fall 2009 school term.

Only one payment is authorized per Veteran, based on which GI Bill program you are enrolled in:

Post-9/11 GI Bill – $3,000
Montgomery GI Bill -Active Duty $3,000
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve $1,000
Reserve Education Assistance Program $2,000
Post Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Programs $1000

Another question often asked is if a Veteran has to pay this advance payment back. The answer is that the payment will be recouped from your future VA payments. However, if you stop attending class during the semester to reduce your coarse load to a level that affects your monthly benefit, full recoupment by the VA may not be possible, and you will be responsible for repaying any remaining balance.

Also, advance payments can only be issued to U.S. mailing addresses and are not available to dependents, only to Veterans.

For the latest information concerning Military education benefits and procedures, please visit your education counseling office.

This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Emergency-GI-Bill-Payments-Available-to-Eligible-Veterans&id=3289752

DANTE’s Military Tuition Assistance

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:57:46 +0000

DANTES, abbreviation for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support, offers a wide range of programs that make it easier for service members, their dependents, and other Department of Defense (DoD) personnel to attain the credential or college degree of their choice.

Created after Congress closed the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in 1974, DANTES is dedicated to helping members of every branch achieve their professional and personal educational objectives.

Over the past three decades, voluntary education for the military has experienced many changes. As technology continues to advance, service members are enjoying the convenience, accessibility and ease of use as they pursue their educational objectives. In fact, since the mid 1970s, the number of military service members taking online courses has increased from five percent to more than 70 percent.

By providing alternatives to on-campus or on-base courses, DANTES’ Distance Learning Program enables service members to earn technical or college credit from wherever they are stationed… even in the most remote locations. DANTES partners with hundreds of distance learning institutions to offer thousands of course and degree programs, all of which are listed in their catalog.

Through DANTES’ examinations program, members of the military can earn a high school credential, satisfy their undergraduate and graduate-level college admission requirement, and earn college credit. Some of the titles offered are GED, ACT, SAT, CLEP, DSST, ECE, GRE, GMAT and Praxis. Exams sponsored by DANTES are administered by over 500 military education sites, including base-sponsored academic institutions with national test centers (NTCs). While many of the test control officers continue to give paper exams, the number of NTCs offering computer-based exams continues to increase.

DANTES has long offered credentialing services to members of the Armed Forces. By successfully completing these tests, a soldier demonstrates that he or she possesses a level of knowledge that not only meets industry standards, but also makes it easier to find employment in the civilian job force when service is complete.

Also available are programs to help convert one’s military training into college credit. Since 1945, the American Council on Education (ACE) has provided a shared link between DoD and higher education through the review of military training and experiences and the recommendation of equivalent college credits for service members.

DANTES also funds the Service members Opportunities College (SOC) consortium which runs a variety of programs that afford service members opportunities to earn degrees while in the service, enroll in a college while enlisted in the Army or Army Reserve, and earn credits and degrees while in the Army National Guard. Since it’s founding in 1974, the SOC consortium has grown from 77 community and junior colleges to more than 1,800 colleges and universities.

Finally, DANTES’ Troops to Teachers program provides counseling and referral services to military personnel interested in launching a second career in public education as a teacher after departing the service. The program has successfully placed thousands of quality teachers in at-risk schools across the country.

DANTES will be celebrating its 35th anniversary at the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium in Atlanta at the end of July.

For the latest information concerning Military education benefits and procedures, please visit your education counseling office.