State Tuition Assistance
Air and Army Guard and Reserve Guard members are eligible for state tuition assistance (National Guard Supplemental Grant), which covers 100% of tuition of a first bachelor’s degree.
It is recommended that you complete a FAFSA by 10 March each year and submit the DA Form 2171 by 1 August for fall semester and by 1 Dec. for the spring semester.
Apply for benefits:
a. Army Guard members: go to the Army Guard website and click on “apply for tuition assistance” to complete DA Form 2171. Army Guard members can contact the Education Services office at 317-964-7023, or email the office for assistance or questions.
b. Air Guard members: go to your base education office to complete the application for State Supplemental Grant. Air Guard deadlines for state tuition assistance are 1 June for fall semester and 1 Dec. for spring semester. Guard members who are using State Supplemental Grant tuition assistance must submit their form 2171 to the Financial Aid Office to receive their assistance.
c. If you are entitled to receive a “kicker” with your education benefits, include a copy of your contract with your 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits) when submitted to your college’s certifying official.
Federal Tuition Assistance
Army Guard members are also eligible for Federal tuition assistance. Apply at www.nationalguardbenefits.com and click apply for tuition assistance; complete DA Form 2171 by the first day of classes each semester. This is not a guaranteed fund, when the money is depleted you will not receive assistance. There is a limit of $4,500.00 per fiscal year (1 Oct.-30 Sept.).
Army Reserve members may apply for federal tuition assistance at WEBS (Web-Enabled Benefits System) and complete the DA Form 2171 using your AKO account.
Marine Reserve members must see the education NCO to complete an application for federal assistance.
All Guard and Reserve members must have a notice of basic eligibility (NOBE) completed by the unit, and submit it to your school with your 22-1990. Check your college to for details as to where to submit.
If you are a ROTC member, your stipend does not cover some school fees. Check with the controller's office to see if you have a debt you need to pay to avoid late charges.