7 Ways National Guard Education Benefits Can Fund College

In the United States, pursuing higher education can be a costly endeavor, often leaving students with significant debt. However, for those who serve in the National Guard, there are several education benefits available to help fund their college education. These benefits not only recognize the sacrifices made by National Guard members but also provide a pathway to enhance their skills and knowledge. Here, we explore seven ways National Guard education benefits can fund college, empowering Guardsmen to achieve their academic goals.

What Are National Guard Education Benefits?

National Guard education benefits are a set of programs and incentives designed to support the educational pursuits of National Guard members. These benefits aim to offset the costs associated with attending college, vocational school, or other higher education institutions. By leveraging these benefits, Guardsmen can reduce their financial burden and focus on their academic success.

1. Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is a popular education benefit offered to National Guard members. This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used to pursue a degree or certificate. To be eligible, Guardsmen must have a six-year service commitment and be actively drilling with their unit.

How to Apply for MGIB-SR Benefits

To apply for MGIB-SR benefits, National Guard members must:

• Enroll in the MGIB-SR program through their unit
• Complete a six-year service commitment
• Attend a VA-approved school or training program
• Apply for benefits through the VA's website or by mail

2. Army National Guard Kicker

The Army National Guard Kicker is an additional education benefit available to Guardsmen who enlist in critical Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). This program provides up to $350 per month in education benefits, which can be used in conjunction with MGIB-SR benefits.

Eligibility Requirements for the Army National Guard Kicker

To be eligible for the Army National Guard Kicker, Guardsmen must:

• Enlist in a critical MOS
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Score a minimum of 50 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Enroll in the Army National Guard Kicker program

3. State Tuition Assistance Programs

Many states offer tuition assistance programs specifically for National Guard members. These programs can provide significant financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition and fees.

Examples of State Tuition Assistance Programs

Some examples of state tuition assistance programs include:

• The Illinois National Guard Grant Program
• The Michigan Army National Guard State Tuition Reimbursement Program
• The New York State Tuition Assistance Program

4. Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) is a program that provides financial assistance to National Guard members pursuing higher education. This program can be used to cover tuition and fees for courses taken at accredited institutions.

FTA Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for FTA, Guardsmen must:

• Be actively drilling with their unit
• Have a minimum of two years of service remaining
• Attend an accredited institution
• Apply for benefits through the National Guard's website

5. Education Assistance for Spouses and Dependents

The National Guard also offers education benefits for spouses and dependents of Guardsmen. These benefits can provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of tuition and fees.

Examples of Education Assistance for Spouses and Dependents

Some examples of education assistance for spouses and dependents include:

• The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program
• The National Guard Scholarship Program
• The Army National Guard's Spouse and Dependent Education Assistance Program

6. Vocational Training and Certification Programs

The National Guard also offers vocational training and certification programs to help Guardsmen develop new skills and enhance their career prospects. These programs can provide financial assistance to cover the cost of training and certification.

Examples of Vocational Training and Certification Programs

Some examples of vocational training and certification programs include:

• The National Guard's Job Training Program
• The Army National Guard's Technical Training Program
• The Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Training Program

7. Student Loan Repayment Programs

Finally, the National Guard offers student loan repayment programs to help Guardsmen pay off their student loans. These programs can provide significant financial assistance to help reduce the burden of student loan debt.

Examples of Student Loan Repayment Programs

Some examples of student loan repayment programs include:

• The National Guard's Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
• The Army National Guard's Student Loan Repayment Program
• The Military's Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

National Guard Education Benefits Image Gallery

By leveraging these seven National Guard education benefits, Guardsmen can significantly reduce their financial burden and achieve their academic goals. Whether pursuing a degree, certification, or vocational training, these benefits can provide the necessary financial assistance to help National Guard members succeed.