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Using Your Military Tuition Assistance

What is Military Tuition Assistance and how do I qualify for it?

Military Tuition Assistance is earned money that covers up to 100 percent of your tuition expenses if you’re an active-duty service member meeting specific criterion.

When using your Military Tuition Assistance at DSU, your undergraduate cost per credit hour is $250.00, and your registration fee is waived.

How do I apply for Military Tuition Assistance?

Prospective students must seek approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their service’s branch before enrolling. Each branch has its own eligibility criteria and application process. It’s essential to speak with your Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education office for guidance before enrolling in classes.

What are the steps to request and use Tuition Assistance benefits?

  • Requesting TA: Work with your military branch Education Service Officer to request and receive approval for using your Tuition Assistance benefits. The window for TA requests typically opens 45 days before classes start until 7 days prior to the start.
  • Understanding TA Funds: TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned to the DoD based on when you stop attending. DSU’s Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance Funds Policy follows the DoD policy, which may result in student debt if funds are returned.

What should I do before applying to the institution?

  • Speak with Your ESO or Counselor: Prioritize discussing your plans with your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your military service.
  • Admission Deadlines and Degree Plan: Be aware of admission deadlines and print your degree plan, which can also be acquired from an academic advisor or program coordinator.

What are the steps to follow to apply for TA?

  • Briefing with ESO: Meet with your Education Services Officer (ESO) for a briefing on TA.
  • Request TA Forms: Obtain required TA forms through your branch education portal for each course with a unique start date.
  • Register for Courses: Ensure you’re registered for courses as all branches require registration before TA approval.
  • Choose TA as Payment Method: Select Military TA as your payment method on your branch education portal.
  • Submission Process for Different Branches:
    • Army and Air Force: Utilize the online system through the Air Force Virtual Education Center.
    • Navy, Marine Corps., and Coast Guard: Submit an application through the Navy College Office’s Virtual WebTA portal.

What if my Tuition Assistance is not approved?

  • Military Tuition Assistance is approved for each course individually and only for the specific course(s) and class dates requested by the military servicemember. It’s crucial to request and obtain approval for TA before the course start date.
  • Military servicemembers are solely responsible for all tuition costs if TA is not secured beforehand. If your TA request is denied, you may need to consider dropping the course or exploring alternate funding options to cover the course payment.