Educational Benefits for Military Affiliated Students

The Department of Defense (DoD) and The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establish and provide the oversight of the responsibilities and procedures related to Tuition Assistance (TA) and Veterans Benefits. These benefits and guidelines are developed respectively for military affiliated students and are designed to offer financial assistance and support.

More specifically, the DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs. TA is available for courses offered face-to-face or though distance learning that is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The specific courses, however, must be offered by schools that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).

VA Benefits are available for Veterans and service members and the benefits also extend to their qualified family members for postsecondary education and training assistance. The State Authorizing Agency (SAA) where the institution is domiciled provides approval of programs for purposes of Veterans Benefits. This is in addition to and separate from state institutional approval by the state higher education agency where the student is located or through reciprocity. Additionally, School Certifying Officials (SCO’s) at institutions assist military-connected students to navigate the processes to utilize VA benefits when participating in face-to-face or distance learning courses.