Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) for College Students

Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of the Air Force benefit that covers college tuition and fees for eligible active-duty Airmen and Guardians. TA enables service members to pursue higher education while serving, reducing out-of-pocket costs and supporting career advancement.

The program is part of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) voluntary education system and is administered through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).

How Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) Works

Air Force TA pays for tuition and specific mandatory fees at accredited institutions approved by the Department of Defense. The program supports undergraduate and graduate coursework, provided the degree plan is included in the service member’s education goals and has command approval.

Key funding limits:

• Up to $250 per semester credit hour
• Up to $4,500 per fiscal year (October 1–September 30)

Service members must apply through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) and receive approval before enrolling in courses. TA may not be used for repeated or failed courses, and minimum grade requirements apply.

Key Features of Air Force Tuition Assistance

Benefits of Air Force TA for Active-Duty Service Members

• Air Force TA covers tuition and approved fees for qualifying courses.
• TA allows service members to earn degrees without using GI Bill benefits.
• TA supports career advancement and professional development.
• TA reduces the financial burden of higher education while on active duty.
• TA promotes educational readiness for commissioning programs or civilian transition. 

Is Air Force Tuition Assistance Right for You?

Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) is ideal for active-duty Airmen and Guardians who want to earn a degree while continuing full-time service. TA is a good fit if:

• You are working toward a degree aligned with your career field
• You want to reduce or eliminate tuition costs while on active duty.
• You plan to reserve your Post-9/11 GI Bill for future use or dependents.
• You need college credits to qualify for promotion or commissioning.
• You’re preparing for civilian employment that requires a degree.

How it works:

An active-duty Airman enrolled in a cybersecurity degree program uses TA to cover tuition for four online courses per year. They complete their bachelor’s degree without using GI Bill benefits and apply those benefits later toward a master’s program.

How to Apply for Air Force Tuition Assistance

1. Log in to the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC)
2. Create an education goal and upload your degree plan.
3. Search for approved courses and institutions.
4. Submit your TA request at least seven days before the course start date.
5. Wait for approval before enrolling or paying for the course.
6. Maintain required grades to remain eligible.

All TA requests must be approved before the class begins. Airmen are responsible for understanding policies related to grades, reimbursement, and course eligibility.

FAQs about Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA)

Q: Who is eligible for Air Force Tuition Assistance?
 A: Active-duty Airmen and Guardians with commander approval are eligible for TA.

Q: How much tuition does TA cover?
 A: TA pays up to $250 per semester credit hour, with a yearly cap of $4,500.

Q: Can I use TA and the GI Bill at the same time?
 A: TA and the GI Bill cannot be used for the same course but can be used at different times.

Q: What happens if I fail a course?
 A: You must reimburse the tuition if you fail to meet minimum grade requirements (below “C” for undergraduate, below “B” for graduate).

Q: Can I use TA for graduate school?
 A: Yes, provided you meet eligibility and stay within the annual funding limits.