Making the most of TA military in college

Hey folks, I've heard a bit about the TA military program and wanted to know more about it. Are there any colleges you'd recommend that pair well with this? Basically, how to get the most from the TA military benefits while in college?

Certainly! Tuition Assistance (TA) is a great resource for service members who want to further their education. It's a program provided by all branches of the military to pay for tuition expenses of its service members. Each branch has its own specifics for eligibility and benefits, so be sure to check the exact details of your specific branch. In general, TA can cover up to 100% of tuition costs for college courses taken during your off-duty hours, up to a set maximum per fiscal year.

As far as choosing a suitable college, many schools across the nation accept TA, and it is sometimes beneficial to look into schools that have a strong military student support system. Some higher education institutions have dedicated services to cater to the specific needs of military students.

Well-known schools with robust military support programs include American Military University (AMU) and University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). They have specialized resources and dedicated military student support. These schools are very familiar with TA, so they might make the process smoother for you.

Something else to keep in mind is the flexibility of the institution. As a military member, your schedule can be unpredictable, so schools that offer flexible course schedules, like night or online classes, might be particularly suitable. As a result, online, distance, and part-time programs can be handy to accommodate your military schedules and responsibilities.

Lastly, a tip to maximize the benefit: consider pairing TA with Top-Up benefits from your GI Bill if need be. However, be aware that doing so would impact your GI Bill eligibility duration, so consider this path based on your long-term education plans.

Remember, every service member's situation is unique. Consider your career goals, educational interests, and lifestyle when selecting a school. Good luck in your education journey!