Hi folks, I've just joined up but still want to continue my education. I've heard of tuition assistance programs for active-duty military personnel. Are there particular colleges in New York that are known to accept military tuition assistance? Can you provide any insights or tips on how to go about this process?
New York is home to many educational institutions that welcome active-duty military students and accept Military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits. Some of these include Columbia University, New York University (NYU), and The State University of New York (SUNY) system which includes 64 public colleges and universities throughout the state.
Columbia University, for example, has the School of General Studies, specifically designed for non-traditional students which includes veterans and currently serving military personnel. NYU, on the other hand, offers the Yellow Ribbon Program that can cover all unmet tuition needs for eligible veterans.
Servicemembers are often eligible for the federal TA program, which covers tuition and fees up to a certain amount per credit hour. In order to leverage this resource, here are some basic steps you can follow:
1. Know Your Benefits: First and foremost, familiarize yourself with your TA program and its requirements. Rules can vary by branch of service, and there may be specific agreements between your branch and certain schools.
2. Research Schools: Investigate which educational institution fits your goals. Look into factors like degree programs, online education options, course flexibility, etc.
3. Apply for Benefits: Once you've chosen a school, apply for your TA benefits through your specific military branch's education portal. This usually involves selecting a course or program to study and outlining your educational goals.
4. Notify Your School: Once approved, you must notify your chosen school about the TA. In most cases, the military pays the school directly.
5. Stay in Good Standing: To continue receiving TA, you'll need to maintain good academic standing. The requirements can vary, so familiarize yourself with these standards.
Remember to also consider the Post 9/11 GI Bill if you qualify, which can further assist you with tuition and housing expenses.
Switching to higher education while serving in the military can be a beneficial career move. Remember to take advantage of the resources at your disposal, such as the education office on your military installation, and don't hesitate to reach out directly to the schools you're interested in for more information about their military assistance programs.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.