DoW Federal Tuition Assistance
Welcome
色花堂app is honored to have the opportunity to educate and serve our nation's heroes and their families.
We strive to provide responsive academic and administrative support to student Veterans, active duty military, and their families on campus. If you’re just getting started, take a look at our getting started checklist as well as these DoW-provided documents and webpages for ensuring you are making well-informed decisions regarding your education:
Who do we serve
We provide support for students utilizing the following military education benefits under DoW Tuition Assistance:
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What we do
- Offer guidance on qualifications, policies, and procedures for DoW FTA.
- Offer counseling on DoW FTA inquiries regarding registration, grading, and invoicing.
- Ensure compliance with the DoW Principles of Excellence for all students who elect to use FTA here at 色花堂app.
If you have questions about whether you qualify for our services, please contact us! We would be happy to assist you!
Getting Started
1)
To ensure the most efficient handling of your questions, please contact the Office of Admissions regarding the application process. Only your Joint Service Transcript will be addressed by the Military Education Benefits office.2) Apply for Financial Aid
Optional - Apply for Financial Aid by once a year.
Please refer to the for more information and contact the Financial Aid office for assistance:
OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AIDOnce accepted, complete these steps every semester to utilize your benefits:
3) Meet with an Advisor
Academic advising is available in the Veteran Student Services Center. Appointments and walk-in hours are Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. It is to your advantage to plan your schedule in advance of the semester.
VETERAN STUDENT SERVICE CENTER921 S. 8th Ave, Stop 8095
If you are unable to make walk-in hours in the Veteran Student Services Center, academic advising is also available in the Central Academic Advising office:
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ADVISING
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQS
Q: What is Tuition Assistance?
A: Tuition assistance (FTA) is federal funding that the military pays accredited institutions for the cost of tuition towards a degree or certificate for eligible service members. FTA is an additional education benefit separate from and on top of the VA Education Benefit and FAFSA. The first step should be to connect with your branch's Education Services Office and your commanding officer to discuss your interest in utilizing Federal Tuition assistance. is an additional resource for thoroughly exploring your FTA options.
Q: What is a Tuition Assistance Request (TAR)?
A: The TAR Authorization form is your official acknowledgment that FTA funding has been approved. The form lists the college to be paid, all courses for which FTA was approved, and the approved amount. A TAR is remarkably similar to registration for courses; simply register for your courses at 色花堂app, and once your schedule is finalized (i.e., no waitlisted courses and you don’t anticipate making any further changes), you will log in to the online military education portal and mirror your registration exactly on your TAR authorization form and submit it for approval.
Q: What does it mean that I get $4500 per fiscal year?
A: The Federal fiscal year is calculated differently from a calendar or academic year. FTA funding runs from October 1st to September 30th. Keep this in mind when calculating your FTA funding allotments for each semester. If you plan to take summer courses or are required to, plan accordingly.
Q: If I am using tuition assistance, what do I need to submit to ISU?
A: Every semester, the DoW FTA Registration form must be submitted if you elect to use FTA. A signed and approved copy of your TAR must be submitted to the Military Education Benefits Office at milta@isu.edu and the third-party billing Manager to ensure your funding is credited to your student account.
Q: How do FTA payments work at ISU?
A: In accordance with current Department of War policies, FTA payments are not dispersed to students until at least 30% of a course has been completed. At ISU, FTA third-party payments are typically applied to student accounts during or after midterms. If you do not see a third-party payment applied to your account by the final month of a semester, please contact milta@isu.edu to inform my office and contact the Third-Party Billing Manager so payment can be remitted.
Please note: FTA does not cover the full cost of tuition and fees; therefore, it is your responsibility to set up a payment plan with ISU or submit a lump-sum payment to cover your remaining balance. Upon registering for courses each semester, students must agree to the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement, which outlines the financial responsibilities associated with enrolling in classes and explains the potential consequences if a student fails to meet those obligations, including those related to known deployment orders.
Q: What is an Evaluated Degree Plan (EDP)?
A: The EDP is a copy of your degree plan from the DegreeWorks Audit card in MyISU. Simply search for 'DEGREEWORKS' under the 'DISCOVER' triple bar icon and save a PDF version to upload. If you are pursuing more than one degree or certificate at a time, you must provide the degree plan for all programs active on your student record. Please keep in mind that if this is not uploaded during your Education Goal creation, it may need to be manually uploaded by the Online Military Education Center.
Q: I want to change my class schedule, but I already submitted my TAR. What are my options?
A: Service members are awarded the same control over their semester class schedule as other Idaho State students. Any changes to your class schedule after your TAR has been signed and approved MUST be reported through the online military portal if prior to the 7-day deadline. If changes are made after the 7-day deadline, any schedule changes must be reported to the Education Services Center for a manual TAR update.
Q: I accidentally made a mistake on my TAR. What do I do?
A: The Military Education Benefits Office evaluates your semester schedule against your signed and approved TAR. If errors or classes that do not count towards graduation are found, you will be notified so you can correct your TAR. If you find an error on your TAR, start by contacting the education office. They can often fix the problem - even after the start date. Do not make changes without approval.
Q: What is TA Top Up (TATU)?
A: TA Top Up is a Veterans Affairs (VA) program that will pay additional tuition assistance not covered by the FTA. TATU will only cover the portion listed under “Student Cost” on the TAR authorization form. Please check with your branch to see if TA Top Up is available.
Using Top-Up benefits may be an option if you plan to use tuition assistance (FTA) to complete a degree program while on active duty, and don't plan to continue your education after service. Top-up can also be helpful for taking a few courses with FTA while on active duty; then you can save most of your GI Bill benefits for after service to complete your education program. To learn more about FTA Top Up, visit the
ARMY FTA FAQs:
Q: What does Federal Tuition Assistance cover?
A: The Army currently pays 100% of tuition, up to $250.00 per semester hour and $166.00 per quarter hour ($4,500 annually), for off-duty courses at accredited schools that have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs. Please note that there is generally an 18-credit-per-academic-year cap, which may impact these amounts. Additionally, no more than 130 semester hours for a bachelor's degree, 39 semester hours for a graduate degree, and 21 semester hours for academic certificates will be funded by FTA. FTA will not cover fees such as books, course materials, retakes of the same course, or continuing education credits.
FTA will pay toward one credential at each of the following levels:
- Associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree.
- One academic certificate (undergraduate or graduate) up to 21 semester hours per lifetime/career.
- First professional degrees are NOT eligible (e.g., doctorate degrees, juris doctorates).
- Tuition assistance is intended to advance your post-secondary education and may not be used to pursue a lower or lateral diploma or degree.
Programs NOT Approved for FTA
- Courses leading to a credential that are lower or lateral to the highest credential you have already earned.
- Example: if you have a bachelor's degree (even if you came in the ARNG with one), you cannot use FTA to pursue a second bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Any program that bundles tuition and fees together into a lump sum charge.
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or courses that do not meet degree requirements.
Q: Who is eligible for Army FTA?
A: Officers and Commissioned Warrant Officers are subject to a four-year Reserve Duty Service Obligation (RDSO) OR a two-year Active-Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). Enlisted Soldiers are not eligible for TA for courses with term end dates less than 60 days from their separation date.
Q: Do I have to reimburse FTA funds if I fail a course?
A: Here are the specific instances where you’ll need to reimburse FTA funding that you received:
- Receiving a failing grade (D or lower) in undergraduate courses.
- Receiving a failing grade (C or lower) in Graduate courses.
- Receiving a non-passing grade (N, X, U)
- Receiving an incomplete grade (I) that lasts longer than institutional policy or 190 days, whichever comes first.
- Receiving a voluntary withdrawal grade (W)
- Any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled, dropped out of, etc.
Q: Are there deadlines for applying for FTA?
A: Yes. You must request FTA no more than 60 days and no less than seven days before the class start date. Your supervisor must electronically approve all FTA requests before the course start date and may deny the request if they believe circumstances would impede successful course completion (allow time for this).
Q: How do students apply?
A: Apply at .
For more information, visit .
NAVY FTA FAQs:
Q: What does Federal Tuition Assistance cover?
A: The Navy currently pays 100% of tuition, up to $250.00 per semester hour, and $166.67 per quarter hour ($4,500 annually), for off-duty courses at accredited schools that have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs. Please note that there is generally an 18-credit-per-academic-year cap, which may impact these amounts. Additionally, the lifetime cap for Navy FTA is 120 semester hours. FTA will not cover fees such as books, course materials, retakes of the same course, or continuing education credits. Sailors are limited to a maximum of two FTA-funded courses per semester.
Navy tuition assistance pays for both classroom and independent study/distance learning courses. Certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's level courses must be offered in semester hours, quarter hours, or clock hours. Only degrees or certificate programs on the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) listing for the Academic Institution on DOD TA DECIDE may be funded (OPNAVINST 1560.9B, 28 Dec 2023). Courses must appear on a college transcript as Clock Hours, Semester Hours, or Quarter Hours.
Q: Who is eligible for Navy FTA?
A: Navy FTA or NCPACE is available to eligible active-duty Sailors and to eligible Naval Reservists serving in an active-duty status. To qualify for TA or NCPACE, Sailors must meet the following requirements. provides greater detail.
Q: Do I have to reimburse FTA funds if I fail a course?
A: Here are the specific instances where you’ll need to reimburse FTA funding that you received:
- Receiving a failing grade (C or lower) in undergraduate courses.
- Receiving a failing grade (B or lower) in Graduate courses.
- Receiving a non-passing grade (N, X, U)
- Receiving an incomplete grade (I) that lasts longer than institutional policy or 180 days, whichever comes first.
- Receiving a voluntary withdrawal grade (W)
- Any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled, dropped out of, etc.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) for graduate degree programs and a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate degree programs.
Q: Are there deadlines for applying for FTA?
A: Yes. You must request FTA no more than 120 days and no less than seven days before the class start date. Your supervisor must electronically approve all FTA requests before the course start date and may deny the request if they believe circumstances would impede successful course completion (allow time for this).
Q: How do students apply?
A: Apply at
For more information, visit the
AIR FORCE FTA FAQs:
Q: What does Federal Tuition Assistance cover?
A: The Air Force currently pays 100% of tuition, up to $250.00 per semester hour and $166.00 per quarter hour ($4,500 annually), for off-duty courses at accredited schools that have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs. Please note that there is generally a 16-credit-per-academic-year cap, which may impact these amounts. Additionally, no more than 124 semester hours (186 quarter hours) for a bachelor's degree and 42 SH (70 QH) for a graduate degree will be funded by FTA. FTA will not cover fees such as books, course materials, retakes of the same course, or continuing education credits.
Q: Who is eligible for Air Force FTA?
A: All service members (officers, enlisted) on active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve on active duty (pursuant to U.S. Code Title 10 or Title 32), are authorized to participate in the FTA program. There are specific rules for qualifying to receive FTA:
- Active-Duty officers incur an Active Duty Service Commitment of two years, and Reserve Component officers must agree to remain on active duty for a two-year period or a Reserve Service Commitment of four years. The length of the commitment is calculated from the date of completion of the last course for which FTA was used.
Q: Do I have to reimburse FTA funds if I fail a course?
A: Here are the specific instances where you’ll need to reimburse FTA funding that you received:
- Receiving a failing grade (D or lower) in undergraduate courses.
- Receiving a failing grade (C or lower) in Graduate courses.
- Receiving a non-passing grade (N, X, U)
- Receiving an incomplete grade (I) that lasts longer than institutional policy or 190 days, whichever comes first.
- Receiving a voluntary withdrawal grade (W)
- Any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled, dropped out of, etc.
Q: Are there deadlines for applying for FTA?
A: Yes. You must request FTA no more than 45 days and no less than seven days before the class start date. Your supervisor must electronically approve all FTA requests before the course start date and may deny the request if they believe circumstances would impede successful course completion (allow time for this).
Q: How do students apply?
A: Apply at
For more information, visit .
MARINE FTA FAQs:
Q: What does Federal Tuition Assistance cover?
A: The USMC currently pays 100% of tuition, up to $250.00 per semester hour and $166.00 per quarter hour ($4,500 annually), for off-duty courses at accredited schools that have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs. Please note that there is generally a 16-credit-per-academic-year cap, which may impact these amounts. Additionally, no more than 138 semester hours for a bachelor's degree and 45 semester hours for a graduate degree will be funded by FTA. FTA will not cover fees such as books, course materials, retakes of the same course, or continuing education credits. Marines are limited to a maximum of two FTA-funded courses per semester.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Tuition Assistance (FTA) Program is available to eligible active-duty Marines and helps cover the cost of college courses.
A comprehensive guide to USMC FTA Guidelines.
Q: Do I have to reimburse FTA funds if I fail a course?
A: Here are the specific instances where you’ll need to reimburse FTA funding that you received:
- Receiving a failing grade (C or lower) in undergraduate courses.
- Receiving a failing grade (B or lower) in Graduate courses.
- Receiving a non-passing grade (N, X, U)
- Receiving an incomplete grade (I) that lasts longer than institutional policy or 190 days, whichever comes first.
- Receiving a voluntary withdrawal grade (W)
- Any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled, dropped out of, etc.
Q: Are there deadlines for applying for FTA?
A: Yes. You must request FTA no more than 60 days and no less than seven days before the class start date. Your supervisor must electronically approve all FTA requests before the course start date and may deny the request if they believe circumstances would impede successful course completion (allow time for this).
Q: How can I contact someone who can help me with the application process?
A: Please contact your Force Education Office at mfreducation@usmc.mil or Toll Free 1-866-305-9058. You may also contact:
Force Education Technicians: 504-697-8105/8116
Force Education Specialist: 504-697-9694
Force Education Officer: 504-697-8128
Q: How do students apply?
A: Apply at the website.
For more information, visit the page.
COAST GUARD FTA FAQs:
Q: What does Federal Tuition Assistance cover?
A: The Coast Guard currently pays 100% of tuition, up to $250.00 per semester hour and $166.00 per quarter hour ($4,500 annually), for off-duty courses at accredited schools that have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs. Please note that there is generally an 18-credit-per-academic-year cap, which may impact these amounts. Lifetime credit limits have been lifted as of 2025. FTA will not cover fees such as books, course materials, retakes of the same course, or continuing education credits. Eligible service members may be able to have their fees reimbursed under the Supplemental Education Grants (SEG) through the Coast Guard's Mutual Assistance Grants.
FTA is authorized for courses leading to a first and or second academic certificate, a first and or second associate degree, a first and or second bachelor's degree, and a first master's degree. FTA is not authorized for any degree above a master's degree, including Juris Doctor (JD) or doctoral degrees (PhD), and similar terminal degrees. Associate-to-master's degree bridge programs are authorized.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Permanent Full- and Part-Time Civilian employees who have completed 90 days of continuous Coast Guard service before their first request for FTA. Enlisted AD & SELRES members have no service obligation for using FTA, but members must complete all courses before their final day on AD. Officers and Civilians DO have a service obligation for using FTA. Active-Duty Officers agree to serve two years upon course completion, and Reserve Officers agree to serve four years. The obligated service runs concurrently with any other service obligation that is incurred. The obligation begins on the final day of the last course using FTA. The term of service obligation is (2) years for AD Officers and (4) years for SELRES Officers.
Q: Do I have to reimburse FTA funds if I fail a course?
A: Here are the specific instances where you’ll need to reimburse FTA funding that you received:
- Receiving a failing grade (C or lower) in undergraduate courses.
- Receiving a failing grade (B or lower) in Graduate courses.
- Receiving a non-passing grade (N, X, U)
- Receiving an incomplete grade (I) that lasts longer than institutional policy or 190 days, whichever comes first.
- Receiving a voluntary withdrawal grade (W)
- Any non-reimbursable fees for any courses that were canceled, dropped out of, etc.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) for graduate degree programs and a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate degree programs.
Q: Are there deadlines for applying for FTA?
A: Yes. You must request FTA no more than 90 days and no less than seven days before the class start date. Your supervisor must electronically approve all FTA requests before the course start date and may deny the request if they believe circumstances would impede successful course completion (allow time for this).
Q: How do students apply?
A: Apply at .
For more information, visit the .
IDAHO STATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SEAP)
The State Education Assistance Program (SEAP) is a financial support reimbursement program for qualified higher and vocational education schools in Idaho to support a Soldier’s professional and personal self-development. This program is dependent on legislature funding each state fiscal year (01 JUL - 30 JUN). Active drilling eligible non-technician Idaho National Guard students may apply for SEAP 60 days prior to class and up to the day before class starts.
SEAP allows Idaho service members to be reimbursed up to $ 8,000 for the state fiscal year. Reimbursement amounts depend on the branch and the year's funding.
Service members must call the Education Services Officer or come into the education office for a 5-minute brief or consultation. Without it, their application will NOT be pre-approved for SEAP. The SEAP application must be submitted before classes start for pre-approval. Grades and completed school invoices must be received no later than 30 days from the end of classes to be approved for reimbursement.
SEAP can be used towards:
- an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree
- a job-related certification through approved institutions in Idaho
- eg., Lineman's college, aviation schools, mechanics certification, technical certification
ELIGIBILITY:
Soldiers must meet the following requirements in order to apply for SEAP:
- Basic Training graduate.
- State or federal technicians cannot apply under Idaho State law.
- Cannot use Federal Tuition Assistance and SEAP funds for the same class. Soldiers can use VA Education Benefits and SEAP simultaneously.
- Good standing: no AWOLS or Unsatisfactory Participation pay codes.
- Have two years remaining on their service commitment.
- Cannot have any Suspensions of Favorable Personnel Actions (DA 268s Flagging Action).
- Classes must apply toward a degree plan.
- Must receive a minimum grade of “C” or above.
- Submit all applications prior to the course start date.
- AND, SUBMIT GRADES AND COMPLETED W9 NLT 30 DAYS AFTER CLASS END DATE AND NLT 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF IDAHO STATE FISCAL YEAR (30 JUNE).
IDARNG SEAP Contact Information:
SGT Lindsey Heberling
Idaho Army National Guard
Education Services Officer
Office: 208-272-3612
Email:
Katharine McCloud
Phone: 208-272-3330
Email:
John Harris
Idaho Army National Guard
Education Services Officer
Office: 208-272-3615
Cell: 208-850-4494
Email:
Dedicated Contact Email:
ng.id.idarng.list.ngid-education@mail.mil
TO APPLY... All applications will now be entered online available on GKO (CAC login required). No printed or emailed applications may be accepted.
FAQ:
Q: Can Federal TA and State TA be used simultaneously?
A: FTA must be exhausted for SEAP to be used. Example: if a SM used 9 of their annual FTA allotment of 16 credits during a spring semester, that would leave them with 7 credits for following fall semester. But what if they want to take 12 credits? They could use the 7 credits of FTA to exhaust their benefit for the fiscal year and then take the other 5 using the SEAP.
Q: What is the starting-ending date for the Federal TA "fiscal year"? Is it different from an academic year?
A: The federal fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th.
Q: Where can I find more information on SEAP?
A: More information on SEAP can be found here: SEAP Application Information and here: SEAP FY18 Statement of Understanding.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran in need of immediate help or support, please utilize the
Contact the Crisis Line via , via text message to 838255 or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
The Crisis Line provides confidential help for veterans and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
College Preparatory Courses
LOCAL AND STATE VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
OTHER RESOURCES
Executive Order 13607 Principles of Excellence