Does the National Guard Pay for College?
Direct Answer: YES, the National Guard does pay for college to certain members who have enrolled in their education benefits program.
What is the National Guard?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s define what the National Guard is. The National Guard is a part-time military force composed of Citizen-Soldiers from the states. The Guard provides military support to our nation during times of need, whether it’s providing assistance in natural disasters or protecting our country’s interests. Members of the National Guard typically train one weekend a month and two weeks per year.
The Educational Assistance Program
The National Guard’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) offers several benefits to members who choose to pursue higher education while serving in the Guard. The EAP allows eligible members to earn education benefits while they attend school, which can cover expenses such as tuition, fees, and textbooks. In return, members are expected to maintain their membership and attend drills and training regularly.
Benefits Available through the EAP
There are three benefits available through the EAP:
• State Education Assistance: This benefit pays $100-$600 per month while enrolled in a degree program at an approved institution. Funds are awarded based on availability.
• FICA Payments: The National Guard also covers Social Security (FICA) contributions, which can result in up to $80 in additional monthly benefits for full-time students.
• Montgomery GI Bill Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- This program provides up to 36 months of benefits, paying $364 per month (max payout $12,660)
- Can be used for associate, bachelor, master’s, or doctoral degree programs
- Additional $60 for independent students for out-of-pocket expenses
How to Qualify
To qualify for National Guard education benefits:
- Enlist: Become a member of the National Guard
- Pursue Education: Attend a degree-granting institution (vocational, technical, community college, or university) to pursue a degree (certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral)
- Attend Mandatory Drills and Annual Training: Maintain attendance to required training sessions and mandatory drill weekends
- Stay Enrolled: Ensure ongoing enrollment in the approved program
- Stay Compliant: Follow military policies and regulations to retain eligibility
Key Information and Restrictions
• Applicability: This benefit is available for part-time members of the Army and Air National Guard (NOT full-time members, Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or other services)
• Residency Requirement: Must be a US citizen and have established permanent residence in the US, its territories, or commonwealths
• Enrollment Limits: Restrictions may apply due to state or federal budget limitations; eligibility is subject to annual renewal
• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Members of the National Guard are also eligible to pursue benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, but should choose which program suits them better
• Waiver Policy: Certain rules waive certain requirements (e.g., full-time or part-time, dependent’s education underage 15).
Conclusion
Yes, the National Guard pays for college, as we’ve discussed. While certain limitations and restrictions apply, those who choose to enroll in the National Guard and pursue higher education can leverage substantial education benefits to reduce expenses and achieve their degree aspirations. Key aspects include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of Benefits | State Education Assistance, FICA Payments, and Montgomery GI Bill Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR) |
| How to Qualify | Enlist, Pursue Education, Attend Mandatory Drills, Stay Enrolled, Stay Compliant |
| Important Dates | Annually reviewing eligibility, submitting reports to ensure continued benefit (not exceeding 6 hours online coursework) |
| Military Time Commitment | Participate in weekend drill duty and 2-4 weeks of annual active duty for training |
| College Programs | Certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees (vocational or technical) |
| Availability | Limited availability may be experienced due to funding |
For those who take their commitment to service and education seriously, the National Guard offers an attractive incentive structure for higher education pursuit while protecting the nation’s interest.
Additional Resources:
• National Guard Webpage for Education and Incentives
• USA Today [Article]: ‘How the National Guard education benefits work’ by Jeff Schogol
As the National Guard acknowledges in their official website:
"We believe in rewarding and recognizing the commitment our National Guard members make by giving them the resources and education benefits they need to thrive in their military career, and beyond."
Make your education and national commitment work together; take a step towards joining the National Guard today and gain benefits for your academic pursuit while protecting the nation!
