National Guard & Reservist
National Guard Tuition Assistance & Education Benefits
At National University, applications are reviewed year-round, so you can begin your National Guard Education when it’s convenient for you. Whether you enroll online or on location, we understand your experience as a member of the National Guard has provided you with valuable training. Now further your U.S. National Guard education with our 150+ Academic degree programs and certification offerings. Whether you are working towards an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, we have something for everyone.
National Guard Admissions Process
Review the National Guard college admissions and enrollment process before submitting your application. For more information, contact National University Military Admissions at (877) 628-6828.
Step 1: Determine Level of Tuition Assistance (TA)
Contact the Base Education Office on your base to complete a Department of Defense Request for Tuition Assistance. Completing your National Guard tuition assistance form will start you on your way to earning a degree.
Step 2: Apply Online to National University
Complete the National University registration form online.
After the Tuition Assistance (TA) authorization form is completed and signed, you can fax, email, or hand-carry the TA forms to your advisor. To ensure you are getting the most out of your tuition assistance, review the financial aid page on National University’s website for more information.
Applications are processed within one week, but TA authorization will take longer to process. Verification of your enrollment and a welcome letter will be emailed to you once everything has been processed.
Step 3: Take Placement Tests
If you’re a first-time college student, you must take the required placement test either online or on base within the first 30 days after you enroll.
Step 4: Program of Study
Determine which degree or program you are interested in. See our list of online programs available to take classes anywhere in the world, or check the locations page for on-base or in-person physical location programs.
Step 5: Textbooks and Course Materials
Once you’ve submitted your registration form, received confirmation of registration, and submitted your TA forms and payment, you can order your textbooks and any other course materials online at the University Bookstore.
National Guard Tuition Assistance
If you serve in the U.S. National Guard, tuition assistance education benefits may be available to assist you while you may work towards your educational goals as you serve your country. Just like the Army or Marine Corps, the National Guard encourages its personnel to use this benefit at any type of educational institution, including accredited schools that offer online degrees.
National Guard and Reserve members can help pay for a degree through the Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program. The standardized Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) benefit provides up to $250 per semester hour, capped at $4,500 per fiscal year.
Some branches set their own guidelines for how these funds are used, so check with your Education Services Officer before you enroll. National University’s Veterans Affairs office helps Guard and Reserve students coordinate their benefits and can be reached at [email protected].
National Guard Tuition and Fees
As of June 15, 2026, the National University military tuition rates are as follows:
| Degree Level | Cost Per Semester Hour |
| Undergraduate Programs | $250 |
| Graduate Programs | $450.45 – $692.30 |
In addition to our military tuition discount, you may qualify to apply for Veteran benefits under existing Veteran programs. National University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Note that some service branches have established specific guidelines or limits for their members that do not mirror the standard policy. Please check with your Education Services Officer to determine the benefits available to you. For more information on Tuition Assistance, visit the DANTES website or contact our Veterans Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or [email protected].
National Guard GI Bill
Eligible National Guard Soldiers may earn a monthly education allowance and may also qualify for the Army National Guard Kicker. The Guard and Reserve GI Bill® is the Montgomery GI Bill, Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606), offering up to 36 months of benefits. Its current full-time monthly rate is $493, effective October 1, 2025. Tuition Assistance and FTA pay tuition per semester hour up front; the MGIB-SR pays you a monthly allowance, and you may be able to use both. National University’s Veterans Affairs team certifies your enrollment with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs within 30 days of your class start. Benefits typically disburse 6 to 8 weeks after, and the team points you to VA.gov and the GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
National University Accreditation
National University has been institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1977. As an institutionally accredited university, NU has met the highest education quality standards. Learn more about our institutional accreditation.
Top National Guard Programs Selected
National University offers a program that fits everyone! As a Military-Friendly university, we have students from across the country. Some of the most popular education programs selected by Guardsmen are:
- Associate of Arts in General Education
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)
- Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Eligible National Guard and Reserve members can use Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) to help pay for a degree. The program is designed to make higher education more accessible while you serve, so you can build your skills without putting your goals on hold. Talk with your Education Services Officer to confirm your eligibility.
Tuition Assistance covers up to $250 per semester hour, capped at $4,500 per fiscal year. National University’s undergraduate rate is $250 per semester hour, so your FTA benefit can go a long way toward your tuition. Because that cap resets each fiscal year, planning your course load with your Education Services Officer can help you make the most of it.
Start by requesting Tuition Assistance through your Base or Unit Education Office; FTA is processed through ArmyIgnitED. Once your request is approved, you can apply and enroll at National University. From there, NU’s Veterans Affairs office helps you coordinate your benefits and keep your paperwork on track. You can reach the team anytime at [email protected].
The Montgomery GI Bill, Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606) pays you a monthly allowance, while Tuition Assistance and FTA pay tuition per semester hour. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to use both benefits together. That flexibility can help you cover more of your education costs and keep moving toward your degree.