Military Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Active duty soldiers, as well as active members of the Reserve and National Guard, can take advantage of Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) to help cover college tuition costs. Offered by the Department of Defense (DoD), this incredible benefit is designed to help you reach new educational heights while you serve.
Here’s how FTA can work for you: it covers tuition for degree programs that go beyond your current education level—so whether you’re aiming for a bachelor's, master’s, or another qualification, FTA is here to support your journey. While it doesn’t cover fees, books, supplies, housing, or meal plans, it does provide up to $250 per credit hour, directly paid to your university.
Important Reminders:
- FTA only covers tuition and will not cover mandatory fees, books, supplies, housing, or meal plans.
- Remember, accuracy is key! Be sure to double-check your course details when applying, as mistakes could lead to delays or rejections that prove difficult. Keep in mind that if your schedule or term length changes after benefits are certified, any adjustments must be handled through your education center and cannot be made by Millersville.
- Every branch of the military has its own unique eligibility requirements, service commitments, and processes for FTA.
Check out the specifics for your branch below and start moving toward your educational goals today!
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Army/Army National Guard
Apply At: ArmyIgnitEd
- Will need to use Common Access Card (CAC) to access the system.
- Pays $250 per credit up to $4,000 per DoD fiscal year.
- DoD fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30.
- Must declare an educational goal
- Must create an educational plan.
- Contact your Education Services Specialist or visit an Education Center for assistance
Credit Limits:
- Undergraduates
- Limited to 130 credits or bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
- Graduates
- 39 credit ours or master’s degree, whichever comes first.
- Note: This applies to all credits taken after completion of bachelor’s degree.
Application Timeline:
- Submit your request between 60 and 7 days prior to the start date of your class(es).
Helpful Resorces:
More Information:
Due to recent requirements changes in the Army Portal, if you do not see your program of study or the course you are planning to request funding for, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office for review.
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Air Force/Air National Guard/Space Force
Apply At: Air Force Virtual Education Center
Funding Details:
- Pays $250 per credit up to $4,500 per DoD fiscal year.
- DoD fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30.
- Must be approved for FTA by your supervisor(s) via the Air Force Virtual Education Center.
- Undergraduates
- Limited to 124 credits or bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
- Graduates
- 42 credit ours or master’s degree, whichever comes first.
- Note: This applies to all credits taken after completion of bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Undergraduates
- Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (C Average)
- Graduates
- Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (B Average)
- Submit your request up to 45 days prior to the start date of your class(es).
More Information
- Pays $250 per credit up to $4,500 per DoD fiscal year.
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Navy/Coast Guard/Marines
Apply At: MyNavy Education
- Will need to use Common Access Card (CAC) or Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) login to access the system.
- Pays $250 per credit up to $4,500 per DoD fiscal year.
- DoD fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30.
Before Applying:
- Must be approved for FTA by their chain of command
- Must complete required training
- Must define an educational goal
- Must submit an education plan for review by their Navy College Counselor.
Credit Limits:
- Lifetime cap of 120 credits
Eligibility Requirements:
- Undergraduates
- Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (C Average)
- Graduates
- Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (B Average)
Application Timeline:
- Students must apply between 120 and 7 days prior to the start of their class date.
More Information:
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MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY TUITION ASSISTANCE (TA) REFUND POLICY
Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to the school for eligible military student recipients who are active members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The student is awarded the TA benefit with the understanding that the student will attend the entire semester. Millersville University is required to calculate Military Tuition Assistance (TA) earned when a military student using TA withdraws.
As participants in the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), students who officially or unofficially withdraw from a course and have not completed more than 60% of the semester have not earned 100% of their voucher for the withdrawn course.
Millersville University is required to return the unearned portion of the TA funds to the military service that provided the TA funding. Unearned TA funds that are returned to the appropriate military branch of service will become an institutional debt to the student. Millersville University will calculate the amount of unearned Tuition Assistance funds using the official last date of attendance, as determined by the institution’s attendance records. The last date of attendance is used to determine the number of days completed.
To remain in compliance with the Department of Defense’s policy, Millersville University will return any unearned TA funds through at least 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA that is returned is based on the date of withdrawal from the course.
If the service member withdraws due to a military service obligation, the University will work with the service member to identify a solution that will not result in student debt for the returned TA portion.
16 – Week Course Withdrawal (EXAMPLE):
Before or during weeks 1-2
100% return
During weeks 3-4
75% return
During weeks 5-8
50% return
During week 9-10
40% return (60% of course completed)
During weeks 11-16
0% return
8 – Week Course Withdrawal (EXAMPLE):
Before or during weeks 1
100% return
During week 2
75% return
During weeks 3-4
50% return
During week 5
40% return (60% of course completed)
During weeks 6-8
0% return
After 60% of the semester has passed, TA will not be evaluated for a return to the DOD.