Can I Use FAFSA With Military Tuition Assistance?

Enlisting in the military entitles service members to certain programs, like tuition assistance. This benefit can cover 100% of tuition costs up to a certain threshold, but some degree programs exceed this threshold, so students may need to find ways to cover any gaps.

Students who want to pursue a degree that costs more than their education benefits cover might wonder if they can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for additional financial aid programs. Military tuition assistance (TA) programs can be used with a FAFSA form to help cover any out-of-pocket expenses.

Completing the FAFSA application process can help active-duty service members and veterans identify federal financial aid options. These programs can cover tuition after TA, GI Bill benefits, or any other military education discounts and programs are applied.

Is It Possible To Use FAFSA and Tuition Assistance at the Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to FAFSA and Tuition Assistance together � it's actually encouraged. Service members who want to attend full-time or part-time higher education can still qualify for financial assistance.

These free money programs, such as the Pell Grant, can help pay for additional costs at qualified schools or make it easier for a student to attend a school that doesn't meet TA eligibility requirements.

Using Tuition Assistance for College

Military tuition assistance is a benefit program that provides up to $4,500 per year to qualified service members or dependents of these members. This money can be used for qualified higher education tuition or course-specific fees.

TA benefits can be easily collected and used while in active service in comparison to the Montgomery GI Bill, which is typically geared to veterans; however, the bill provides benefits for active-duty members as well if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Tuition assistance, unlike the GI Bill, doesn't cover all costs. TA is designed only to cover tuition and related school fees, as the name suggests. Other school costs, such as housing, books, and supplies, will need to be paid with programs like the Top-up GI Bill or through financial aid programs, like grants and scholarships.

How Does Tuition Reimbursement Work?

Tuition reimbursement programs differ as they repay students after they make initial payments. In some cases, this will be direct tuition reimbursement, but many times this will be used to repay private or federal student loans.

What Expenses Does the Tuition Assistance Program Cover?

Tuition assistance programs cover the costs associated with education enrollment, such as tuition and fees. Many schools charge application fees, individual course fees, technology fees, and more.

These costs, combined with tuition, can add up quickly. TA provides service members with stipends to pay these costs, which can make learning much more affordable. In addition to tuition costs, there are other expenses that TA can be used to help cover.

Certifications and Licenses

Service members can enroll in certification or vocational programs instead of a degree program. These programs often cost less than earning a college degree, but they may incur other costs. Students can use TA funds to complete these programs if the certification or license program is accredited or recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Mandatory Enrollment Fees

Some schools charge enrollment fees in addition to their tuition costs. These fees can't be avoided or waived, so they are covered by TA. One of the common requirements for TA usage is that the fees or costs are mandatory. These fees will differ for associate and bachelor's degree programs, and TA coverage amounts will vary accordingly.

Required Coursework Fees

Some college courses, like computer-based courses or laboratory sciences, include additional fees to cover costs associated with attendance. If your program incurs these fees, they are treated as the same as tuition or other mandatory costs, meaning that they will be covered by your tuition assistance program.

Using FAFSA for College

FAFSA forms are used to determine the financial need of a student and eligibility for free money programs, such as grants and scholarships.

FAFSA documents use factors like expected family contribution (EFC), taxable income, and veteran benefits programs to calculate the amount of additional aid you can receive in a single academic year. FAFSA forms must be updated and resubmitted for all four years of a bachelor's degree program.

Learn more: Understanding Your FAFSA Package

Can FAFSA Cover Full Tuition?

It is possible in some states to qualify for last-dollar programs that fill in any gaps left between federal financial aid, veterans benefits, and the total cost of tuition. Qualifying for these programs depends on the state of residency, the total cost of college, and high school performance.

Can You Get FAFSA Twice?

You are required to update and resubmit your FAFSA forms each academic year, but you can only receive benefits once per year. Your eligibility will be reassessed yearly, even if you receive a change in income or a similar financial event during the school year.

How Does FAFSA Work With Military Tuition Assistance Programs?

FAFSA provides additional financial aid based on any need after active duty or veteran benefits have been applied. Once TA has been applied to tuition costs, FAFSA will calculate any remaining expenses and inform you of your eligibility for programs to cover or reduce these costs.

Are There Limitations on Using FAFSA and Military Tuition Assistance?

There is no limit on your ability to fill out and submit a FAFSA form. There will be some programs that you won't be eligible for based on Military Tuition Assistance, but you should still submit your form to determine overall eligibility.

Other Forms of Financial Aid for Military College Students

Military tuition assistance programs and FAFSA aren't the only programs that can help active-duty service members and veterans pay for college and associated costs. Multiple programs are available to all servicemembers, while some will be limited to certain branches.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill comes in various forms. The Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill are two programs that provide additional funds to service members based on their length of service, enlistment date, and cost of the education program.

Servicemembers can only enroll in one program, so it's important to weigh the benefits of each before picking one. See eligibility requirements for the GI Bill on the VA website.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Program

The SOC program works with approved higher education institutions to provide education opportunities for service members looking to transition to civilian life. These colleges work closely with the armed forces and business sectors to provide learners with in-demand degree programs.

Military Academy Scholarships

Attending one of the military academies presents additional scholarship options. Schools like West Point have scholarships for graduate students and other program program-specific funds. Each academy has unique scholarship plans and you should review the ones available at your branch's academy.

Military College Funds

The Montgomery GI Bill can include additional funding from individual programs offered by the different branches. Each branch is approved to provide an additional $950 to students each month for the 36 total months. This is based on the financial need of the service member and the costs of the degree program a student is pursuing.

Student Loans

If a service member doesn't receive enough financial aid from a TA program, the GI Bill, or FAFSA, they can apply for federal and private student loans. These programs, unlike any of the free money programs, will require repayment.

Some service members will qualify for loan repayment programs, though. It's important to speak with your recruiter to learn more about your eligibility.

Is the Tuition Assistance Program the Same as Financial Aid?

Tuition assistance programs are a form of financial aid. TA serves like a grant or scholarship program to provide money for education costs, without needing repayment. Unlike traditional financial aid programs, TA can only be used for tuition and mandatory fees.