How To Use Military Benefits for College in Arizona

If you have an active-duty military history, you may be able to attend college for free or nearly free at colleges in Arizona. So, how can you do that? Various military education benefits are available, and you can take advantage of them in many ways.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, and other organizations offer various benefits programs. These include the GI Bill, military tuition waivers, and more.

It's important to understand each of the programs and the benefits offered to find out how they can help you get your education more affordable. Read on for more information about how to use military benefits for college.

Steps for Using Military Educational Benefits for Arizona College Students

Though service members can access many financial aid benefits, they may not realize it. With that in mind, it's important to learn about your benefits and understand the steps you can take to utilize them. Let's discuss the steps to do so.

Understand Your Benefits

Knowing about VA education benefits and other forms of financial aid is the first step in getting financial aid. Let's look at some financial assistance programs you could apply for as a military veteran or dependent.

Arizona National Guard Educational Assistance Program

For members of the Arizona National Guard, a State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program is available. The program provides up to $250 per credit hour to help you cover your educational costs.

This benefit is available to full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate students who have completed at least one semester. Students must maintain a C grade or better in their studies and meet other eligibility requirements.

Arizona State Tuition Waiver for Veterans

The Arizona Department of Veterans Services provides a statewide tuition waiver for service members injured in the line of duty. The program is also available for dependents of military members killed while serving.

The tuition waiver covers undergraduate course costs at various public community colleges, colleges, and universities throughout Arizona. Eligible students enrolled in any online or in-person degree program can receive full tuition coverage.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The GI Bill is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are different versions of the bill, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as Chapter 33.

Many vets who have served on active duty since September 11th, 2001, are eligible for the educational benefits available through this version of the GI Bill. The program provides a monthly stipend that students can apply to education costs.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill, or Chapter 30, provides funding for those who have served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces. It offers various veteran education benefits, including potential full coverage of college costs for some individuals.

Those receiving the Montgomery GI Bill cannot combine their benefits with the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Even if they are eligible for both chapters of the GI Bill, they must choose to receive benefits from one or the other.

Check Eligibility

Once you have discovered the various forms of aid you may be entitled to, it's important to find out if you are eligible for each program. You'll want to ensure your eligibility before you spend time applying for each program.

Though every program has different requirements, most require that you have a certain amount of active-duty or selected reserve experience. They may also require that you have a high school diploma or GED, maintain a certain grade point average, or meet other requirements. Investigate each program closely to find out specific eligibility requirements and determine whether you meet them.

Apply for Benefits

Once you know which programs you qualify for, it's time to complete the application for each one. You can typically find the relevant applications at VA.gov, the Arizona Department of Veterans Services website, and other program-specific sites.

You may also be able to complete some applications in person. You can do this at your regional VA office or by downloading and printing the relevant forms and mailing the completed hard copies to the appropriate address.

Application Deadline

None of the programs discussed above have application deadlines. You can apply for the benefits packages of your choice at any time of the year.

That said, it's important to complete your applications as soon as possible before the start of the coming school year to ensure you receive the funding you need in time.

Choose a VA-Approved School

State and federal benefits are not accepted at every school in Arizona. Generally, you must attend a public school to receive these benefits. Consider the following options below.

University of Arizona Institutions

The University of Arizona is headquartered in Tucson and has campuses throughout the state. The school offers a wealth of online and in-person degree programs, and it is known for working closely with Veterans Affairs to help service members, veterans, and their families earn an accessible education.

Arizona State University Institutions

Arizona State University is headquartered in Tempe but has a network of campuses throughout the Phoenix area and beyond. The school offers hundreds of degrees and certificates for students who attend both online and in-person, allowing military veterans and their families many options for choosing a program that's right for them.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University is headquartered in Flagstaff but has various other campuses and an online component. In addition to various degree programs, the school offers many resources and activities for veterans, including yearly river rafting trips specifically for those with a military service history.

Speak With Your School's Veteran's Office

If you're ready to get started at the school of your choice, consider contacting the school's veteran's office. This can be a great way to learn about other military resources, find support, and get your questions answered.

You can also speak one-on-one with an academic advisor who can help you navigate benefits programs and understand exactly how much funding you can receive toward your education. Contacting the school's veteran's office when starting out and throughout your academic journey can help you receive the personalized support and resources you need.

Explore Additional Funding

State and federal programs may or may not cover all your educational expenses. If you need additional funding, consider the following options.

Military Scholarships

Various public and private organizations, like businesses and nonprofits, offer scholarships to current and future college students. Some of these scholarships are designed specifically for those with a military background. Searching online for military scholarships can help you find additional funds to help you pay for college.

Military Grants

Grants are similar to scholarships, but they are typically less selective and may have fewer eligibility requirements. Businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and other organizations commonly offer military grants for those with an active or reserve military history.

Tuition Assistance Programs

Some organizations may also offer tuition assistance programs, which provide funds to reimburse students for some or all of their expenses. The most common tuition assistance programs are those offered by companies to their employees. If you have a job, consider asking if they provide a tuition assistance program.

Can I Use My Parent's Military Benefits for College?

Dependent and surviving children and grandchildren of service members are often eligible to receive education benefits as well. Many scholarships and grants are available for qualifying students whose parent or guardian served or was injured or killed while on duty.

Additionally, military dependents and spouses may also be eligible to receive GI Bill benefits. This is especially true if the veteran parent or guardian did not use these benefits or claimed them to transfer them to their child.