As of Oct. 1, the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program is extended for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23), all active duty and reserve members, and civilian employees are able to use TA.
Reserve members affiliated with the Selected Reserve (SELRES), as well as, full and part-time government service (GS) and wage grade (WG) civilians are eligible for TA. Civilian employees are only authorized for courses that lead to degrees related to the employee's current position and the anticipated needs of the Coast Guard. For more information regarding additional eligibility criteria for members, please review the FY23 Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (TA) Policy ALCOAST 384/22.
“By providing access to high quality educational opportunities, the Coast Guard recognizes that personal and professional growth is fueled equally through education, training, and experiences,” said Donna Duellberg, who is the Voluntary Education Program manager at Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM). “It also signals a confidence that the change individuals experience leads to betterment, and a positive career trajectory.”
The Coast Guard will fund tuition costs, up to $250.00 per semester hour, $166.67 per quarter hour, or $16.67 per hour. The annual cap for reimbursement for TA is $4,500.00 per person each fiscal year. This is also the limit for a civilian who is a member of the SELRES, They must not exceed the combined total as a civilian and reservist. Also of note, TA is not available for fees or any other college expenses that are not listed as tuition-related such as technology fees, graduation fees or internet usage.
Specifically, TA is authorized for courses leading to the following:
- A first or second academic certificate;
- A first or second associate or bachelor’s degree;
- A first master's degree.
If you are pursuing additional advanced degrees, TA will not be approved for any degree above a master's degree including Juris Doctor (JD) or doctoral degrees (PhD), and similar terminal degrees. However, associates to master's degree bridge programs are allowed. Also, members may use TA to pursue two cultural immersion or language classes when assigned out of country (OCONUS), regardless of whether what degree they have, or they don’t have. In addition, lifetime credit hour limits for TA will be lifted.
Since tuition assistance also serves as a work incentive, there are various obligations members must meet after receiving TA. You can review those requirements the FY23 Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (TA) Policy ALCOAST 384/22. Once you complete a TA application, it must be received by the Education and Training Quota Management Command at least 14 days before the class start date; applications and degree plans can be uploaded here. Schools authorized to receive TA funding can be found here. You can also visit FORCECOM for a list of frequently asked questions or email ETQC for additional information.
Additional resources for educational expenses:
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Grants - For eligible members, fees may be able to be reimbursed under the Supplemental Education Grants (SEG) through the Coast Guard's Mutual Assistance Grants.
- Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) website - Another source of Coast Guard funding and reimbursement programs for education expenses.
- Student Aid - Non-Coast Guard (federal and state) sources for need-based or merit-based financial aid can be found on this site.