Frequently Asked Questions About Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

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Am I eligible?

Eligibility for military Tuition Assistance (TA) depends on your branch of service and their eligibility criteria for education programs. Contact your local Education Service Office (ESO) or commanding officer or go to the DOD/DANTES website or contact DANTES Office directly for details.

Note: For additional details or for information about Veterans or GI Bill benefits, see NCU's Veterans Benefits FAQ.

When do I apply for benefits?

Some ESO’s may require you to complete partial paperwork to set up your file while you are in the admissions process. Generally, it is best to wait until after you are accepted to NCU to apply for TA which often simplifies the process.

How do I apply for benefits?

Once you have been accepted to NCU, you will receive your letter of acceptance, proposed degree plan, instructions on requesting your first course, and detailed information about the start and end dates of your first course. This enrollment information is required to complete the necessary TA forms for your branch of service and must be submitted to your commanding officer and/or ESO for processing.

How do I know what information to put on my TA form?

Each branch of service has a slightly different TA request form. You will be asked to include course names and numbers, term start and end dates, number of credits per course, and tuition per credit on all forms. Be sure to complete forms accurately to insure that you receive the maximum amount for which you are eligible. Please note that you must report your actual tuition rate on your TA forms. NCU will waive the difference between the current tuition rate and the special military rates.

What do I do with my approved TA form?

After your TA form has been approved and signed by the authorizing ESO, fax, mail, or email it to the University so your course can be issued without delay. NCU allows you to get started in your courses without having to wait until your TA payment has been received from the military.

How do I pay for subsequent courses?

A new TA form is required for each semester in which you enroll. Please be sure to submit your forms to your ESO early to avoid enrollment delays between courses. You are responsible for providing correctly completed and approved TA forms to the NCU Accounting Office. However, we can provide assistance to you in obtaining them when if needed.

What is my CAP?

Established guidelines for your TA entitlement vary depending on your branch of service. The maximum allowable charge the military pays for each credit is your CAP. Your annual CAP is the maximum TA you are eligible to receive for the fiscal year. Military fiscal years run from October 1 through September 30. Your TA is paid based on the fiscal year in which you start your course(s) and not the date your course(s) is requested, issued, or ended. Carefully planning your course enrollments will insure you receive full use of your TA eligibility.

What if I use all my TA and want to take more courses?

If you exhaust your TA eligibility for the fiscal year and wish to take more courses, you will be required to pay the current applicable federal employee tuition rate.

Can I use my MGIB and get TA at the same time?

It depends on your TA funding status. Generally, if you are a Guardsman or Reservist, you may be able to use both benefits. Only 49% of veterans and service members use the benefits for which they are entitled. Do not assume you are not eligible for any programs. We encourage you to check with your ESO and/or the Veterans Affairs Office to be sure you are receiving the benefits you earned while serving our country! Visit NCU's Veteran's Benefits page to learn more details.