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Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) – Q&A

Q1. When is Tuition Assistance being suspended?

A1. Effective March 8, 2013, Soldiers are not permitted to submit new requests for Tuition Assistance. Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for tuition assistance are not affected, and are allowed to complete current course(s) enrollment.

Q2. Why was Tuition Assistance suspended?

A2. This suspension is necessary given the significant budget execution challenges caused by the combined effects of a possible year-long continuing resolution and sequestration. The Army understands the impacts of this action and will re-evaluate should the budgetary situation improve.

Q3: Can I still take classes if the Tuition Assistance was approved prior to the suspension?

A3: Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for tuition assistance are not affected, and are allowed to complete current course(s) enrollment.

Q4: Are there other federal options, other than Tuition Assistance, for Soldiers to pay for college while still serving?

A4: Soldiers may continue to pursue their educational goals with VA education benefits, if applicable, that include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607), The Post 9/11 GI Bill, federal grants and federal financial aid.

Q5. As a Minnesota National Guard Service Member, can I use State Tuition Reimbursement (STR)?

A5: Yes, the Minnesota National Guard Service Members can use the State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) program. The program is able to withstand the short term funding impact of the suspension of Tuition Assistance. Apply for STR through your unit. The requirement for enlisted service members to apply for tuition assistance in order to be eligible for STR is waived until further notice. All other STR eligibility requirements remain in effect. For more information, please contact your unit full-time staff.

Q6: How long is the Tuition Assistance program going to be suspended?

A6: The Army understands the impacts of this decision and will re-evaluate the decision if the budgetary situation improves.

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Q7: Do you expect any changes to Tuition Assistance when it is reactivated, such as Soldiers having to pay some out of their pockets?

A7: Those decisions have not been made yet. The Army is currently conducting an analysis to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to the Tuition Assistance program.

Q8: Do you expect any other educational programs to be cut or modified?

A8: Not at this time, but all Department of Defense (DoD) programs are being reviewed.

Q9. When and how were Soldiers notified that Tuition Assistance was being suspended?

A9. Soldiers who were enrolled in the Tuition Assistance program within the past 12 months have been notified. All remaining Soldiers, will be notified by close of business March 8, 2013.

Q10. Where can I find more information?

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-Updated information will also be posted to www.goarmyed.com.

-J1 Education & Incentives Facebook page: www.facebook.com/educationandincentives

-J1 Education Counselors: PH (651) 282-4589

-MN Department of Veteran Affairs Higher Education Veterans Program representatives: www.mnveteranservice.org/documents/Veterans_Coordinators.html

Q11. Were educational institutions notified of these changes to Tuition Assistance? If so, when and how?

A11. All school partners registered in www.goarmyed.com received an email March 8, 2013.

Q12. Can educational institutions still invoice/bill the Army for previously approved Tuition Assistance?

A12. Yes, school partners can bill for all approved TA enrollments through www.GoArmyEd.com.