Tuition Assistance / Veteran Benefits
Tuition Assistance & Veteran Education Benefits is
Contact: Financial Aid Director – Jackie Wilson: jwilson@marionmilitary.edu
The Tuition Assistance Program (TA) provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs in support of a Soldier’s professional and personal self-development goals. TA is a Public Law that is implemented by Department of Defense (DoD) Directive and DoD Instruction, and all Soldiers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty (pursuant to U.S. Code Title 10 or Title 32), and TPU Soldiers are authorized to participate in the TA program.
On December 11, 2024, the Army released ALARACT 09/2024 (Changes to Voluntary Education Policy) to announce the following policy updates to the TA Program:
- Annual cap increased $4,500
- Semester hours up to 18
- Require Soldiers who are first time users of TA to take ArmyIgnitED training prior to requesting TA
- Require Soldiers to complete the AIED 101 Training and Career Path Decide support tool.
Veteran Education Benefits for Marion Military Institute students include
- Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP)
- Army Tuition Assistance (TA)
- Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Program
- Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (Disabled Veterans)
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and Active Duty
- Chapter 33 Post 9/11
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
Active Duty/Tuition Assistance
Students are directed by campus recruiters and Financial Aid Director/ Advisors to speak with service members prior to enrollment to ensures they understand the realities of service, training, and the application of educational benefits. Best practices involve directing students to official counselors (ESOs), utilizing mentorship programs, and encouraging direct conversations with current, or former service members for unbiased perspectives.
Here are the ways to direct students to speak with service members:
- Educational Services Officer (ESO): Direct active-duty Service members to speak with their unit ESO, military counselor, or local installation Education Center before enrolling and using Federal Tuition Assistance.
- Structured Information
“Ask a Veteran” Events: Host events where prospective students can talk directly with veterans or current service members.
Campus Visits/Tours: Have student veterans or ROTC cadets act as tour guides to share authentic experiences.
- Conversation Topics
When directing students, advise them to ask specific questions about the realities of service, such as:
“What is the daily life and training really like for this job (MOS)?”.
“What are the best education benefits, and how do they actually work?”.
“How does this branch’s culture align with my goals?”.
- Verification
Advise students not to rely on just one recruiter, speak with veterans from different branches to get a balanced view.