Educational Benefits For Reservists And Guardsmen

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

The REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

The chart below has the basic monthly rates effective as of October 1, 2013.

For trainees on active duty, payment is limited to reimbursement of tuition and fees for the training taken.

** Tuition and Fees only. Payment will not exceed the amounts listed above.

Some reservists may also contribute up to an additional $600 to receive increased GI Bill monthly benefits.  For that contribution, reservists can  receive up to $5400.  Applicants must be part of a Ready Reserve component (i.e. the Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, or Inactive National Guard) to pay into this Buy-Up program.

Service Specific Benefits

In addition to the REAP Benefits, the Military Reserves also have programs specific to the individual military services.

Army Reserve (USAR)

The Army Reserve offers opportunities for reserve soldiers to pursue their education on a voluntary basis. Voluntary education enhances promotion opportunities, but is not part of the professional military education and training required for career field advancement. All voluntary education must be completed on personal time, but there is extensive available from the Army Reserve.

Army Reservists may go to GoArmy and sign in using their AKO login and password to submit TA requests online.

The USAR offers:

• 100% tuition assistance up to $250 per semester hour, or $166 per quarter hour, not to exceed $4,500 annually per servicemember.
• 75% up to $250 per SH, $166 per quarter hour, and $4500 per FY for officers pursuing a bachelors degree.

Eligibility

• The soldier must be a drilling reservist in good standing.
• The soldier must declare an educational goal leading to a credential higher than current degree level.
• Enlisted soldiers and warrant officers must have sufficient time remaining on their term of service to complete the course before separation.
• Commissioned officers must have at least four years of Selected Reserve service remaining from the date of completion of the course for which tuition assistance is provided.
• The soldier must enroll for the independent study course following Army Reserve procedures.

Contact your local Army Reserve Education Office for assistance with TA or any other voluntary education assistance.

Navy Reserve (USNR)

There are currently no Tuition Assistance programs for the Navy Reserve. However, if you are activated under Title 10 then you qualify for the active duty Navy Tuition Assistance.

Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)

There are currently no Tuition Assistance programs for the Marine Corps Reserve. However, if you are activated under Title 10 then you qualify for the active duty Marine Corps Tuition Assistance.

Air Force Reserve (USAFR)

In order to support the professional and education goals its members, the Air Force Reserve provides a number of voluntary programs.

USAFR offers:

• Undergraduate (Associates and Bachelors Degrees)
  • 100% tuition assistance for undergraduate degree programs
  • Not to exceed $250 per semester hour, or $166.67 per quarter hour
  • Up to $4,500 annually per Servicemember.
• Graduate Studies (Masters Degree)
  • 75% tuition assistance for graduate degree programs
  • Not to exceed $250 per semester hour, or $166 per quarter hour
  • Up to $4,500 annually.

• Note: The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) manages payment of the USAFR tuition assistance program.

  For additional information on the Air Force Reserve voluntary education programs, please contact: Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Training Support Branch, Robins AFB, Georgia, at Commercial phone number: (478) 327-1276, DSN 497-1276Visit the Air Force Reserve Website or the Air Force Education Services Programs website for more information.

  Contact your education service officer for information on how to apply for tuition assistance and other programs.

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR)

Coast Guard Reserve units have integrated with active duty sites for educational and other benefits, so USCG reservists have now have full access to all of the educational programs available to active duty Coast Guard members. The Coast Guard Institute website has a complete list of available programs and how to apply.

The Coast Guard offers selected reservists:

• 100% tuition assistance up to $250 per semester hour, or $166.67 per quarter hour
• Not to exceed $4,500 annually per servicemember.