I've joined the Virginia Army National Guard, what education
benefits do I have?
At Enlistment:
Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Tuition Assistance--this
program pays up to 75% of tuition for a maximum of 12 credit
hours per year.
Distance Learning Tuition Reimbursement--this program provides
up to 75% tuition reimbursement for independent study (correspondence
course) for a maximum of 12 credit hours per year.
DANTES Testing--free examination programs are available in
the following areas:
- High School Completion
- College Admissions
- College Credit by Examination
- Certification
- Interest Inventories
Counseling--education counseling is available to help select
institutions and programs of study, and to identify possible
financial aid resources.
After Basic Training:
State Tuition Assistance Program--this program pays up to 50%
of your tuition not to exceed $500 per semester and $1000 per
year (based on available funding).
After Advanced Individual Training:
Montgomery G.I. Bill--this program provides you with up to $7200
($200 per month) based on the number of courses that you are
taking.
Credit for Military Experience--many colleges will award credit
based on your military training and experience. You may receive
from 4-16 credits through this program.
Congratulations on joining one of the best organizations in
the country. Attached are fact sheets describing each of these
programs. Feel free to contact the Education Services Office
at (804)775- 9290 if you have any questions regarding these programs.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS/ASSISTANCE
The GI Bill offers over $7,000 in tax-free education entitlements,
to eligible participants with a 6-year obligation/contract, for
graduate and undergraduate studies.
No cost GED (General Educational Development) testing.
No cost CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing,
both general (5 basic subjects) and subject specific (over 30
subjects), for ARNG personnel and their spouses. Successful completion
results in a recommendation for college credits, which saves
classroom hours and tuition fees.
No cost DANTES DSST (Defense Activity for Non-traditional
Education Support - Subject Standardized Tests) testing for ARNG
personnel and their spouses. As with CLEP, passing scores and
recommended semester credit hours are those recommended by the
American Council of Education, and acceptance is up to the individual
college.
No cost ACCP (Army Correspondence Course Program) not only
allows you to gain knowledge in soldier skills, but are also
creditable for promotion and retirement points.
College credit recommendations for Military Experience, including
BCT & AIT. (Example: BCT = 4hrs, plus AIT for 11B = 2hrs,
12B = 6hrs, 13B = 4hrs). Additional credit recommendations for
other 40-40+ hour courses such as service schools and academies.
State & Federal Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement Programs
are too numerous to mention in detail. They include programs
such as State Tuition Assistance, Federal Army Continuing Education
System Tuition Assistance, Distance Learning Tuition Reimbursement,
and Academic Evaluation Assessment Fee Reimbursement. Contact
your Unit Readiness NCO or the Education Services Office (CPT
Bolton 804-775-9155).
For more information, visit the Division
Recruiting Station.
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