NewsMilitary

Actions

Army suspending tuition assistance program due to budget cuts

Posted at 12:45 PM, Mar 08, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-08 12:45:08-05

The Army’s popular Tuition Assistance program is being suspended because of budget cuts as of 5pm on Friday.

The many thousands of soldiers currently enrolled in courses will be allowed to complete those courses, but will not be allowed to enroll in new ones, according to the Army Times.

About 200,000 soldiers are currently using tuition assistance.

Soldiers will still be allowed to pursue education using their VA benefits, if eligible, that include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery Bill-Selected Reserve, Reserve Assistance Program and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

During fiscal 2012, the Army spent $373 million for tuition assistance payments.

Under the TA payment formula, payments are capped at $250 per semester hour of instruction, for up to an annual total of $4,500.

The Air Force is considering a similar move with its tuition assistance program, while the Navy has not made a decision yet on theirs.

Read more at the Army Times.