The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members. All service members interested in using TA must contact their Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education Counselor located on base at the Education Center within their branch of service prior to enrolling in any university. As each military branch has its own TA application form and process you need to review the requirements for the specific branch. To find out how to get started talk with your ESO or Education Counselor, or review the information available online for each service branch:
Prior to your course enrollment, you may be required to develop an education plan or complete an orientation. You need to receive approval from your ESO to use TA before you enroll in a course. TA is available for courses that are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).
Tuition Assistance (TA) DECIDE is a comparison tool designed specifically to aid participants of DoD’s Tuition Assistance (TA) program in making informed choices on schools and education programs. (TA) DECIDE
Prior to applying to Eastern Washington University, military service members are encouraged to consult with their education service officer (ESO), military counselor or command to receive approval.
The process for applying for military TA varies between the Services but comes down to the following basic process:
Apply to Eastern Washington University. Once you receive your acceptance letter from EWU, it is important to review the next steps as an admitted student. Contact EWU’s Veterans Resource Center with any questions during this process.
Step 1: Request Tuition Assistance
Request TA from your command. Discuss with military supervisor; commander approval is often needed. Meet with an Education Services Officer or a military education counselor to receive information on Military Tuition Assistance.
If using TA alongside Montgomery Selected Reserve CH 1606 or Post 9/11 GI Bill CH33 you will also need to provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the EWU Veterans Resource Center Office.
Step 2: Student Education Plan
Schedule an appointment with an EWU academic counselor to prepare a student education plan before enrolling in any classes. Your counselor will help guide you through the process of selecting your major and educational path. You may also use Degree Works to prepare you with this process. You may need this to upload into your particular TA Portal.
Step 3: Register for Classes
Register for classes based upon your education plan and required classes. You can access this via your EWU EagleNET account
Step 4: Submit Documents
Download your approved TA Approval/Voucher and submit to EWU Veterans Resource Center.
Please send your documents via email to veterans@ewu.edu.
Once VRC receives your TA Voucher, we will review and send to the EWU Bursar office where they will apply payment to your EWU student account.
National Guard Students
The Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC) National Guard Grant helps eligible, actively participating members of the Washington National Guard get an undergraduate degree or certificate. The program provides education opportunities to qualified service members and serves as an incentive to extend their National Guard service.
Participants commit to serving one year in the Washington National Guard in exchange for each year of grant funding. Combined with state and federal aid, grants can cover tuition and fees at approved colleges in Washington, as well as a portion of books and materials.
Those interested are encouraged to reach out to their education office or recruiter for more information on good standing with the Washington National Guard. The Washington National Guard may select applicants to meet certain recruitment needs.
For more information you can visit their website at: National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG).
Questions?
- Email EWU VRC Office
- EWU Veterans Resource Center
- Showalter Hall, Room 122
- (509) 359-7040
