Education Benefits & Student Loans
THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL (MGIB)
A veteran benefits program, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), was created to assist military members in paying for college. Eligible, enlisted Airmen may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeships or on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty.
THE POST-9/11 GI BILL
Eligible, active duty Airmen can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies, and monthly housing. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.
The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program
is designed to help active-duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on base, off base, or by correspondence.
Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line - Air Force COOL
The Community College of the Air Force recently launched the Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program. Air Force COOL is a pathway for enlisted Airmen to earn industry-recognized professional certifications and licenses. Found on the Air Force Portal, Air Force COOL has a credential mapping of 642 professional certifications and licenses for 190 enlisted Air Force specialty codes. The credentials are at the national and state levels and from the industry. Not only does it pay for your certification, but also helps pay for exams and preparatory materials (e.g., books)
Credentialing has two purposes. First, it continues to professionalize the enlisted force by providing up-to-date industry-recognized credentials in an airman's AF job. Second, it provides a way for airmen to prepare for civilian life by ensuring that they are ready for work in the civilian sector. There are many aspects to credentialing, including certifications and licenses.
The most sought certifications include the Federal Aviation Administration's Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate, Certified Manager, Project Management Professional, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Professional in Human Resources, and Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Student Loans - College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)
The CLRP has been de-funded and is not offered. Previously it offered enlisted members $10,000 (~$7,500 after taxes) to be paid on their student loans in exchange for three years of service. With a six-year enlistment, you could then earn the GI Bill in the following three years. No word on if or when this program will ever come back.
Military service does qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, where you can pay 120 monthly payments on some federal student loans and have the rest forgiven. You can read more about this program by selecting the links below.