All Federal Tuition Assistance request are processed through GoArmyEd (GAE). You may set-up or update your GoArmyEd account from any internet ready computer (CAC card not required). Follow the steps below to apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) today.
Step 1: Set-up GoArmyEd Account at www.goarmyed.com
- Log in to www.GoArmyEd.com using your user name and password or your Common Access Card (CAC)
- Select “Create/Activate Account”
- Complete the required information
- Select the “Request TA Access” smart link; GAE will perform an automatic verification of FTA eligibility
- View the “Welcome to VIA” video
- Select a career goal, degree program, and home school using the VIA decision tool (self-guided)
- Submit the request for approval; an Army Education Counselor will activate your FTA-eligible access to GoArmyEd
- A counselor will email you when your request has been approved and you are eligible to request TA
Depending on the GoArmyE (GAE) school classification and the degree you pursue, GAE will present you with one of several enrollment paths. GoArmyEd will determine your path automatically and the Army will pay the approved TA amount directly to your school. If you are required to complete the GoArmyEd Course Planner, the planner must be approved to enroll in classes.
Step 3: Provide TA Approval Authorization to School
The Army Education Counselor will email you when your Tuition Assistance request is approved. Instructions to print your approved Federal Tuition Assistance Authorization form.
Tip: Is your GoArmyEd account on hold? Visit the GoArmyEd Assistance Center for steps on how to resolve your hold.
Q: Is it true we no longer have to wait one year after AIT/BOLC to use FTA?
A: Yes! The one year wait was rescinded on 5 August 2018. Qualifying Soldiers may now request FTA after successful completion of AIT/BOLC.
Q: If TA only paid for one class to complete my bachelor's degree, do I still have to wait until I have 10 years in service to start my master’s?
A: No. Effective 5 August 2018, Soldiers must complete Advanced Leaders Course (ALC), Captain Career Course (CCC), or Warrant Officer Advanced Course (WOAC) to use FTA for a master’s degree (*if you used FTA towards your undergraduate degree).
Q: If a prior service Soldier completed military education level (MEL) training qualifying for Tier 1 or Tier 2 level TA previously, and then that Soldier reenlists or becomes an officer, does that Soldier have to complete the new MEL training based on his/her new paygrade or career status? For example, if a Soldier completes ALC while enlisted, and then that Soldier becomes a warrant officer or commissioned officer, does that Soldier now have to complete the officer advanced course (WOAC or CCC) to meet Tier 2 eligibility?
A: No. For MEL purposes, the Soldier’s education during periods of prior military service counts. This applies to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 education requirements.
Q: What is the TA eligibility status for 09R / 09S?
A: Not eligible (must meet the one year after completing Initial Entry Training rule.) Note – If you have prior service (any branch) and meet the one year after AIT/WOBC/BOLC rule, you can use TA provided they are not on any type of ROTC Scholarship.
Q: If a Soldier is under the 16 SH limit but the next enrollment would take the total above 16 SHs, will TA pay for the SHs that do not go over the 16 SH limit?
A: TA will pay for UP TO 16 SHs (proration applies).
Q: Does 16 semester hours of TA-funded classes start at the beginning of the calendar year or at the beginning of the academic year?
A: The 16 semester hour is based on the fiscal year, 1 October to 30 September. TA is associated with the class start date within a fiscal year.
Q: Will classes dropped for personal reasons count towards the 16 semester hour limit?
A: Yes, classes dropped after the start date in which there is a cost to the Army will count towards your 16 semester hour fiscal year total.
Q: Will classes dropped for military reasons count towards the 16 semester hour limit?
A: If you have to drop a class due to unforeseen military reasons, those semester hours will not count towards your 16 semester hour fiscal year total. Note: Military withdrawal must be approved by your Education Services Officer to be valid.
Q: Will the TA Statement of Understanding (SOU) be updated to reflect the policy changes?
A: Yes, the current SOU (dated Sep 2015) is under revision and we anticipate will be ready for signature not later than 5 August 2018.