Tuition Assistance for Navy Personnel

Note: Last Updated Spring '22

Active Duty Sailors and Naval Reservists

To qualify for TA, Sailors must meet the following requirements:

  • Must have been onboard at least one year at the first permanent duty station or granted a waiver by the CO or OIC before using TA (NAVADMIN 190/14).
  • Must be on active duty for the duration of the course term.
  • Attend an institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Prior to submitting the first TA request, receive counseling from a Navy College Education Counselor from an OCONUS Navy College Office (NCO) or from the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC).
  • Submit an education plan listing all courses required for program completion and receive education plan approval from a Navy College Education Counselor.
  • Ensure that grades are posted in MyNavy Education for all previous TA funded courses, and reimburse TA funds for all collectible grades.
  • Officers must agree to remain on active duty for at least two years from the completion date of their last TA funded course. This obligation runs concurrently with any remaining obligated service time. Officers who do not complete the required service obligation must repay the TA funds expended on their behalf during the last two years of active duty on a pro-rated basis.

Naval Reservists must also meet the following requirements for TA eligibility:

  • Must have completed one year at their Navy Operational Support Center or equivalent to use TA funds.
  • Enlisted Naval Reservists must be ordered to active duty for 120 days or more and be on active duty for the duration of the course. Naval Reserve Officers must be ordered to active duty for two years beyond the course end date.

Note: Beginning 1 October 2019 in accordance with NAVADMIN 114/19:

  • Active duty enlisted Sailors and Officers, including Naval Reservists, must have a minimum of two years of military service before becoming eligible to use TA or NCPACE funding.

Covered Cost

Payment for tuition will not exceed the following caps:

  • $250.00 per semester hour (up to 12 semester hours per year)
  • $166.67 per quarter hour
  • $16.67 per clock hour (for approved certificate/diploma programs only)

Note: Beginning 1 October 2019, in accordance with NAVADMIN 114/19:

  • TA and NCPACE DL will be limited to a fiscal year cap of 12 semester hours, 18 quarter hours, or 180 clock hours (or combination). The fiscal year cap applies to both TA and NCPACE DL combined.
  • TA and NCPACE DL will be limited to a lifetime cap of 120 semester hours, 180 quarter hours, 1800 clock hours (or combination). The lifetime credit cap applies to both TA and NCPACE DL combined.

Application Process

Step 1: Inform your Command
Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education. (Many commands require a special request chit to proceed.)

Step 2: Complete Required Training
Sailors are required to complete two training topics before being eligible to apply for TA: the Navy Tuition Assistance training IMI (updated October 2017; replaces the previous WebTA Policy and Procedures course) AND the Navy Virtual Counseling 101 training IMI in My Education . These courses are required once per lifetime/service term.

Note: Sailors who have already completed the WebTA Policy and Procedures course will not need to complete the new Navy Tuition Assistance training. Sailors who have already completed the Higher Education Preparation (HEP) course will not need to complete the Navy Virtual Counseling 101 course. HEP completion certificates will continue to be accepted until 01 January 2018. Please upload your completion certificate in the My Education Module.

Complete the training using the My Education Module. Once completed, the results are recorded immediately in your My Education record. Retain the completion certificate for your records.

Complete the TA Policy and Procedures Training using the Navy College Program Mobile App (Android App, iTunes App). Once done, the results are documented within 24-48 hours in your My Education record. Retain the completion certificate for your records.
Note - IMI Training/IE Issues: Tuition Assistance (TA) and Virtual Counseling Training IMIs will not launch when using Internet Explorer (IE) and Virtual Counseling IMI freezes up. Refer to IMI Training and IE Issues 11 Dec 2017 and IE Settings PPT for guidance.

Step 3: Receive Education Counseling, Establish an Education Plan
Your Navy College Education Counselor is there to help guide you through the process of selecting a pathway to reach your personal and professional goals. The counselor will help you establish an education plan to advance your personal and professional journey. Contact a Navy College Education Counselor. For more detail on the counseling session see the VOLED Step 2 – Complete Counseling at the NCVEC page on this site. For more information on developing your education plan, see the VOLED Step 3 – Research, Select a School, & Develop a Plan on this site.

Step 4: Submit Education Plan, Review with Counselor
Upload your education/degree plan on the My Education Module under "My Education Plan." When uploading the file, use the school name for "File Name" and the degree and major for “Description.” Contact the NCVEC after you upload your education/degree plan for a plan review and record update.

Step 5: Submit WebTA Application at My Education Module
Once your record has been updated, submit your WebTA application using the My Education module. Per NAVADMIN 219/16, all WebTA applications must be submitted and command approved no later than 14 days prior to your term start date. On our home page, there is an article, entitled "Navy's Tuition Assistance Command Approval TimeLine" that provides a sample calendar to assist you. Submitting your WebTA application early allows sufficient time to resolve issues and to review and authorize your TA funding in a timely manner.

Step 6: Generate Voucher and Send to Institution
After your command approves and the NCVEC authorizes your WebTA application, a voucher is generated. All generated vouchers can be found under “Existing Applications” in the My Education module. Print, sign, and forward the authorized/funded TA voucher to your academic institution for payment.

University Requirements

  • Complete all steps required above to receive authorization.
  • Submit the Tuition Assistance Authorization form to the Office of Financial Assistance prior to start of course along with your Request for Veterans Benefits form (accessible on the UIS Financial Aid's forms page).
  • Complete the billing authorization in the Sponsor Billing Portal.