Tuition Assistance Program

Department of Defense Tuition Assistance is not a loan; it's money you've earned that will cover up to $250 per credit towards your tuition expenses. Contact your service branch for details.

If you're an active service member who meets certain criteria, you might qualify for funds from the:

• Air Force.
• Army
• Coast Guard.
• Marines.
• Navy.

Prospective students must receive approval from an education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling. Each branch of service sets its own criteria to determine eligibility for the program and has its own application process. Service members are responsible and encouraged to speak with their Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education office for support, prior to enrolling in classes.

Funds are usually paid directly to Mason through the Third-Party Billing Office. If you're approved, you'll need submit documentation through the Financial Guarantee/Authorizations Student Portal prior to the university payment deadline. You'll be assessed a $25 processing fee each semester.

TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned to the DOD based upon when a student stops attending. Mason's Return of Unearned TA Funds Policy aligns with the Department of Defense policy requiring the return of any unearned TA funds to the Department of Defense (“DOD”) on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided.  Return of funds to the DOD may result in student debt, for which the student will be responsible.