Tuition Assistance (TA) is an education benefit program of the Department of Defense (DOD). The program is not administered or monitored by the Veterans Administration (VA). The Department of Defense (DoD) will provide up to $250 per semester credit hour and $4500 per year. This MilRate only applies to students using Tuition Assistance.
TA funding requests must be submitted through a student’s education portal at least 7 days prior to the start date of the course. This is a deadline set by the military, and funding requests submitted after the 7-day deadline will not show the correct dates.
Military branches DO NOT automatically send a student's voucher! The student must submit the TA form within UAccess to use TA funding.
Each branch of service has guidelines and procedures for applying for and using Tuition Assistance. The Education Service Officer at your military installation should be your main contact for applications and processing questions, as benefits can differ between branches and within units in the same branch.
Step 1: Apply to the University of Arizona
Step 2: Contact the Education Service Officer (ESO) for your military branch and begin the TA application process before registering for classes.
You will need to have your University of Arizona Student ID.
Identify University of Arizona (The) as your institution.
Please be aware that the University of Arizona Global Campus and University of Arizona (The) are different. If your voucher says University of Arizona Global Campus as the institution, we cannot accept or process it.
Step 3: Before registering
Review Undergraduate Student Benefit
Undergraduate students approved to use tuition assistance at the University of Arizona will pay $250 per unit in tuition. Once the Military-Connected Benefits and Certifications office receives an approved TA Voucher, the tuition will be adjusted to $250 per unit. Please note that TA covers the cost of tuition only; all applicable mandatory fees are charged at the standard rates and paid by the student.
Review Graduate Student Benefit
Graduate students approved to use tuition assistance at the University of Arizona will be charged standard tuition rates, and the approved TA amount will then be applied to the tuition charges on the student’s bursar account. If eligible for VA Education Benefits (Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill®), the student can utilize their benefit to assist with covering the out-of-pocket cost.
Undergraduate Students Meet with Academic Advisor
As an undergraduate student, connect with an academic advisor and create an advising report (ADVIP) prior to selecting courses for the upcoming term. The ADVIP is available in Student Center and is necessary for the benefit certification process.
Graduate Students Meet with College Advisor
As a graduate student, connect with your college academic advisor and create a Plan of Study prior to selecting courses for the upcoming term. The Plan of Study is available in Student Center and is necessary for the benefit certification process.
Make a copy of your Degree Planning Document
- Log into UAccess Student Center.
- Select Advising on the main navigation.
- From the dropdown, select Advisement Report.
- Choose to "view report as PDF".
- Save the file and submit it to your Tuition Assistance program.
Step 4: Register for classes and obtain a tuition receipt
Register using the Schedule of Classes
Review the Schedule of Classes through your UAccess Student Center, and register for your classes.
Step 5: Processing of payment
Submit your approved voucher to MCBC office
Submit your Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Voucher through the Tuition Assistance Voucher eform in your UAccess Student Center. This help guide takes you through the steps of submitting your voucher.
Military branches DO NOT automatically send your voucher! You must submit the voucher directly.
The MCBC office will certify the voucher, and coordinate with the Bursar's Office to request payment from DoD.
DoD sends payment to University of Arizona
The University will receive funds for the tuition payment, and apply them to your account.
The student will be responsible for the balance of their education costs such as class fees and inclusive access books.
Check UAccess Student Center
Your TA funds will be processed by the Bursar's Office for payment of tuition and fees.
Step 6: University of Arizona will report your grades or graduation to DoD.
In accordance with your branch's requirements, we will send official report of your grades or graduation to the DoD at the end of your term. Grades are reported at the end of each session manually, so please allow 3-4 weeks for all grades to be submitted.
Return of Tuition Assistance Funds
The Department of Defense requires a return of tuition assistance funds when a class is dropped after completing less than 60% of it. Returns are prorated based on the percentage of completed class time.
| Standard Major Term | Percent Returned to DOD that will then be Owed to UA by the Student |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 100% |
| Weeks 3-4 | 30% |
| Weeks 5-6 | 20% |
| Weeks 7-8 | 10% |
| Weeks 9-10 | 1% |
| Weeks 11-16 | 0% |
Tuition Assistance FAQs
Active-duty students should work with their education center counselor to determine which options are available for their specific circumstance. In general, an active-duty student who is a recipient of the Montgomery GI Bill® or Post-9/11 GI Bill® program may qualify for both the GI Bill® and tuition assistance. Education counselors are available at each virtual education center by branch:
How do I apply for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA)?
The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force each have their own TA application forms and procedures and students should apply for TA through their specific branch education center.
Virtual Education Centers by Branch:
A student using TA must be pre-approved prior to enrolling in a course. Once TA has been approved by the student’s military branch, the student should enroll in the course. This must be done prior to the first day of class or TA will not be approved by the Department of Defense.
Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) is a tuition reimbursement program for active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve services members.
The Department of Defense requires the university to approve enrollment if the class meets a student’s degree requirement. Once enrollment is approved, the UA Bursar’s Office invoices TA to the student’s military branch.
Submit your Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Voucher through the Tuition Assistance Voucher eform in your UAccess Student Center. This help guide takes you through the steps of submitting your voucher.
Military branches DO NOT automatically send your voucher! You must submit the voucher directly.
The MCBC office will certify the voucher, and coordinate with the Bursar's Office to request payment from DoD.
- Log into UAccess Student Center.
- Select Advising on the main navigation.
- From the dropdown, select Advisement Report.
- Choose to "view report as PDF".
- Save the file and submit it to your Tuition Assistance program.
Resource Guide: Bursar Account Summary
- Click on the e-Bill Statements box showing itemized charges for the class where you will apply Tuition Assistance.
- Make sure the invoice you selected includes an itemized description of your charges.