Coast Guard reinstates TA for E-7 and above

The Coast Guard has restored tuition assistance for all ranks through September, the service announced today. The program is also open to all degree levels.

The service had temporarily suspended TA in March, along with the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, to save money. But Congress compelled the Defense Department to turn the money back on, and the Coast Guard followed suit in April — with limitations.

Eligibility was only offered to Coast Guardsmen ranked E-6 and below, and only for undergraduate courses.

But officials now say there is enough funding for the fiscal year to expand eligibility to E-7s and above, officers and reservists on long-term active-duty orders of more than 180 days. They will also expanded eligibility to graduate degrees.

Coast Guardsmen can earn up to $250 per credit hour with a $4,500 annual cap.

The good TA news may be fleeting, however.

“Given uncertainty over fiscal year 2014 funding levels, this increased availability may not exist in fiscal year 2014; personnel should plan accordingly when starting or continuing a degree program,” the Coast Guard warns on its official blog.

Contact your local education services officer or visit the Coast Guard Institute online to apply.

The Coast Guard averages about 10,000 TA users per year and in the spring had logged about 7,000 participants.