The North Carolina Army National Guard sets the bar for higher standards and better benefits by offering the best tuition assistance benefits in the Nation. North Carolina offers 100% free tuition for any public college or university. We are committed to providing the best education opportunities for our Soldiers.

Our Free College Tuition Program is available at the following institutions:

• University of North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill
  • Greensboro
  • Wilmington
  • Pembroke
  • Charlotte
  • Asheville
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts
• North Carolina State University
• Elizabeth City State University
• East Carolina University
• Western Carolina University
• Appalachian State University
• North Carolina A&T State University
• North Carolina Central University
• Winston Salem State University
• Fayetteville State University

The Federal Tuition Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Army National Guard Soldiers in support of their professional and personal self development goals. Army National Guard Soldiers are eligible for this benefit after graduation from either Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC), or Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC).

Benefit Overview

• Up to $250 per semester hour, up to 16 semester hours per fiscal year.
• Lifetime limit of 130 undergraduate semester hours and 39 graduate semester hours.
• Up to 21 additional semester hours towards an academic certificate.
• Soldiers may use this benefit to pursue post-secondary education at the following levels: certificate/diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s.

The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) is offered as an enlistment incentive for Non-Prior Service and Prior Service enlistees. If you have incurred a student loan obligation or may plan to in the future, the Army National Guard can help you repay up to $50,000 of your student loan.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible federally backed disbursed loans IAW Title 10 USC Subsection 16301.
• The loan(s) must be listed on the Department of Education National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Aid Summary website.
• Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan[s]) are eligible as long as the applicant is responsible for repayment of the loan.
• State and private loans are not eligible for repayment under the SLRP program.

GI Bill – The GI Bill is a federally funded program administered by the military services and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Each GI Bill program offers 36 months of educational assistance for full-time study. Students attending half-time receive a maximum of 72 months of benefits. Payments are pro-rated for part-time study.

The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program may be available to you if you are a traditional drilling Soldier of the Army National Guard. You may use the MGIB-SR for any degree program (Associate through Doctoral), certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship or on-the-job training, trade or vocational school, and flight training programs.

• Soldiers may be eligible to receive additional GI Bill benefits through the Army National Guard Kicker program. The Kicker program is not an entitlement and Soldiers must meet the eligibility requirements and sign a valid Kicker contract to qualify. Payments are pro-rated for part-time study.
• Non-Prior Service Applicant – $350/month
• Prior Service – $350/month
• Current National Guard Soldiers – $350/month
• Officer/Warrant Officer Programs – $350/month

Scholarships

If you are interested in receiving an Army ROTC scholarship and commissioning into the Army National Guard, the Minuteman Scholarship provides you an excellent opportunity. Minuteman Scholarships cover 2, 3, or 4 years of full tuition and fees or $12,000 for room and board at colleges and universities served by an Army ROTC program.

All cadets, including those not on Army ROTC scholarships, are eligible to start receiving a monthly tax-free allowance beginning when they sign an ROTC contract. Stipends are received over the 10-month academic period while the cadet is attending classes. The amount of the monthly stipend is $420.

• The Army ROTC program offers the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarship for cadets who want to serve in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve. The Program is designed to attract cadets who are interested in obtaining a commission in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. Cadets electing the GRFD Program can compete for a GRFD Scholarship of up to two years that pays 100% of tuition and fees or up to $10,000 for room and board per school year. In addition, scholarship recipients receive a $1,200 annual allowance for books. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned and incur a military service obligation of eight years in the Army National Guard.

Guard Pay – Whether it’s your first job or the next phase in your military career, the Guard offers excellent pay. Your earnings depend on your rank, your job and even your education level. You may qualify for an advanced rank if you have certain skills that have been acquired through civilian experience or education. Your recruiter will be able to help you determine if you meet the requirements. The higher you go, the more you make.

You may qualify for an advanced rank if you have certain skills that have been acquired through civilian experience or education. Your recruiter will be able to help you determine if you meet the requirements.

• Healthcare – The Guard cares about the health of Soldiers and their Families. Military members and their Families can purchase inexpensive health coverage from TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS), for the top-quality healthcare they deserve.
• Life Insurance – Low-cost life insurance plans are available for Guard Soldiers – up to $500,000. Family members are eligible for Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance.
• Thrift Savings Plan – As a member of the uniformed services, you have the opportunity to participate in one of the finest retirement plans in the world. The TSP allows Guard members to contribute to a long-term savings and investment plan.
• Veteran Administration (VA) Home Loans – As a member of the uniformed services, you have the opportunity to participate in one of the finest retirement plans in the world. The TSP allows Guard members to contribute to a long-term savings and investment plan.
• Uniformed Services Retirement Plan – The Guard can continue to pay you every month after you have finished serving. This is on top of any benefits from your civilian career and any other retirement funds you may have coming.
• Discount Shopping – Guard Families can enjoy privileges at military installations around the world, including tax-free discount shopping at any Military Exchange and commissary. You can even shop online at the Exchange.
• Fly For Free – Guard Soldiers can travel free on military planes when space is available. You can fly within and between the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Availability is based on a priority system.
• Temporary Housing – As a member of the Army National Guard you will qualify to use on-post military temporary housing when available. This is a great benefit no matter where you are going.