How would cost-sharing Tuition Assistance impact your civilian education?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:19:42 -0500

The Coast Guard just instituted cost-sharing tuition assistance, covering only 75% of TA for their service members, requiring the service member to cover 25% of the cost. How will this impact the rest of the military services with regards to tuition assistance and pursuit of civilian education for our service members at a time where the military is right-sizing?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 23 at 2013 4:38 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:38:00 -0500

This would just bring us back to the pre-9/11 rates...it's all cyclical.
Bringing back the 75% TA will actually benefit the military AND its service members. How? If someone really wants a degree, they'll go for it and won't waste credit hours just taking classes here and there.

Spending ones own money (or topping up with GI Bill) will help focus on achievable educational goals.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Nov 23 at 2013 7:39 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 19:39:04 -0500

I think it is great. I think it will motivate Soldiers to work harder and it will make the money go farther. That is how it was when I used it.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 24 at 2013 6:55 PM

CPT Laurie H. — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 18:55:07 -0500

I don't use TA for my civilian education, but I definately agree anyone is more motivated to do well in classes when some money is coming out of their own pocket.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 5:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 05:10:33 -0500

Being that I am a Soldier who utilizes FULL use of his given TA, I'd be a lil shaken (upset) if this were to happen but since I've been in for so long I know I'd have to adjust fire and keep moving forward as its required of me to do so.

Would I be happy? Not entirely but I'd adjust my plan and keep pushing forward. In an effort to help save money and funds because we all know that cuts to military programs and incentives are STILL on the table to move to the chopping block if 100% coverage for TA is no longer an option then I'd rather have 75% as opposed to 0% (which if many have forgotten has happened TWICE this year alone.....TWICE)

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jan 7 at 2014 8:28 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 08:28:00 -0500

If I could get the Army to pay for ANY of my civilian education, I'd be over the moon. I came into the Army with a Masters Degree and the Army slammed the door in my face when I asked for assistance IRT some community college courses I wanted to take. IMHO, that attitude is absolutely unforgiveable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 11:01:17 -0400

It depends if the money is being used by the military or not. If the money is not being spent, then the military should leave it the way it is. I have been going to school every opportunity I could since the wars started in between deployments. It would have been more difficult if the tuition wasn't 100%.

Response by 1SG Tom Conner made Nov 11 at 2018 12:30 AM

1SG Tom Conner — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 00:30:59 -0500

I used TA for courses. Not only did they help me while in the Army, they were required for a degree I sought after separating