Posted on Aug 3, 2015
Looking to complete my Bachelors Degree - What resources are out there for Veterans and Federal Employees?
21.2K
65
43
12
12
0
I’m looking this program for my Bachelor's Degree in Science.
https://www.gwu.edu/undergraduate-programs-bachelors-degree-completion-program-integrated-information-science-and-technology?searched=y
I think this is the one for me but is very expensive, I’d be able to finish quicker with having my A.S. degree and real life experience credit.
My question is this? What resources are out there for tuition assistance for Federal Employees and Veterans? I had a GI bill but had used that for my A.S. I'm a service-disabled veteran, and I'm checking into the possibility of the VA. I keep hearing from people how the govt paid for federal employees to finish their degrees for promotion potential, but I can't seem to get a straight answer as to what is available to me here at USDA. My goal with getting this degree is to consider SES in Federal Service so a Bachelor's Degree at a minimum is required.
I appreciate any advice that any of you could give me on this.
1SG Michael Blount, CW3 (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), SGM (Join to see), COL (Join to see) SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
https://www.gwu.edu/undergraduate-programs-bachelors-degree-completion-program-integrated-information-science-and-technology?searched=y
I think this is the one for me but is very expensive, I’d be able to finish quicker with having my A.S. degree and real life experience credit.
My question is this? What resources are out there for tuition assistance for Federal Employees and Veterans? I had a GI bill but had used that for my A.S. I'm a service-disabled veteran, and I'm checking into the possibility of the VA. I keep hearing from people how the govt paid for federal employees to finish their degrees for promotion potential, but I can't seem to get a straight answer as to what is available to me here at USDA. My goal with getting this degree is to consider SES in Federal Service so a Bachelor's Degree at a minimum is required.
I appreciate any advice that any of you could give me on this.
1SG Michael Blount, CW3 (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), SGM (Join to see), COL (Join to see) SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
Education
Bachelors Degree
USDA
RP/6
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 25
5
5
0
Depending on your VA rating you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. Find a local VA rep for the program and you might not need to worry about financing the education.
(5)
(0)
4
4
0
The only things to ask:
1. Is this an accredited college and accredited program?
2. Is it relevant to an industry or particular skill or knowledge base that will get you a job?
3. Is the cost reasonable (not higher than average college costs). You may be doing this on GI bill, but think about where you go and what you study. Some schools are known for great technology programs and having their paper means something to industries and employers. Make sure the program or institution is worth it.
1. Is this an accredited college and accredited program?
2. Is it relevant to an industry or particular skill or knowledge base that will get you a job?
3. Is the cost reasonable (not higher than average college costs). You may be doing this on GI bill, but think about where you go and what you study. Some schools are known for great technology programs and having their paper means something to industries and employers. Make sure the program or institution is worth it.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
CLEP, DANTE, Excelsior exams. Most schools will take 30~ credits (1 year). Dante include Upper Level courses. As a vet you can take tests on base. Tests cost $100~ each but net you 3-6 credits. Can end up saving you 6-12 months and LOTS of money.
(4)
(0)
MSgt James Mullis
PV2 (Join to see) - Let me add that when you sign up for tests STUDY. The CLEP tests have study books and videos for you to use prior to taking the test. Take a couple of weeks and prepare for the test just as if you were in a class. For the Dantes exams, go to your local library and sign out a text book for the subject your going to test on. In the end it will be well worth your time and effort (Free vs $595 per credit hour).
(2)
(0)
3
3
0
See your education center. They can give you the best info based on your needs
(3)
(0)
SFC A.M. Drake
SFC Harris,
How can she visit an education center, when she may not be a military post! I had to laugh at your answer...
How can she visit an education center, when she may not be a military post! I had to laugh at your answer...
(2)
(0)
1SG (Join to see)
SFC Drake, use common sense. Visit can mean call, email, video conference it does not always have to mean a physical presence. I was pointing the best way to aid in her making the best possible choice with those who can do so. I hope you reply to her was more helpful than mine.
(2)
(0)
SFC A.M. Drake
SFC Harris,
Since you are making this personal lets go there. She is a veteran meaning out of the Armed Forces. Her best resource is to contact http://www.gibill.va.gov or she can contact any school she is interested in and usually they have a VA Rep there that can answer her questions fully. The problem YOU have is that you are looking at it from an active duty standpoint only. I will assume that you have not spent a day in the civilian world working as you probably have been on active duty the whole time which is no fault of yours. So do yourself a favor and save your personal attack comments to someone that cares. As for me I will continue to answer members questions that I feel I can contribute to. I suggest you do the same
Since you are making this personal lets go there. She is a veteran meaning out of the Armed Forces. Her best resource is to contact http://www.gibill.va.gov or she can contact any school she is interested in and usually they have a VA Rep there that can answer her questions fully. The problem YOU have is that you are looking at it from an active duty standpoint only. I will assume that you have not spent a day in the civilian world working as you probably have been on active duty the whole time which is no fault of yours. So do yourself a favor and save your personal attack comments to someone that cares. As for me I will continue to answer members questions that I feel I can contribute to. I suggest you do the same
The GI Bill provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
3
3
0
I used Voc Rehab with the VA for my AS and BA. It was a great program! My wife worked at Trevecca Nazarene University, so I received my Masters free also (employee perk).
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
Look for a school who has people dedicated to helping veterans and know the GI Bill.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Hi Lisa. I am an admission representative at American Military University. Have you considered any degrees through AMU? You can see a list of the Bachelor degrees we offer at the following link: http://www.amu.apus.edu/academic/programs/bachelors We have a Bachelor's in Information System Security, Information Technology, and Information Technology Management.
For veterans, we charge $250 a credit hour. We can evaluate your previous college and military transcripts towards 2 degrees you are interested in to see how much would transfer. This will help you determine how much would be left of the program, therefore leading to a total cost for your Bachelor's degree.
If you are interested in receiving more information, please reach out to me. I would be glad to assist you!
For veterans, we charge $250 a credit hour. We can evaluate your previous college and military transcripts towards 2 degrees you are interested in to see how much would transfer. This will help you determine how much would be left of the program, therefore leading to a total cost for your Bachelor's degree.
If you are interested in receiving more information, please reach out to me. I would be glad to assist you!
AMU offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees that require between 120 and 124 semester hours (39-40 courses and 1-4 labs) depending on the program. Students must have a high school degree or its equivalent to be admitted to a bachelor's degree program.
(2)
(0)
PV2 (Join to see)
I was actually researching AMU as well. I liked the IT Management Program. I would love more information.
(0)
(0)
SGM Katina Elliott
I Just finished at AMU! I think this school was great for me! It was great not having to pay for books for undergraduate studies, plus the ease of using TA. I am considering going back for my master's degree.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
PV2 Wilcox, you could also inquire into tuition assistance through goarmyed.
(2)
(0)
PV2 (Join to see)
@SFC Adam Van Natta I appreciate it but I just checked that site and I'm not DA Civilian and have been out far too long for Active Duty stuff. Thank you anyway.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
PV2 (Join to see) There is a program for Federal Employees so that once you have completed 10 years of Federal Service your student loans are forgiven. There are more details at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
I hope you find this helpful.
I hope you find this helpful.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid
You may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on your eligible federal student loans based on your employment in a public service job.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google