What is the best reserve/guard to join in terms of college tuition? Which offers the most benefits and pays the most for college tuition?

Briana Chase — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:17:11 -0400

I am looking to become a cop after college (majoring in criminal justice) and I'm planning to work hard and advance from there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 1:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:22:56 -0400

National Guard and Army Reserve should do not have identical tuition assistance policies. Check with your State.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 1:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:26:19 -0400

https://www.nationalguard.com/education-programs/federal-tuition-assistance-old

Army National Guard

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 1:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:26:40 -0400

It depends on the state you're in. In general, most states National Guards (Army or Air) offer more incentives than the Reserves. That's because states are able to provide additional incentives on top of federal TA. Some states will pay for multiple graduate degrees, some will pay 100% TA, some offer scholarships. For example, in Washington state when I was in the NG, if there was a seat available in a class at a state funded university, that class was tuition free, and the NG provided a scholarship every year as well.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 1:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:26:48 -0400

https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Tuition-Assistance-(TA)?serv=125#:~:text=Army%20Reserve%20Soldiers%20on%20drill%20status%20are%20eligible%20for%20Tuition%20Assistance.&text=institution's%20tuition%20and%20fees%20are,funded%20courses%20per%20fiscal%20year.

Tuition-Assistance-(TA)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 3:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 May 2021 15:38:32 -0400

National Guard depending on the State you're in as SFC Private RallyPoint Member has stated. Reserves, even though being Reserve belong exclusively to Federal. Whereas the National Guard belongs to State most of the time, and Federal when needed.

That said, some Reservists depending on their State may also be able to benefit from some programs as a military member in general.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made May 17 at 2021 4:23 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Mon, 17 May 2021 16:23:14 -0400

In Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, the National Guard will pay 100% of a Guard Members tuition s long as they are in good standing and drilling as scheduled.
Miss a drill, you cover that month out of pocket.
The only real requirement is that the school must be a public school. No private universities or trade schools.

Response by SFC Kurt Brunken made May 18 at 2021 11:58 AM

SFC Kurt Brunken — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:58:08 -0400

I dont recommend the guard at all, go active and you will enjoy your time and experiences much better.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 1:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:33:04 -0400

I would counsel you to consider studying anything BUT Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement in College. Depending on the civil service laws where you live, you may or may not be required to have a degree at all to become a police officer. I am unaware of any state that requires a degree in law enforcement, although some will provide incentives such as pay premiums and additional advancement opportunities.

Regardless of what your degree says, you will still attend the same police academy as every other badge on the job. Having a degree is great, but what happens when you decide law enforcement isn't the long term path for you? If you have a degree in accounting, management, or pick a profession, you have options. If it's a CRJ degree, you are destined to CRJ jobs...... or something menial that may not play to, or reward your strengths.

I wish you well in whatever path you choose.