Federal tuition assistance

The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program provides tuition assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. FTA is available for courses that are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. 

Your service branch submits your FTA funds directly to the school. The Department of Defense (DoD) has directed a uniform cap of $250 per credit and a fiscal year annual ceiling of $4,500.

Each service branch has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. This money is paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Contact your unit’s Education Service Office (ESO) to determine your eligibility and what steps you need to take to apply. 

Steps to use FTA

  1. Apply for your education goal in your branch's virtual education center. Connect with your unit's Education Services Office (ESO) if you need additional guidance.
    • All virtual education centers require a CAC reader for access.
    • If your desired program or any of your courses are not displayed in your virtual education center, please follow up at [email protected].
  2. Create a tuition assistance request (TAR) after your education goal and courses have been approved by your ESO. Once approved, downlaod your Tuition Assistance Request (TAR). 
  3. Request to use FTA funds at UMN. Upload your approved TAR in this form. This will provide the Third-Party Billing office with the needed information to apply FTA funds to your student account.