Military Tuition Assistance (TA)

Grand Canyon University follows military policies and processes for the military Tuition Assistance (TA) program for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Air Force and Coast Guard, along with Reserve and National Guard who pursue online and evening cohort programs. We have specialized military university counselors who can help you determine how to utilize your benefits to take advantage of this special military tuition rate.

GCU is pleased to offer special scholarships to Veterans and their spouses, and employees of the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Public Health Services (PHS) and National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Work with your military university counselor to learn more about these opportunities.

GCU is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

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Learn About Military Tuition Assistance

Military man in fatigues shakes hand of brunette female

Not sure how to utilize your military TA benefits at GCU? While the process for all branches is similar, you should speak with your local education office to ensure you are eligible. For general information regarding TA policies, please click on your branch of military.

  • Learn more: Afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/public/welcome
  • May cover up to $250 per credit hour/up to $4,500 per year
  • Maximum of 124 credit hours to complete one undergraduate program and 42 credit hours to complete one graduate program (some restrictions may apply)

If you have not used Air Force Tuition Assistance, please contact your education office on base. Your military university counselor will then provide you with the dates and the course names to register for. When you receive your TA voucher, send it to your military university counselor.

  • Learn more: Afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/public/welcome
  • May cover up to $250 per credit hour/up to $4,500 per year
  • Maximum of 18 credits per year
  • Maximum of 130 credit hours to complete one undergraduate program and 39 credit hours to complete one graduate program (some restrictions may apply)
  • One certificate program may be approved

If you have not used army Tuition Assistance before, please contact your education office for guidance. Once you work with your education office and GCU military university counselor, please submit an education path in the Army IgnitED portal. Information on creating an Army IgnitED account can be found on our Army IgnitEd guide.

  • Learn more: forcecom.uscg.mil
  • May cover up to $250 per credit hour/up to $4,500 per year
  • TA is available for undergraduate and graduate courses (master’s degree only)

If this is your first time using Coast Guard Tuition Assistance, please reach out to your local education office. Your military university counselor will provide you with dates and the course names. Send your TA voucher to your military university counselor once you receive it.

  • Learn more: marforres.marines.mil
  • May cover up to $250 per credit hour/up to $4,500 per year
  • Maximum of 18 credits per year

Get in touch with your local education office if you have not used Marine Corps Tuition Assistance before. Your military university counselor will provide you with dates and course names. Please send your TA voucher to your military university counselor when you receive it.

  • Learn more: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
  • May cover up to $250 per credit hour/up to $4,000 per year
  • Maximum of 18 credits per year

If you have not used Navy Tuition Assistance before, you should contact your education office. Then, your military university counselor will provide you with dates and course names. When you receive your Navy TA voucher, send it to your military university counselor.

  • Must be an employee of the U.S. Department of Defense
  • Please work with your human resources department to determine eligibility.

If you have not used DoD TA, contact your local human resources office or office supervisor. Your military university counselor will provide you with course names and dates. When you receive your TA voucher, send it to your military university counselor or notify your counselor once your course has been registered in GoArmyEd.

How Does Tuition Assistance Work?

Your military university counselor is a great resource to help provide you with information about degree programs, the admissions process, applying to GCU, TA for military and more.

For a general overview of what steps you will need to take, we have created the guide below:

  • Work with your military university counselor to review your benefits, gather transcripts and apply for admission to GCU.
  • Ensure that you are eligible to use military Tuition Assistance benefits at GCU.
  • Have the receipt of TA approval turned in to GCU.
  • Complete the enrollment process with your military university counselor and determine if any of your military experience or credits will transfer to GCU.
  • A few weeks before classes start, submit your TA through your branch of the military.
  • Start classes. Utilize all of the services available to you at GCU, including complimentary tutoring, library and librarians, the Veterans Center, Career Services and more.
  • Start the path to earning your degree by passing your classes.
  • Graduate from GCU and take the next step in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section offers key information on how eligible service members can access and use their benefits at GCU. For answers to additional military tuition questions, visit our FAQ page.

The amount the military pays for college varies depending on the branch of service, the specific TA program and your eligibility. Generally, assistance can cover a portion of your tuition costs up to a certain dollar limit per credit hour or per year. It's important to check with your branch’s education office or speak with a military university counselor at GCU for more detailed information based on your individual circumstances.

The military typically does not pay for college before service, but some branches offer educational benefits like the GI Bill once you enlist.1 For details, it's best to speak with a recruiter or military education office.

In some cases, you may be able to use both TA and the GI Bill together, but they cannot be used for the same expenses. Typically, TA covers tuition costs while the GI Bill may cover other education-related expenses, such as fees or housing. It's best to consult with a military education office or counselor to understand how these benefits can be coordinated.

The military may offer funding for graduate school through programs like the GI Bill or TA, depending on your eligibility and the specific branch of service. These programs may cover tuition, fees and other educational expenses, though they typically have limits and conditions. For more information on graduate programs at GCU, you can explore our available master’s degrees.

The Air Force may provide Tuition Assistance benefits for qualifying members through the military assistance program. For more information view the Air Force/Air Force Reserves section above or contact your military university counselor for further guidance and resources.

The Army may provide Tuition Assistance benefits for qualifying military members through their MTA program. In addition, many states offer financial assistance to reservists and national guard members. Family members of service members may qualify for assistance through the GI Bill program. Reach out to a military university counselor for further guidance.

The National Guard may offer Tuition Assistance benefits for qualifying National Guard members. Contact our military university counselors who can provide information and assist you with your admission process.

The appearance of U.S Department of Defense (DOD) or Military-themed visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/GIBill

1 Miller, A. (2024, Oct. 22). Overview of Military Education Benefits. Military.com. Retrieved Nov. 27, 2024.