Education benefits still within reach for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In light of the U.S. Air Force suspending military Tuition Assistance for the rest of the fiscal year, personnel from the 341st Force Support Squadron Education and Training Center provided two briefings for Airmen on alternative ways to pursue education at the auditorium March 15 and 19.

"Because of sequestration, Air Force TA was suspended on March 11," said Lanette Hetrick, 341st FSS education services specialist. "This includes an annual $4,500 that was given to active-duty Airmen every year. The suspension also includes the one-time certification or license Airmen had. Even though Airmen don't have tuition assistance right now, there are other ways to help pay for education."

The following are alternatives to help prospective or current students in the Air Force achieve higher education.

Federal student aid
Federal student aid covers expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and transportation. Federal student aid comes in the form of grants, work-study and loans. Basic eligibility requirements for federal student aid include the following:

· Demonstrate financial need (find out at StudentAid.gov/how-calculated)
· U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
· For males between the ages of 18 and 25, register with Selective Service
· Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career-school and show qualification to obtain a college or career school education by having a high school diploma or General Educational Development certificate or complete high school education in a home school setting approved under state law

"Students who take two classes at one of the schools offered on base - like Park - are considered full-time students because the classes are accelerated," Hetrick said. "Therefore they can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and receive additional aid."

For more information on eligibility requirements, visit StudentAid.gov/eligibility. To apply for federal student aid, complete the FAFSA Aid at www.fafsa.gov. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the Education and Training Center also provides a FAFSA how-to video. For more information, call Embry-Riddle at 727-9901.

Pell Grants are another option for Airmen wishing to further their education. According to U.S. Department of Education, a Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and some post baccalaureate students.

"If a student qualifies for a Pell Grant, they range anywhere from $400 to $5,550," Hetrick said. "I've seen master sergeants who qualify for them."

CLEP and DSST
College Level Examination Programs and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests are free for Air Force personnel through the Education and Training Center. Nearly 70 exams covering all subject areas are available; credits earned range in three to 12 credits. Airmen can utilize 30 credits earned from CLEP/DSST toward their Community College of the Air Force degree. Airmen who fail a test the first time must pay full cost the second time and must wait 180 days before retaking it. For more information or to schedule a test, call Park University at 761-7540.

The Malmstrom library is another educational resource for those who wish to advance their learning. Included in the 30,000 books, DVDs and CDs, the library provides study material for CLEP, DSST and many other academic tests. For more information on resources at the library, call Dixie Paronto at 731-2748.

Post 9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of educational benefits. There is a one-time option to decline; that can never be reversed. It requires a $1,200 contribution by the active-duty member. This benefit covers degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Benefits are payable for up to 10 years after date-of-separation. For more information, go to www.gibill.va.gov.
The Post 9/11 GI Bill has been automatic for active-duty duty since 2009 and can be used 90 days after technical school. It covers 36 months of educational benefits and expires 15 years after DOS. The Post 9/11 requires no contribution and can be transferred to a dependent once the active-duty member has completed six years of active duty. It provides full-time educational benefits and covers all tuition and fees if the student attends an instate school. If the student attends an out-of-state school, it's capped at $18,000 per school year. Members who chose the Post 9/11 will also receive Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents. BAH is determined on the zip code of the school.

For more information on scholarships and CLEP and DSST, call Hetrick at the Education and Training Center at 731-4675.