Civilian tuition assistance funds available Published March 18, 2009 By Tina McKeever Education and Training Center MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Did you know that enhancing your education is one of the most effective ways to ensure your skills are commensurate with future staffing requirements? Are you aware of a great opportunity Air Force Space Command appropriated fund employees have to obtain their education at a low cost? Civilian Tuition Assistance is available to help individuals pursue their first or next higher degree up to a master's degree. TA can be used to help get a degree from the nationally or regionally accredited college of one's choice. AFSPC funds this opportunity for civilian employees and evaluates the effectiveness of civilian TA annually. If there is little demand, there will be little justification to keep funding the program. To ensure funding is there later, take full advantage of this opportunity now. TA can pay up to $187.50 per semester hour at the nationally or regionally accredited college of one's choice. In accordance with AFSPC policy, tuition is limited to part-time enrollment. There is also a cap of $3,500 per fiscal year that resets every Oct. 1. For example, attending an undergraduate course in-residence at Park University Malmstrom AFB Campus would break down as follows: Cost per semester hour is $183, so a three-credit course costs $549. AFSPC will pay 75 percent of the $549, or $353.25, with the student responsible for the remaining $137.25 in tuition, plus cost of books. Because this program is MAJCOM funded, only AFSPC appropriated fund civilian employees are eligible to receive this benefit. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other financial support such as Veterans Benefits, Career Program, etc. The employee must also have at least a satisfactory rating on their most recent performance appraisal. Call 731-4676 for an appointment today or come by the civilian training office, room 100H of the Education & Training Center, Building 1240.