Does Florida National Guard Pay For College?- Know more

Does Florida National Guard Pay For College? The Florida National Guard members are fully responsible for the tuition fees that are not paid by the Educational Dollars for Duty Program.

Does Florida National Guard Pay For College?

So, coming to the question; Yes, Florida National Guard pay for their college tuition fees if the “EDD” don’t pay for them. 

Eligibility through “EDD”

If you are a member of the Florida National Guard who wishes to pursue a higher level of civilian education, you may be eligible for state funding to cover up to 100% of your tuition.

For Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the “Educational Dollars for Duty” (EDD) program can provide public tuition for the duration of the Guard member’s service. 

EDD can benefit from accomplishing courses leading to an Associate’s, Baccalaureate, Master’s Degree, or Technical Certificate. However, EDD does not pertain to doctoral programs.

What is “eDD”?

The primary goals of this EDD program are to improve the Florida National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Programs, as well as their educational level.

What can be done through ”EDD”

Tuition will be paid at 100% of the charged resident rate to those who qualify for the program and attend Florida community colleges and public universities. EDD will provide funds at the average current state resident rate for those attending accredited private institutions. 

Is the “EDD” still ongoing 

According to documents obtained by Florida Politics, after state funding for the Educational Dollars for Duty (EDD) program ran out in April, the program stopped approving service members’ applications.

The program, which is a flagship benefit and recruitment tool, covers eligible troops’ tuition and fees.

According to the Florida National Guard, approximately 250 guard members were denied the benefit. Furthermore, when the new budget took effect, the entire force was without it.

Furthermore, several guard members were unable to access the state tuition benefit during the months-long drought.

How does the “EDD” operate 

The EDD program is funded by an annual recurring appropriation of $3.1 million. It received an additional $1 million non-recurring appropriation in 2020 and 2021, bringing the program’s total to $4.1 million, which service members completely spent this year and last.

Thoughts of the Florida national guard

Some members of the Florida National Guard may be eligible for federally funded alternative education programs, according to the Florida National Guard.

Brown told Florida Politics in an email that “Florida Guardsmen who were planning to use EDD may also be able to take advantage of other educational funding sources, such as Federal Tuition Assistance or the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.”

However, federal assistance may not be available to all Guardsmen.

The Tuition Assistance program and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill are federally funded programs, not state-funded programs.

Furthermore, they pay for different types of educational costs based on a soldier’s specific circumstances. 

National Guard College Pay Programs

For its members, the Army National Guard has additional financial assistance programs.

If you take a scholarship from the Reserve Officers Training Corps, it can help you pay for your education. Moreover, the United States Armed Forces also offer different types of merit-based scholarships and additional funding.

Have you already graduated from college but are still paying off your student loans?

The National Guard supports the SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program). It provides direct financial assistance to soldiers and officers who have outstanding student loan debt at the time of enlistment.

For certain jobs, SLRP can cover up to $45,000 and above in college debt. 

Also, extending the enlistment contracts for a minimum of six years is treated especially well by the Guard. The scholarship could be used to cover previous undergraduate tuition, medical school costs, and graduate school costs.

Can the national guard afford to pay for their college expenses?

The National Guard may be able to cover every dollar of your college expenses.

The National Guard will contribute up to $18,000 over four years, depending on which school you choose. Based on the commitment, it costs around $4,500 per year.

If you consider only tuition costs, the National Guard college pay program should cover your entire tuition if you are not attending a very prestigious and expensive school.

Montgomery gi bill

National Guard members are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill in addition to the college tuition assistance they already receive.

For general college expenses, the GI Bill can provide up to $333 per month. Over four years, it amounts to about $11,000.

Unlike college tuition assistance, GI Bill funds are sent directly to your account, allowing you to spend them on books, supplies, or whatever else you need.

Benefits of the gi bill

The GI Bill can help you out when paying for college, graduate school, and training programs. The GI Bill has always helped eligible Veterans and their families in attaining funds to fill in all of the costs of school or training since 1944.

The GI Bill Statement will show how much you’ve spent and how much you still have available if you applied for and were approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. Examine your GI Bill Benefits Statement for any discrepancies.

The GI Bill Comparison Tool and Veterans Service Organizations can assist you in evaluating your options and determining which benefits you are eligible for. 

Conclusion

The Florida National Guard pay for their college tuition fees if the “EDD” don’t pay for them. The EDD program covers eligible troops’ tuition and fees. In addition to covering the tuition, it also includes room, board, books, and a monthly living allowance. It is a great option for those who are having trouble paying for their education. 

Furthermore, It’s no secret that the GI Bill, a flagship also benefit and recruitment tool, is a great way to ensure that troops are paying for their education and are qualified when they’re looking for employment post-military. 

FAQs

What is the cost of college for members of the Florida National Guard?

State educational assistance (full-time employees): $5,250 per year, tax-free up to 6 credit hours.

Does the Florida National Guard pay for their tuition fees?

Yes, The Florida National Guard members are fully responsible for the tuition fees that are not paid by the Educational Dollars for Duty Program. 

How is a being part-time member of CNG? 

Being a part-time member of the California National Guard has its advantages over active duty. They will pay you to come in and train outside of the set schedule, which is a nice perk. If you have other things to do, they will work with you, but you will be expected to do what your job entails during the drill. 5

How will the military pay for my education?

When service members join the military, they are offered College Fund Programs.

Will the National Guard cover the costs of your education?

In a nutshell, the Guard will pay for college tuition, room and board (housing), and, in some cases, graduate school. Tuition assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, Army National Guard Kicker, and the Army National Guard Kicker are all supported by the National Guard.