Additional Education Programs from the Army
The Air Force has special programs in place to help its servicemembers meet educational goals. You may hear these programs referred to as “Voluntary Education” or “Vol Ed.” The following programs are offered through the Community College of the Air Force or CCAF:
Tuition Assistance
Active duty servicemembers may be eligible to have the Air Force pay for up to 100% of college tuition costs. Learn more about Tuition Assistance here.
Note: Remember that you may be able to use more than one education benefit. Talk to an Education Counselor to plan which benefits should be used at certain times.
The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
This college is the only one of its type: it offers higher learning exclusively to enlisted individuals. You can get an associate’s degree in Applied Science from CCAF, which will help you grow in your Air Force career. Learn more about CCAF here.
SOC
The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) network was developed for servicemembers and their adult family members. SOC is a network of colleges that agree to accept credits from every other college in the network and that require low or no residency, making it ideal for students who are transferred often. These colleges are accessible to students at Air Force installations worldwide. To learn more, visit the SOC website.
Other Air Force Educational Resources
Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
If you enlist after you go to college or while you are working toward your degree, and you qualify for LRP, then the Air Force will pay off your student loans up to $10,000.
General George S. Brown Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP)
This program is available to the spouses of active duty servicemembers stationed at an overseas (OCONUS) location who wish to pursue an on-base certificate program, bachelor’s degree or graduate degree either part or full-time. For undergraduate students, a maximum of $300 per semester is issued with an annual cap of $1,500. Graduate students are covered $350 per semester with an annual cap of $1,750.
Visit the official Spouse Tuition Aid Program website for more information.
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
This need-based $2,000 grant is available to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. The grant awards are announced each June and can go to cover tuition, books, fees and other direct educational expenses. Learn more at the official AFAS Grant website.
