Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/30/2009

Question
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

 I'm applying for a commission in the Army, I was curious if Tuition Assistance was the same as the GI Bill.  I have student loans, I've been told the army will pay back some of them if I put in writing that I decline benefits of the GI bill.  The thing is, I'd like to earn a master's while I serve so I want to make sure I'm not waiving the tuition assistance.  I've asked my recruiter, but I fee like he tells me what I want to hear instead of the  hard facts.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Dear Maureen --

The GI Bill and Tuition Assistance are two separate programs.  

However, I do not believe waiving the GI Bill (post service benefits) is a prerequisite for an enlistment bonus of college loan repayment.  Please be sure you check on this prior to signing away any benefits.

Also consider that you can defer payment on your federally guaranteed student loans during the first 4 years of military service.  This will allow you to decide how much you can afford to pay early in your career.  You must apply to the College that granted the loan, or Sallie Mae, if it was an externally sponsored loan.

Finally, if you decide to stay in the military, you can compete for fully funded graduate school after completing about 8 years of highly successful service.  If accepted into one of these programs, you go to graduate school full time, while receiving your military pay.  You must be academically qualified to attend an accredited US university or college, in a field the Army needs, to enter this program.

Good luck to you.