Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a federal benefit available to eligible active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members. Each branch of the military administers its own TA program, but all approved TA funds are applied directly to your UAB student account as a third-party payment through Student Account Services.
Who is Typically Eligible
Eligibility varies by branch but generally includes:
- Active duty service members
- National Guard members (varies by state and branch)
- Reserve component members
Each branch sets its own eligibility requirements, application process, credit hour limits, and annual funding caps. Contact your Education Services Officer (ESO) or education center for your specific branch's requirements before applying.
What You Receive
TA covers tuition costs up to your branch's approved limit per credit hour and per fiscal year. Funds are paid directly to UAB — not to you — and are applied to your student account as a third-party payment.
The Department of Defense generally caps TA at $250 per credit hour and $4,500 per fiscal year, though branch-specific limits may vary.
GI Bill Top-Up
If your approved TA does not cover your full tuition cost, you may be eligible for the GI Bill Top-Up benefit. Top-Up allows eligible veterans and service members to use their GI Bill entitlement to cover the difference between your TA award and the full cost of tuition. Using Top-Up will reduce your remaining GI Bill entitlement.
Learn more about GI Bill Top-Up at VA.gov Link opens in new window.
How to Submit Tuition Assistance to UAB
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Step 1 - Apply Through Your Branch's TA Portal
Log in to your branch's education portal and submit your TA request for the current semester. Each branch has its own portal - use the link for your branch below:
- Army: ArmyIgnitED Opens an external link.
- Navy: Navy College Program Opens an external link.
- Marine Corps: Marine Online Opens an external link.
- Air Force / Space Force: AI Portal Opens an external link.
- Coast Guard: Coast Guard MyCG Opens an external link.
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Step 2 - Receive Your Approved TA Request Form
Once approved by your branch, you will receive an Approved Tuition Assistance Request form confirming your award for the semester.
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Step 3 - Submit Your Approved Form to UAB
Email your Approved TA Request form to both of the following:
- UAB Veteran Services:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - UAB Student Account Services:
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- UAB Veteran Services:
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Step 4 - TA Applied to Your Account
Once received, Student Account Services will apply your approved TA amount as a third-party payment to your UAB student account.
Important Reminders
- Submit your TA request through your branch portal before your semester begins — most branches require approval prior to the start of classes
- TA covers tuition only — it does not cover fees, books, or other expenses
- You must submit a new TA request every semester you wish to use the benefit
- If your TA does not cover your full tuition, consider the GI Bill Top-Up benefit