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Writer's pictureZhada Ray
Nov 28, 20226 min read

Paying for School - Air National Guard

So, you joined the Air or Army National Guard and looking at going back to school in between drills and orders? Of course, with my experience in the medical field, I am going to lean towards scholarships and ways to pay for those types of programs. However, I've put together some information that would hopefully help out my fellow Guardsmen.


**Disclaimer: I am not a school/education advisor. I don't know all of the programs out there that you can choose from. If you have questions about your CCAF (Community College of the Air Force) program/ degree, please directly contact CCAF or your unit's education office. At this time (Nov 2022), I am aware that the transcript system for CCAF is down. Please continue to contact them or your education office for more information.

Post 9/11- GI Bill


To receive 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have accumulated 36 months or more of Active Duty time. If you have less Active Duty time, you can see the chart below to determine your percentage.


Each month, call the following number to confirm your enrollment and for more information: 1-877-823-2378




EDD- Education Dollars for Duty (Florida Air National Guard)


Pay for college tuition! Educational assistance to qualified Florida Army and Air National Guard service members for authorized post-secondary education opportunities (vocational/technical, industry certification, and continuing education and academic degree programs). Many use EDD to complete bachelor's and master's degree programs. Can also be used to pay for exam costs for the list of certifications attached below. Please note: You must submit proof that you passed the certification exam for reimbursement. Please contact your unit education personnel for information on how to enroll and certify EDD each semester.


Health Professions Scholarship Program (Active Duty)


The Air Force offers scholarships for healthcare professionals to include: one- and two-year scholarships for Allied Health specialties (pharmacists, optometrists, clinical psychologists and public health officers), two- and three-year scholarships for nurse corps specialties and three- and four-year scholarships for medical corps and dental corps.


These scholarships cover all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment items and supplies needed for study. You will also receive a monthly allowance for living expenses. While on scholarship, you will spend 45 days on active duty in the Air Force, and once you graduate, you will serve one year of active duty for each year of scholarship, serving a minimum of three years.



PDF about the HPSP Nursing Opportunites:


Health Professions Scholarship Program (VA Hospitals)


The Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect health-care services discipline (Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 occupations); and assists in providing an adequate supply of such personnel for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). HPSP helps the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) meet its need for qualified health care professionals for which recruitment or retention is difficult.


Scholarships are determined and published for VHA workforce needs.


In FY2023 (October 2022 – September 2023) scholarships will be offered in the following areas:

  • Nursing (CNA, LPN, LVN, ADN, BSN, and MSN)

  • Physician Assistant (PA)** (See below)

  • Physician Scholarship (MD/DO)

  • Medical Technologist (MT)

  • Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)

  • Social Worker (MSW)

  • Psychologist (Doctoral Degree) *** (See below)

** HPSP scholarships awarded to Physician Assistants (PA) trainees will only be awarded to Physician Assistant (PA) trainees who have veteran status.

*** School Psychology degrees are not eligible for this scholarship.


For more information and commitment time: https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/


HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarships


If accepted, HRSA Nurse Corps pays your tuition, fees, and other educational costs. You will also receive a stipend each month. In return, you work at a Critical Shortage Facility when you graduate.


For more detailed information, check out my other blog post: https://www.zhadaray.com/post/national-nurse-corps-scholarships


Navy Nurse Candidate Scholarship Program


If you're willing to switch from Air Force to Navy, there is an option for you. The Nurse Candidate Program provides a monthly stipend for full time students in accredited Bachelor of Science Nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc (NLNAC). Students can enroll after their sophomore year and receive an initial grant of $10,000 (paid in two installments of $5000 each), plus $1000 a month for up to 24 months.


PLEASE NOTE: Tuition, Reimbursement, Annual Training. NCP participants are NOT ENTITLED to tuition payments, reimbursement for books, fees, equipment, etc., or annual training.


Active Duty Service Obligation:

  • One to 12 months of NCP scholarship = Active Duty Service Obligation of 4 years.

  • Thirteen to 24 months of NCP scholarship = Active Duty Service Obligation of 5 years.




Florida AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) Scholarship Program



This scholarship program gives its scholars approximately $500 each year. Scholars are expected to participate in health education programs within the community. Please note, only 150 students are selected across the state. According to the website...


APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be enrolled in a health professions degree (applicable majors include, but are not limited to medicine, physician assistant, public health, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, nursing, dental hygiene, pharmacy, social work, emergency medical technicians)

  • Be two years from program or degree completion

  • Commit to 2 years in the program and a one-time program follow-up


VA Education Programs


VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.

Children of Fallen Patriots


Provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty


Fisher House Scholarship Program for Military


College scholarships for children of active, reserve, and retired service members.


Folds of Honor


Folds of Honor's unique post-secondary educational scholarships can be applied to schooling now or held by the foundation on behalf of young children until needed at the time of enrollment. Scholarships for spouses and children of America's fallen and disabled service members are to be used to subsidize the costs of tuition, school books, fees, room and board, special tools and equipment necessary for coursework, school-approved tutoring, and any other expense that the school in which the student is enrolled may deem appropriate and unmet.

ROTC (Reserved Officer Training Corps) at your University


Yes, you can also join the ROTC program at your school. If you have experience completing ROTC while in the National Guard, please comment below. I'm not sure if you must be temporarily released from your unit to complete. Regardless, ROTC also has scholarship programs which you may be eligible for.


Find an office near you: https://www.afrotc.com/


In-State Tuition Rates for Active Duty (including spouses and dependent children)

Tuition Waiver for Recipients of Purple Heart or Superior Combat Decorations


Waiver provides tuition and fee waivers for Florida military veterans who have received a purple heart OR combat decoration that is "superior in precedence". To be eligible, you must prove you are a current resident for tuition purposes.

Troops to Teachers


The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program helps service members and veterans become certified and employed as teachers in K-12 schools. The program was reauthorized on December 27, 2021, via the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, after being canceled on October 1, 2020.


The Department of Defense (DoD) is currently reviewing requirements for the program and determining funding levels. The program recently received partial funding to restart counseling and referral services in certain states. Complete the Program Interest Form on the website to ensure you are notified as additional program services become available.



US Grants


The US government has set aside funding for $31,000 in government grants specifically for veterans. These grants may be available to disable veterans for education, small business, and housing. The website has a link for applying for specific grants in Florida.


Grant Watch


(Side bar) This website shows 41 specific grants that Florida veterans can apply for. The grants range from home, home improvements, and business.


Contact your school's financial office

Your financial aid office and your specific program department are excellent resources for finding scholarships.


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Do you have more resources/information that other service members can use? Comment below or in one of my YouTube video's comment section.





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