National Guard & Reservist
National Guard Education Benefits & Tuition Assistance
At National University, applications are reviewed year-round, so you can begin your National Guard Education when it’s convenient for you. Whether you enroll online or on location, we understand your experience as a member of the National Guard has provided you with valuable training. Now further your U.S. National Guard education with our 190+ degree programs and certification offerings. Whether you are working towards an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, we have something for everyone.
National Guard Admissions Process
Review the National Guard college admissions and enrollment process before submitting your application. For more information, contact National University Military Admissions at (877) 628-6828.
Step 1: Determine Level of Tuition Assistance (TA)
Contact the Base Education Office on your base to complete a Department of Defense Request for Tuition Assistance. Completing your National Guard tuition assistance form will start you on your way to earning a degree.
Step 2: Apply Online to National University
Complete the National University registration form online.
After the Navy TA authorization form is completed and signed, you can fax, email or hand carry the TA forms to your advisor. To ensure you are getting the most out of your tuition assistance, review the financial aid page on National University’s website for more information.
Applications are processed within one week, but TA authorization will take longer to process. Verification of your enrollment and a welcome letter will be emailed to you once everything has been processed.
Step 3: Take Placement Tests
If you’re a first-time college student, you must take the ACU Placement test either online or on base within the first 30 days after you enroll.
Step 4: Program of Study
Determine which degree or program you are interested in. See our list of online programs available to take classes anywhere in the world, or check the locations page for on-base or in-person physical location programs.
Step 5: Textbooks and Course Materials
Once you’ve submitted your registration form, received confirmation of registration, and submitted your TA forms and payment, you can order your textbooks, and any other course materials online at the University Bookstore.
National Guard Tuition Assistance
If you serve in the U.S. National Guard, tuition assistance education benefits may be available to assist you while you may work towards your educational goals as you serve your country. Just like the Army, or Marine Corps, the National Guard encourages its personnel to use this benefit at any type of educational institution, including accredited schools that offer online degrees.
The Department of Defense’s standardized Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of servicemembers’ professional and personal self-development goals. The TA policy for the current fiscal year allows active-duty service members to receive tuition assistance of $4,500 per year.
National Guard Tuition and Fees
As of March 1, 2022, the National University military tuition rates are as follows:
| In-Person Course | Online Course | |
| Undergraduate | $747 | $747 |
| Graduate | $822 | $981 |
| Undergraduate (per quarter unit) | $166 | $166 |
| Graduate (per quarter unit) | $182.67 | $218 |
In addition to our military tuition discount, you may qualify to apply for Veteran benefits under existing Veteran programs. National University also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Note that some service branches have established specific guidelines or limits for their members that do not mirror the standard policy. Please check with your Education Services Officer to determine the benefits available to you. For more information on Tuition Assistance, visit the DANTES website or contact our Veterans Affairs Office at (858) 541-7970 or Veteransaffairs@nu.edu.
National Guard GI Bill
The GI Bill provides education benefits for eligible National Guard Soldiers. If you qualify, you could earn a monthly expense allowance. Most of these benefits can be used to pay for a college degree. You may also qualify for the Army National Guard Kicker. If so, you may be eligible to receive more.
National University Accreditation
National University has been regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1977. As a regionally accredited Institution, NU has met the highest education quality standards. Learn more about our regional accreditation.
Top National Guard Programs Selected
National University offers a program that fits everyone! As a Military-Friendly university, we have students from across the country. Some of the most popular education programs selected by Guardsmen are: