Financial Aid Office

Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members may be eligible to use Military Tuition Assistance (TA) to cover the cost of tuition for approved degree programs. Each branch may have its own eligibility criteria, portal and procedures.

Before enrolling, check with your Education Services Office (ESO) or military branch’s education portal for the most-up-to-date information and guidance on using TA benefits. Service members are responsible for initiating TA requests.

How to Use Military TA:

1. Start by meeting with your unit’s Education Services Officer to discuss your goals and ensure your program is eligible for TA.
2. Submit your TA request through your branch’s official education portal (e.g., ArmyIgnitED, AFVEC, MyNavy Education, etc.).
3. Once your TA has been approved, submit your TA authorization (see below) and register for your classes.

Please complete the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Acknowledgment Form to confirm your understanding of the responsibilities associated with using TA. While TA helps cover tuition, it may not pay for all course-related expenses.

Be sure to:

1. Read the form carefully
2. Upload your TA authorization (if applicable), or indicate your military portal
3. Type your name in the box to acknowledge and confirm your electronic signature

Thomas Jefferson University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides assistance to veterans with 100% eligibility of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® whose cost of tuition and fees exceeds the annual tuition cap. Once the annual tuition cap is reached, a Yellow Ribbon Grant can then assist with the cost of tuition. The school's grant is matched by the VA. Schools may set limitations on the number of recipients, as well as the maximum amount of a Yellow Ribbon Grant. Active duty service members and their spouses are not eligible for this program. Child transferees of active duty service members may be eligible if the service member is qualified at the 100% rate.

Jefferson has increased its contributions, starting in the 2024-25 school year, from $3,214 to $10,000 for undergraduates and from $2,000 to $5,000 for graduate students. The University will no longer limit the number of Yellow Ribbon recipients, but rather provide this benefit to all program-eligible students. 

“Just like most professionals these days, military service members and veterans are looking for opportunities that will give them a leg up on career advancement. So by expanding Yellow Ribbon benefits, we are not only providing a wide range of high-quality academic options that meet their needs, we are also giving back to those brave men and women who have given so much to us.” - Dr. Susan Aldridge, University president. 

This option allows service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The U.S. Department of Defense determines whether or not you can transfer benefits. Once approved, the new beneficiaries apply for the benefits through the VA.

This scholarship provides the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) to children of service members who have died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Effective January 1, 2015, the law expands eligibility for the Fry Scholarship to include surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died or die in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

Veterans must meet with their Veteran Readiness Employment (VRE) Counselor to develop an education plan. This benefit may cover the entire cost of tuition and fees. Students must request a Tungsten Authorization to be carried out by their VRE counselor to send a Purchase Order to the school. Once submitted, the School Certifying Officer will process an invoice to the VRE counselor to pay the school’s tuition and fees.

This is an education benefit for service members who have served on active duty for at least 90 days on or after September 11, 2001, or were discharged with a service connected disability after 30 consecutive days. An honorable discharge (character of service) is required for veterans. Service members with at least three years of active duty are eligible at the 100% level. Benefits are pro-rated for those with less than three years of service.

This program provides educational assistance to spouses and dependents of veterans who have died or are permanently and totally disabled as a result of their service. The program may provide education benefits such as money for tuition, housing, and books and supplies. This benefit pays directly to the student.

This program is for members of the Selective Reserve and National Guard who have enlisted or re-enlist in the select reserve with an obligation to serve six or more years on or after July 1, 1985. In order to be eligible for this benefit, the member will have had to complete their initial date active training (IDAT). A Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form should be obtained from one's unit and provided to the school. Chapter 1606 expires once a service member has separated from the reserves. This benefit pays directly to the student.

The PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) funds a student’s tuition only. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their unit to ensure that they are able to receive these benefits.