What to expect...
- log on to AF Portal to AFVEC
- get familiar with right side "Self Service Options" - these are your records
- accomplish mandatory updates
- select "Apply for TA"
- carefully follow screens and make selections from course pre-registration information
- use portal 'user name' to submit TA application (sample default: john.b.doe)
- allow 24-hour approval and receive email confirmation
- forward approved TA to school
- provide 'grade' to Education Office once course is completed

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Frequent Questions

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What are the pre-requisites to applying for TA?
- Contact counselor if you have any questions related to starting a new program. If you have no prior civilian college, first attend the college basics session which is offered weekly.
- Provide your degree plan (a formal listing of required program courses) prior to requesting TA. Send electronic degree plans to customer service, excluding CCAF. On subsequent term, degree-seeking students must provide a replacement valuated degree plan(which reflect received/accepted transfer credit from prior education experiences). An exception to this policy must be provided in writing before seeking approval for subsequent TA. Deviations from the evaluated degree plan must be identified in writing from the school

For what programs can I use TA?
You may request TA from nationally and regionally accredited institutions. You may request TA for the program of your choice.
- Enlisted members may request TA for up to five programs; this includes CCAF, another associate, bachelor, master degree program and one certification program (if no prior degrees are already completed). Most enlisted complete CCAF before selecting a subsequent goal or work CCAF in conjunction with another goal (sharing courses which meet degree requirements toward both).
- Officers may request TA for one master degree and one certification program (if one has not been previously awarded).

What is the governing AFI for the AF Tuition Assistance program?
See AFI36-2306, AFI36-2306 AETC Supplement, AFI36-2306 AETC Supplement 1

What information is needed for completing online TA?
Have completed pre-registration with you. This normally includes:
- school name/location, tuition costs and breakdown
- associated fees (not to include books/equipment/non-reimbursable fees)
- number of credits
- course number & title (ie ENG101 English Composition)
- term/semester start & stop dates
- course location:(onbase, offbase, distance learning-internet courses)
class end date must be prior to separation date or provide documentation supporting projected DOS.
AVOID DEFERRED ACTIONS: Ensure all information is correct the first time and that costs on the pre-registration form match those on TA form!!!
Provide computerized course grades to customer service within 60 days of course completion. Track through 'My Missing Grades' on AFVEC to avoid reimbursement action or system rejects.
We recommend preparing first online TA in customer service (0900-1500 daily) so staff may assist if needed. AF Portal access and portal user name are required to submit a completed TA form!

How much will TA pay?
TA pays up to $250 per semester hour or $166.67 per quarter hour and no more than $4500 per fiscal year (1 Oct-31 Sep). Certificate programs may allow up to $9,000 total only if program is completed over a 2-year period. Certificate programs may require conversion into semester hours (15 clock hours = 1 semester hour)and recomputed for completing TA form.

What is 'Top Up'?
Top Up is a side benefit of the Chapter 30 MGIBill and Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GIBill. Note that these GIBill programs compute monthly benefits very differently. See Top Up MGIB and GIBill: Q&A for Post 9/11 details. Eligible personnel may apply when tuition exceeds the $250/$167 hour TA cap. Top up does NOT pay for books.

Will TA cover fees and books?
TA does not include books (although a few schools incorporate books within their tuition). TA will cover reimburseable fees only should you drop a class.

When should I request TA?
30 days prior to class start date is ample time to request TA. TA must be requested during normal registration periods for that school. Please allow 24 hours to receive email notification that your TA has been approved.

How do I compute TA costs if they are not found on the pre-registration form?
Divide the total number of credits into the total tuition price to get the per credit price. Ensure costs on pre-registration match those on TA form!!!
for example on a certificate program...
program completes in 120 hours (clock hours)
divide 120 into 15 = 8 semester hours in the program
divide $3,200 total tuition into 8 semester hours = $400 per semester hour for TA form


How is TA figured for certificate programs?
Some certificate programs require conversion into semester hours (15 clock hours = 1 semester hour).

What are reasons to request a waiver of TA Reimbursement?
- Permanent Change of Duty Station
- Temporary Duty (TDY) of length to preclude completion (Permissive TDY is not an acceptable reason)
- Emergency leave of a length to preclude completion
- Hospitalization of a length to preclude completion
- Change of non-voluntary military duties
- Family health problems arising after enrollment and precluding completion
- Approved voluntary separation
support documentation is required
consider requesting a course extension in some cases



TA general questions, issues & waivers/reimbursements at 247-2348
IMAs TA,Reserve, Guard tuition/mgib questions at DSN: 926-7036 COMM: (303) 676-7036 or http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/