Tuition Assistance

The Process

military-students-walking-on-campus

Department of Defense Tuition Assistance is not a loan; it's money you've earned that will cover up to 100 percent of your tuition expenses.

If you're an active-duty service member who meets certain criteria, you may qualify for tuition assistance.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling. Each branch of service sets its own criteria to determine eligibility for the program and has its own application process. 

Refer to the links below to view the eligibility requirements for each branch of service:

Service members are responsible and encouraged to speak with their Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education office for support, prior to enrolling in classes.

Funds are usually paid directly to ODU’s Office of Finance via Third Party Billing.  If you're approved, you'll need to submit your TA Vouchers to Third Party Billing at thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned to the DOD based upon when a student stops attending. ODU’s Return of Unused Funds policy aligns with the Department of Defense policy requiring the return of any unearned TA funds to the Department of Defense (“DOD”) on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided.  Return of funds to the DOD may result in student debt, for which the student will be responsible.

Before you submit, have you completed these three steps below?

Military Connection Center

Contact

Military Connection Center

1106 Monarch Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529

757-683-7153 office
Directory

Tuition Assistance by Branch

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Army Ignited 2.0 launched on 29 August 2022.

All soldiers need to do the following:

  1. Click “Get Started” on Army IgnitED to create your account.
  2. Complete the required information and use your .mil email address. 
  3. Click submit. 
  4. Once you have created an account, log in to the portal. (A CAC id is required for access)

  1. Log in to your Army IgnitED account.
  2. Select “Education Goals”
  3. Click “Create New Goal”
  4. Select the Desired Goal (Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, etc).  Work with your ESO to ensure any outstanding requirements are satisfied.
  5. Input the Institution Information (Old Dominion University), Student ID (UIN), and Degree Program.
  6. Upload your Degree Plan from your Academic Advisor or DegreeWorks and enter other requested information as applicable.
  7. Click “Submit for Review.”

  1. Log in to your Army IgnitED account.
  2. Select “Active Education Goals”
  3. Select “Apply for Funding”
  4. Verify Contact Information
  5. Acknowledge the “User Agreement” and Click “I Agree, Continue”
  6. Verify “Education Center,” identify if deployed and Click “Next”
  7. Verify “Education Institution”
  8. Select Start and End Dates
  9. Click “Add Course” to select your desired courses and input all course information.
  10. Click “Add Course” to add additional courses.  Click “Submit” when all courses have been added.
  11. You will receive confirmation that your TA request has been submitted. Please note your “TA Request ID” and click “Finish.”

Note: Tuition Assistance Request (TAR) must be submitted within 60 to 7 days prior to the course start date.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

The Air Force currently pays 100 percent of tuition, up to $250 per semester hour and $166 quarter hour ($4,500 annually), in off-duty courses with accredited schools who have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs.

Step 1: Log on to AFVEC website (A CAC Id is required)

Step 2: Click “Apply for Funding”

Step 3: Verify info of Supervisor and student.

Step 4: Read and check every box. Then click the “I Agree, Continue button”

Step 5: Select the correct location of the education office that will approve this TA funding request.

Step 6: Select your institution.

Step 7: Select your courses and input course details.

Step 8: Review and Submit the application.

Step 9: After approval, submit TA vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling. 

The Virginia state legislature has changed the VA National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to a Reimbursement Request program starting with the Spring 2023 semester.  Other grants and aid will be deducted first (ex. Federal TA, Post-9/11, etc.), and the State will pay awards last for tuition only to the student.  Montgomery GI and 1606 payments will still be paid directly to the student.

Additionally, students are responsible for paying mandatory fees and tuition that are not covered by tuition assistance, such as technology fees, course materials, and other required fees charged by the university.

To apply for reimbursement, all National Guard students must:

  1. Self-fund each semester with the school.
  2. Submit a Reimbursement Request each semester during open window registration timeframe.  Deadline dates are posted on the State TA program website.  
  3. Sign and mail the Promissory Note for semester when registration is submitted.
  4. Submit grades transcript and financial statement from the school within 30 days of semester completion to be considered for State Tuition Assistance reimbursement.
  5. Complete and submit a W9 ID Certification and Direct Deposit forms which will be available on the State TA website for student convenience.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Army Ignited 2.0 launched on 29 August 2022.

All soldiers need to do the following:

  1. Click “Get Started” on Army IgnitED to create your account.
  2. Complete the required information and use your .mil email address. 
  3. Click submit. 
  4. Once you have created an account, log in to the portal. (A CAC id is required for access)

  1. Log in to your Army IgnitED account.
  2. Select “Education Goals”
  3. Click “Create New Goal”
  4. Select the Desired Goal (Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, etc).  Work with your ESO to ensure any outstanding requirements are satisfied.
  5. Input the Institution Information (Old Dominion University), Student ID (UIN), and Degree Program.
  6. Upload your Degree Plan from your Academic Advisor or DegreeWorks and enter other requested information as applicable.
  7. Click “Submit for Review.”

  1. Log in to your Army IgnitED account.
  2. Select “Active Education Goals”
  3. Select “Apply for Funding”
  4. Verify Contact Information
  5. Acknowledge the “User Agreement” and Click “I Agree, Continue”
  6. Verify “Education Center,” identify if deployed and Click “Next”
  7. Verify “Education Institution”
  8. Select Start and End Dates
  9. Click “Add Course” to select your desired courses and input all course information.
  10. Click “Add Course” to add additional courses.  Click “Submit” when all courses have been added.
  11. You will receive confirmation that your TA request has been submitted. Please note your “TA Request ID” and click “Finish.”

Note: Tuition Assistance Request (TAR) must be submitted within 60 to 7 days prior to the course start date.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

Tuition Assistance (TA) can be used for approved certificate and degree programs, only. TA will cover 100 percent of tuition up to $250 per credit hour.

Inform your chain of command of your interest to start or continue your education.

Servicemembers are required to complete an online training course prior to using TA for the first time. The Virtual Learning 101 training is located in the MyNavy Education portal under the Tuition Assistance icon. This course is required once per active-duty career. However, it is strongly recommended that the training is completed every one to two years as a refresher to stay informed on current TA policies and procedures.

The results of training post to your portal immediately upon completion.

Prospective students must receive counseling and approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your services branch prior to enrolling and submit an education plan for approval.

Step 4: Apply for Tuition Assistance: Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Marines and Sailors must apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through the MyNavy Education portal no later than seven (7) days prior to the start of courses and up to 120 days prior to the start of courses.

Submit your TA Vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu.

Note: TA does not cover books and other materials or academic institution fees. It will not fund retakes of the same course. If you leave the service before class ends, withdraw, or fail a course, you will have to provide reimbursement for any Tuition Assistance funds already paid.

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling.

The Air Force currently pays 100 percent of tuition, up to $250 per semester hour and $166 quarter hour ($4,500 annually), in off-duty courses with accredited schools who have signed the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding in pursuit of approved degree programs.

Step 1: Log on to AFVEC website (A CAC Id is required)

Step 2: Click “Apply for Funding”

Step 3: Verify info of Supervisor and student.

Step 4: Read and check every box. Then click the “I Agree, Continue button”

Step 5: Select the correct location of the education office that will approve this TA funding request.

Step 6: Select your institution.

Step 7: Select your courses and input course details.

Step 8: Review and Submit the application.

Step 9: After approval, submit TA vouchers to thirdpartybilling@odu.edu

Prospective students must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your service’s branch prior to enrolling. 

The Virginia state legislature has changed the VA National Guard Tuition Assistance Program to a Reimbursement Request program starting with the Spring 2023 semester.  Other grants and aid will be deducted first (ex. Federal TA, Post-9/11, etc.), and the State will pay awards last for tuition only to the student.  Montgomery GI and 1606 payments will still be paid directly to the student.

Additionally, students are responsible for paying mandatory fees and tuition that are not covered by tuition assistance, such as technology fees, course materials, and other required fees charged by the university.

To apply for reimbursement, all National Guard students must:

  1. Self-fund each semester with the school.
  2. Submit a Reimbursement Request each semester during open window registration timeframe.  Deadline dates are posted on the State TA program website.  
  3. Sign and mail the Promissory Note for semester when registration is submitted.
  4. Submit grades transcript and financial statement from the school within 30 days of semester completion to be considered for State Tuition Assistance reimbursement.
  5. Complete and submit a W9 ID Certification and Direct Deposit forms which will be available on the State TA website for student convenience.

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