Get Paid to Go to College

The costs for college are high—and rising.

Let us pick up the tab, cover additional living expenses and pay you a salary on top of all that. As a Guard member, you'll be eligible for programs like 100% Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment, the Montgomery G.I. Bill and so many more.

Full time school. Part-time Guard. It's a no-brainer.

Standard federal programs include:

100% Tuition Assistance

Funds up to 100% of your college tuition. Over four years, that's nearly $20,000 in funding.

The State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) is available to every member of the Rhode Island National Guard. STAP authorizes up to five courses at any state college or university with basic tuition or general fee charges waived. The cost of the books and fees are not included.

Student Loan Repayment

Do you have outstanding student loans? Our Student Loan Repayment program can repay them for you—up to $20,000.

Montgomery G.I. Bill

Created by Sonny Montgomery in 1987, this program pays you a monthly stipend of up to $317 for school expenses. The Kicker adds an additional $200 to 350 per month.

College First Enlistment Option

College First is an enlistment option specifically created for college students. It offers you:

• Extensive financial benefits - more than $2,000 per month
• A guarantee of no federal deployment during your first two years of service provided you're a full-time college student

You are eligible if:

• You have no prior military service
• You're a high school graduate or graduating senior
• You score 31 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
• You agree to complete Advanced Individual Training (AIT) immediately following Basic Training
• You're accepted by a U.S. Department of Education-accredited college or university within 90 days of completing AIT
• You remain a student in good standing for the duration of your non-deployment period
• You meet all other National Guard enlistment Standards