Military Student Services: National Guard

Military Education Institute

National Guard Tuition Assistance

Soldiers in the Army National Guard may be eligible to receive up to $4,500 annually to further their education. These funds may be used to pursue a college or technical degree that could be your key to a successful civilian or military career. Apply for tuition assistance through Virtual Armory or GoArmyEd. For more information, email an advisor or call us at (904) 357-8890.

Florida National Guard State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP)

The STEP program is a waiver of 50 percent of tuition and fees at State of Florida state colleges and universities. These benefits are in addition to GI Bill benefits the member may be eligible for.

  • All soldiers and airmen in the FLNG and meet the program requirements. When an individual enlists in the FLNG, they are automatically eligible for STEP.
  • The basic requirements are the member must have completed all training requirements including basic and AIT, be at least 17 years old and domiciled in the State of Florida, have less than 15 years total military service, and continuously maintain active participation in the FLNG. The member cannot have a bachelor's degree.
  • A member must complete three years in the FLNG after completion of utilization of benefits.
  • STEP will waive 50 percent the tuition at any State of Florida state college or university.
  • A member may utilize STEP to obtain a vocational certificate at State of Florida state colleges and/or up to a bachelor's degree.

Florida National Guard Education Dollars for Duty Program (EDD)

The Florida National Guard Offers 100 percent tuition and certain fees at Florida state colleges and universities. The basic requirements are:

Eligibility

For enlistees (non-prior and prior service) who have not been a member of the Florida National Guard before July 1, 1997.

  • Total time in service is less than 15 years.
  • Soldier has completed/signed Educational Dollars for Duty Memorandum of Agreement, EDD Survey and OML Data Sheet.
  • Three-year obligation after use of benefits.
  • Does not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Cannot utilize until BASIC and AIT are completed.
  • Five years to use benefit.
  • Five-year clock starts at completion of BASIC and AIT for non-prior service and at enlistment date for prior service.
  • Remains a member in good standing.
  • Can be used for associates and bachelor's degrees and technical certificates.
  • Can be used to earn up to bachelor degree.

All members of the FLNG are considered Florida residents and qualify for the in-state tuition rates. All members usting STEP or EDD must complete an application for benefits each semester. For further information, please contact the National Guard at 1 (800) 342-6528.

Other Financial Assistance

Additional funds to cover tuition costs may be available to active duty personnel through the GI Bill Top Up program, or you may be eligible for military scholarships. Many soldiers may qualify for special state tuition programs offered by the Florida Army National Guard. To learn more about GI Bill benefits and available state programs, contact an advisor or call us at (904) 357-8890.

Download the application form for Florida Army National Guard tuition programs.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is guided by the principle that no person who chooses to learn or work at the College shall be treated differently because of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sex, marital status or disability.

Florida State College at Jacksonville is a member of the Florida College System. Florida State College at Jacksonville is not affiliated with any other public or private university or College in Florida or elsewhere.

MPSS is a division of Florida State College at Jacksonville. Florida State College at Jacksonville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ("SACS") to award the baccalaureate and associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida State College at Jacksonville. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.