Tuition Assistance


Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit available to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes each service branch to pay up to $250 per credit hour toward tuition costs during the federal fiscal year (October 1–September 30). TA covers tuition only and does not pay for fees or other educational expenses.

Each service branch establishes its own eligibility requirements, obligated service, application procedures, and program policies. Before enrolling, service members are encouraged to consult with their Military Education Office or Education Services Officer (ESO) to understand their benefits and make an informed decision.

 

PLEASE SELECT YOUR BRANCH OF SERVICE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS

 


Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) Policy

Effective July 7, 2014, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) implemented the following Tuition Assistance (TA) policies:

  • Successful Course Completion: To avoid reimbursement charges, service members must earn a grade of C or higher in undergraduate courses and B or higher in graduate courses. Students who do not meet these minimum grade requirements may be required to reimburse the cost of TA.
  • Tuition-Only Coverage: TA covers tuition only. Fees, including supporting instructional fees, are not covered.
  • Degree-Level Limit: TA is authorized for one degree at each academic level. Service members may not use TA to pursue a second degree at the same or a lower level (for example, a second bachelor's degree or a second master's degree).  
  • TA Request Deadlines: TA must be requested BEFORE the course start date.
    • Marine Corps: Submit TA requests 1 DAY before the term begins.
    • All Other Service Branches: Submit TA requests 7 DAYS before the term begins.
  • No Duplication of Federal Benefits: Tuition Assistance (TA) will not be authorized for any course if a service member receives reimbursement from another federal source and the payment would result in a duplication of benefits paid to the school. However, federal student aid programs, including student loans, grants, and work-study, are not considered a duplication of benefits.

Admission, Registration, and TA Process 

  1. Apply for Admission
  2. Apply for Other Sources of Funding
    • We strongly encourage you to apply for multiple sources of financial assistance to help cover your educational expenses.
    • Explore the following funding opportunities:
    • FAFSA – Learn how to apply for federal financial aid.
      NMSU Scholarships – Search for institutional scholarship opportunities.
      Private Scholarships – Explore scholarships offered by private organizations and community groups.
  3. Register for Mandatory Orientation
    • All new incoming freshmen and transfer students must complete Orientation before registering for classes.
      Exemptions: Active military or veteran status (No documentation needed, NMSU internal verification).
      To register for orientation, visit: awo.nmsu.edu.
  4. Academic Advising
  5. Register for Classes
  6. Apply for Tuition Assistance (TA)
    • Create an account (if needed) and submit your TA application through your military portal by selecting your service branch above. 
      Your military education center will determine your eligibility and approve your TA request.
  7. Submit Your STAR Degree Audit 
  8. Request TA BEFORE the Term Begins
    1. Submit a separate TA request for each class before the start of the term.
    2. Make sure that all course codes (e.g., ENGL 1110G) exactly match the courses listed on your student schedule and approved degree plan.
      • If you are unable to locate a course, please email MVP at mvp@nmsu.edu (Attn: Erika Zaragoza) for assistance.
    3. Deadlines:
      • Marine Corps: TA requests must be submitted 1 DAY before the start of the term.
        All Other Service Branches:  TA requests must be submitted 7 DAYS before the start of the term.
  9. Send Your TA Authorization or Voucher
    • Email your approved TA Authorization or Voucher to MVP at mvp@nmsu.edu (Attn: Erika Zaragoza).
  10. Monitor Your Student Account
    • University Accounts Receivable (UAR) will apply your TA funds to your NMSU student account any time AFTER the Last Day to Cancel Registration (100% refund). Refer to the Important Dates for Students to know when this occurs.

Branch-Specific TA Portals & Deadlines

Service members from all branches must obtain supervisor approval before using Tuition Assistance (TA). To get started, contact your installation's Education Services Officer (ESO) or Education Counselor. You can locate your assigned Education Center directly from your TA portal home page.

Before requesting TA, all students must:

Create an account through their TA portal.
Complete any required training. 
Establish an education goal or degree plan, if required.
Submit a TA request for each enrolled course.

TA submission deadlines by service branch:

Army: Request TA through ArmyIgnitED (7 days before the course begins).
Navy: Request TA through MyNavy Education (7 days before the course begins).
Marine Corps: Request TA through WebTA application within the MyNavy Education portal (1 day before the course begins).
Air Force & Space Force: Request TA through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) (7 days before the course begins). 
Coast Guard: Request TA through the MyCG Ed (7 days before the course begins).

NMSU Global Campus

NMSU Global Campus offers 100% online programs and courses, providing the flexibility many students need to balance their education with military service.

Active military students enrolled in NMSU Global Campus may be eligible for a  fixed tuition rate of $250 per credit hour. This special rate is available only to active military students enrolled in NMSU Global Campus.

Ready to Get Started?

For additional details about eligibility, requirements, and this tuition benefit, please review the Active Military Rate page. 

MVP Resident Tuition Waiver

Under New Mexico House Bill 427 (2015), military members of the U.S. Armed Forces—and their eligible spouses and dependents—may qualify for in-state tuition rates if they:

Are enrolled at NMSU Las Cruces Campus or NMSU Community Colleges (does not apply to NMSU Global Campus students); and
Are eligible for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits; or 
Are currently stationed within the State of New Mexico, including Fort Bliss.

To request resident tuition waiver, students must complete the MVP Resident Tuition Waiver form and submit it to MVP.

Submit the completed form by email to: mvp@nmsu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Tuition Assistance (TA) pay?
TA covers tuition only, up to $250 per semester credit hour. It does not pay for fees, books, supplies, or other educational expenses.

Can I use TA for a lower or equal degree?
TA applies to one degree level at a time. You cannot use TA to pursue a degree at the same or a lower level than one you have already earned (for example, a second bachelor's degree).

What if I cannot locate my academic degree program in the TA portal?
If you are unable to locate your academic degree program, please email the Military and Veterans Programs (MVP) office at mvp@nmsu.edu (Attn: Erika Zaragoza) for assistance with locating or adding your program in the TA portal.

What if I cannot locate a course in the TA portal? Can I request TA for a similar course?
No. Please ensure that all course codes (e.g., ENGL 1110G) exactly match the courses listed on your student schedule and approved degree plan. Otherwise, your TA request cannot be approved, and TA funds will not be applied to your student account. If you are unable to locate a course in the TA portal, please email the Military and Veterans Programs (MVP) office at mvp@nmsu.edu (Attn: Erika Zaragoza) for assistance before submitting your TA request.

What do I do after requesting TA?
After your TA request has been approved, please email your approved TA Authorization or TA Voucher (found on your TA portal) to the Military and Veterans Programs (MVP) office at mvp@nmsu.edu (Attn: Erika Zaragoza). University Accounts Receivable (UAR) will apply your approved TA funds to your NMSU student account after the Last Day to Cancel Registration (100% refund period). Please refer to the Important Dates for Students calendar to determine when the 100% refund period ends.

When will my grades be submitted in the TA portal?
Final grades are entered into the TA portal as soon as they are released to students, strictly within 30 days of the course end date.

What happens if I drop or fail a class?
If you need to drop a course, you must process the drop through your TA portal. If you withdraw from or fail a course without an approved military justification, your branch of service may recoup (require repayment of) the TA funds that were paid on your behalf.

PDF: Federal TA flyer