USAF, Tuition Assistance, and DANTES

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Tracy Gies, Apr 11, 2001.

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  1. Tracy Gies

    Tracy Gies New Member

    No TA paid for the PHD. That's the word from the USAF education counselors here. The reason why USAF doesn't anti-up for the PHD anymore? You can probably guess.

    Yup, you got it. To save money. They decided to give all the TA money to bachelor's and master's students. In my opinion, it's a good thing. Understand that my perspective is that of one who plans to embarc on a master's soon. If I were going for a doctorate, I suppose I would be bummed. But, the reality is that there are far more USAF personnel going for bachelor's and master's than for doctorates. So, the greatest need for the greatest amount of funds lies with the sub-doctorates.

    I double checked again on the rules for getting TA for DL programs and individual classes that aren't listed in the DANTES catalogs. I was right. The only requirement is that the school be accredited by an accredited agency which is recognized the the US Department of Education. I asked the counselor what's the big deal with having a memorandum of understanding between DANTES and the institutions, and if there was any advantage in going with those programs that are listed in the DANTES catalogs. He said that there is no real advantage. He said that the agreement basically means that the school is making a (non-binding, I believe) promise to "be nice to you." But the only real requirements DANTES and the Air Force have with regards to TA is that the school be RA or nationally accredited, that the classes you are taking be part of a degree plan, and that you don't exceed certain benefit limits for TA (which will cover 75% of tuition costs (which cannot exceed $250 per credit hour), and that your total benefit for the year must not exceed $3,500.)

    I have to wonder how the Army's rules for TA will change when Army University Access Online goes Army-wide. Will service-member students be corraled into an AUAO program even if the sort of program that they really want isn't offered under AUAO? Or, will they be allowed to draw a TA benefit to use in a program that better meets their individual requirements? My more cynical side thinks that Army education counselors may be pressured into guiding students into AUAO since the service is putting so much money into it.

    Tracy Gies (who, at first, experienced moments when he wished he had joined the Air Force, but after 14 years on active duty in the Army, is happy with his decision to stay in, and is very proud of his service. Black berets for everyone!)<><
     
  2. jnate

    jnate New Member

    Thanks for that update. $3500 a year should be plenty for most DL at 75%.

    j nate
     

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