TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES

[Tony]

UNCLASSIFIED//

ROUTINE

R 061757Z JAN 21 MID200000516321U

FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC

TO ALNAV

INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
CNO WASHINGTON DC
CMC WASHINGTON DC

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ALNAV 004/21

MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JAN//

SUBJ/TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES//

REF/A/DOC/DODI 1322.25/02APR20//

REF/B/DOC/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/07DEC20//

NARR/REF A IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION 1322.25, VOLUNTARY EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS CHANGE 4. REF B IS SECNAV MEMORANDUM 07DEC20, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.//

RMKS/1.  This ALNAV announces changes to the Department of the Navy's (DON) 
Tuition Assistance (TA) Program.  TA is designed to expand the professional 
development opportunities and enhance degree completion of Sailors and 
Marines.

2.  Annual TA Funding updates.
    a.  To improve Sailor and Marine education opportunities, the DON will 
implement a consistent 18 credit hour limit per Sailor/Marine, per year, for 
the TA program beginning in Fiscal Year 2022, consistent with Department of 
Defense (DoD) policy and guidance.
    b.  Effective 1 October 2021, in accordance with reference (a), DoD 
policy directs a TA semester hour cap of $250 and a $4,500 annual limit.
    c.  TA will continue to be paid up to the DoD established limits, 
currently set at $250 per semester hour, $166.67 per quarter hour, or $16.67 
per clock hour.  Tuition exceeding these limits, in addition to fees, books, 
and instructional materials, will continue to be the responsibility of the 
Sailor and Marine.

3.  Maximizing TA opportunity is an investment in our Sailors and Marines, 
which is consistent with our message that learning and professional growth 
are not only available, they are expected of senior leaders.
    a.  Sailors and Marines with currently approved education plans at high 
cost schools may benefit from comparison-shopping to get better value under 
this expanded authority, potentially saving money, and preserve GI Bill 
benefits if they have been constrained by previous limits.
    b.  This change affords Sailors and Marines more control and flexibility 
in their pursuit of higher education.  For example, Service Members can now 
choose to pursue more credits on shore duty and fewer while on operational 
tours, striking a better work-life balance.  This can be further enhanced if 
Service Members choose more cost-effective schools.
    c.  Additionally, all Sailors and Marines are encouraged to take full 
advantage of their eligibility to earn college credit through the College 
Level Exam Program and  Subject Standardized Tests exams offered through the 
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Services, which can further 
stretch their TA dollars.

4.  This ALNAV will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever 
occurs first.

5.  Released by the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Secretary of the 
Navy.//

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