There are three main types of Army spouse tuition assistance and educational support. The first is the traditional Army Spouse Tuition Assistance or Military TA. This is technically known as Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities or SECO.
The second option is the GI Bill and the third is MyCAA, which stands for My Career Advancement Account scholarships.
Each of these programs provides financial support that can help cover – sometimes even fully fund – the education you need to begin or advance toward the career of your dreams.
What to Know About Army Spouse Tuition Assistance
Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)
- What it is: SECO is an online resource that helps military spouses pursue their educational and employment goals. One key benefit is access to certified career coaches who provide comprehensive counseling services at no cost.
- How to apply: Log in to the MySECO portal to determine your eligibility. You must be one of the following: the spouse of an active duty service member, the spouse of a military member separated from active duty for less than 365 days or the surviving spouse of a service member who died while on active duty.
- What’s covered and what’s not: SECO provides support for building a resume, identifying career pathways and researching financial assistance options. However, it does not provide direct funding for education.
GI Bill
- What it is: The GI Bill includes a provision that allows certain active-duty military personnel to transfer their unused post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse. To qualify, your spouse must have completed at least six years of service and agree to an additional four years of active duty.
- How to apply: Your spouse must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System before you can request a transfer of benefits online.
- What’s covered and what’s not: The GI Bill can cover housing costs, tuition, fees for national standardized tests, supplies, books and certification or licensing fees. It doesn’t cover anything for spouses who are not eligible for a transfer of benefits.
MyCAA
- What it is: With the MyCAA military tuition assistance, spouse academic funding is the focus. Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 in financial assistance, split into two payments of $2,000 across two fiscal years.
- How to apply: The best way to get started with this popular benefit is to connect with a MedCerts expert. As a MyCAA-approved academic institution, MedCerts can help review your eligibility and guide you in creating a pathway toward the career you’ve always wanted.
- What’s covered and what’s not: MyCAA covers most costs associated with obtaining licenses and certifications.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Professional Future
There’s a lot to research and consider as you look for the best Army spouse tuition assistance program for your goals, and we’d love to help. Connect with an Education Consultant at MedCerts who knows the ins and outs of how you can best utilize your benefits as a military spouse. It’s a free and easy way to take the next step toward your professional future.
