You can access the Virgnia State Tuition Assistance Program website for eligibility requirements and the required semester application. The soldier works directly with the State TA office to utilize State TA each semester. 

Starting with the Spring 2023 semester, the State TA program is a reimbursement for up to the tuition charge each semester. Funds are no longer sent directly to James Madison University. This means you will be responsible for covering the tuition charge on your bill each semester in addition to all other charges by the payment deadline.  

You must have completed basic training before you can apply for state tuition assistance and be a member in good standing.  You are obligated to serve 2 years in the Virginia National Guard upon completion of the last term for which state tuition assistance is paid on your behalf. A new fiscal year (FY) promissory note must be downloaded and printed from the website, signed, and mailed to the education office before your application can be approved. The promissory note is completed only once per FY; but the application needs to be filled out for each semester separately before the deadline date. New state FY begins I July of each year.

  • Virginia's State Budget does impact availability. Approval amounts will depend on the program budget constraints set forth by the state.
  • 2 year obligation with VaARNG after last use of State Tuition

The state database opens about 45 days prior to the deadline date for each semester and it will close promptly at midnight of the deadline date. Applications must be turned in every semester before the deadline date. LATE APPLICATIONS ARE DISAPPROVED.

The State TA request window:

  • Fall semester: open 5/15- 7/1  
  • Spring semester: open 9/15-11/1 
  • Summer semester: open 2/15-4/1 

Additionally, Soldier must meet the 'Document Package 1' and 'Document Package 2' deadlines for each semester. Dates listed on the State TA website. 

Important information:

  • Courses with a final grade listed as failed, incomplete, or withdrawn will not be reimbursed.
  • Service members incur a 2-year commitment to the Virginia National Guard upon completion of last term for which tuition grant was received.
    • If you do not serve the 2 years required after the last term for which State TA paid tuition, the funds will be recouped. 
  • Reimbursement requests can only be made for approved schools (accredited not-for-profit school with a physical location in Virginia).
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply for all available forms of federal benefits and Veterans Affairs entitlements prior to applying for state tuition assistance.
  • Send a bursar’s statement or tuition bill, signed promissory note and W-9 by documentation package 1 deadline as listed on their website. Final grades are due by the document package 2 deadline. Send to Ms. Terri Stallings (terri.s.stallings.nfg@mail.mil).
    • If classes are dropped after the add/drop date, it will not be reimbursed.
    • If grades are not submitted, any and all state funding can be recouped.
    • Please send grades in a word or .pdf document. Do not send transcripts in LINKS, E-SCIPTS, or NOTEBOOK – these will not open.  
  • If you have any flags or your cumulative GPA is below 2.0, you will be disapproved.
  • You can always check on the status of your application by accessing the website for approval and the approved amount.

State TA Office Points of Contact:

Ms. Cynthia Gregg (cynthia.r.gregg.nfg@army.mil) or 434-298-5833

Ms Jordan Fisher (jordan.l.fisher16.nfg@army.mil ) or 434-298-5975

Shared email box: NG.VA.VAARNG.MBX.TAP@army.mil

 

JMU Contact Information:

Please contact Ms. Cindi Sechler in the University Busines Office with any questions regarding State Tuition Assistance at James Madison University. 

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