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 Fall 2025 semester, the State Tuition Assistance (TA) program is returning to tuition funds being sent directly to the university. State TA only covers up to the "Tuition" cost on the semester bill. No other charges, such as the comprehensive fee, course fees, tuition differentials, etc - can be covered with State TA.
You must meet the deadlines listed on the above website to utilize State TA each semester.
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- Courses with a final grade listed as failed, incomplete, or withdrawn will result in indefinite suspension from the program.
- SMs can be reinstated in the STAP by requesting an exception of policy (ETP) through their chain of command to The Adjutant General.
- STAG will not be used for the repeat of a previously passed course.
- Service members incur a 2-year commitment to the Virginia National Guard upon completion of last term for which tuition grant was received.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply for all available forms of federal benefits and Veterans Affairs entitlements prior to applying for state tuition assistance.
- Original ink signed Promissory Note and Grade Release forms must be mailed.
- Courses with a final grade listed as failed, incomplete, or withdrawn will be recouped. Recoupment will be initiated for incomplete document packets for tuition already paid to the school.
- Applications can only be made for approved schools from the dropdown list within the application (accredited not-for-profit with a physical location in Virginia).
- Approval roster is sent to the school at the beginning of each semester and the school will invoice the State TA for TUITION ONLY (according to the cap amount set per student for that semester).
State TA Office Points of Contact:
Ms. Cynthia Gregg, State TA Coordinator (cynthia.r.gregg.nfg@army.mil) or 434-298-5833
Ms Jordan Fisher, State TA Coordinator Assistant (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.