Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP)
New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA)
Open now · due December 15, 2026Renews each year
Pays tuition up to SUNY rates for members of the NY Army/Air National Guard and Naval Militia
- How much
- Cost of tuition up to SUNY tuition rates per semester
- Who qualifies
- Member of the NY Army National Guard, Air National Guard or Naval Militia in good standing
- NYS resident for 186 days before using the program (excluding active duty); undergraduate degree program, 6+ credits/semester; good academic and military standing.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Open now · due December 15, 2026 Each semester: Aug 15 (fall), Dec 15 (spring); late applications not accepted
- How to apply
- Submit the RIRP application (DMNA Form 96-1) through your unit/DMNA education office by the semester deadline
- What you'll need
- state application + membership
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (dmna.ny.gov)
The details
Competitive NYS program paying the cost of tuition up to SUNY tuition rates per semester for members of the State Military Forces (Army and Air National Guard, Naval Militia) in good standing, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for at least 6 credit hours per semester (4 per quarter).
More money from New York
- Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA)Up to $6,000 for tuition expenses
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)$1,000 to $5,665
- NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence$500 or $1,500 per year
- Excelsior ScholarshipCovers tuition at SUNY/CUNY (last-dollar, after other aid)
- Non-degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)Prorated TAP award based on credits and actual tuition
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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