North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance (State TA)
NC Department of Public Safety / North Carolina National Guard
State tuition assistance for active NC National Guard members at NC public, private nonprofit and approved proprietary schools, in exchange for at least two more years of Guard service.
- How much
- Up to the highest annual tuition charged by an NC State educational institution, or a lesser amount set by the Secretary within available funds
- Who qualifies
- Active member of the North Carolina National Guard
- Must have at least 2 years of Guard obligation remaining after the funded academic period, or commit to extend for 2 more years; enrolled at an NC State educational institution, private nonprofit college or approved proprietary school; may be suspended for inadequate academic standing.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school, transfer students
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by the NC National Guard Education Services Office each term; not published on a reachable official page
- How to apply
- Apply through the NC National Guard Education Services Office (NC Guard Education and Employment Center)
- What you'll need
- membership + state application
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (ncleg.gov)
The details
Under the NC National Guard Tuition Assistance Act (G.S. 127A-190 to 127A-195), active NC Guard members can get an education grant of up to the highest amount a State educational institution (UNC university or community college) charges per academic year, or less as the Secretary of Public Safety sets within appropriations. It's renewable one year at a time. It covers high school completion at a community college, trade/vocational training, associate, bachelor's and graduate degrees, graduate certificates and approved professional certifications. Members must have at least two years of Guard obligation left after the funded term or extend for two more years. The statute also lets the benefit pay off outstanding student loans.
More money from North Carolina
- Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities ScholarshipUp to $14,000 ($3,500 per school year for up to 4 years; transfers $3,500/yr for up to 3 years)
- Golden LEAF Community Colleges ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per school year (curriculum students); up to $1,850 per year (occupational/continuing education programs)
- NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College StudentsAmount varies
- Next NC ScholarshipAt least $5,000 per year at a UNC System university; at least $3,000 per year at an NC community college (federal Pell + state funds combined)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- 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
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.