Military Assistance

At the United States Sports University, we aim to simplify the enrollment process for our prospective military students, whether you’re currently serving or a veteran. Here you’ll find all the information you need to guide you through the enrollment process. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Perfect for degree-seeking active-duty service members

USSA is an excellent choice for active-duty service members seeking a degree through flexible online learning. Our competency-based online programs allow you to leverage your existing knowledge, while our faculty and staff provide support to help you progress at your own pace. Our military-friendly policies have been widely recognized.

the University may not be the right fit for students seeking to complete a few individual courses.

Become one of our notable alumni

Kevin Jackson, B.S.S. 2005
Wrestling Coach
Iowa State University

CDR Thomas E. Sather MSC, USN, Ed.D., CAsP
Ed.D. Graduate
Master’s Degree 1996
Medical Service Corps
US Navy

Rachelle Cannon, M.S.S. 2003
Wellness Program Mgr.
US Coast Guard

Military Tuition Assistance

The Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% (up to $250 per semester hour) of members’ tuition expenses.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes, and restrictions. Funds are transferred directly to USSU by the military branch.

Additionally, active duty members may elect to use the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) “top-up” in addition to their service provided TA to cover courses when TA is almost exhausted.

Military Tuition Assistance Checklist

  1. Meet with an ESO:
    • Consult with an Education Service Officer (ESO) at your Base Education Center. Discuss your educational goals and the institution you wish to attend. The ESO can provide guidance on tuition assistance (TA) and eligibility requirements for your educational benefits.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

Tuition Assistance Requirements by Branch

All active-duty Air Force personnel may be eligible to receive Air Force Tuition Assistance (AFTA). This program covers 100 percent of the cost of tuition and fees for classes taken during off-duty hours within the cap limits set by the Air Force:

  • $250 per semester credit hour up to $4500 per fiscal year

In order to take advantage of this program, you need to apply using the Air Force Virtual Education Center located within the Air Force Portal. Once you have completed your application, been approved for AFTA and registered for classes you may drop or change a course as long as you notify the institution you are attending and your base education center. If you drop a course after your institution’s drop/add date, you will be responsible for the cost of tuition (unless you qualify for a Waiver of Tuition Assistance Reimbursement) and you will need to contact your school and your base’s education center.

Note: AFTA is not available for post-master’s degree coursework or degrees and is not authorized for courses leading to a lateral or lower level degree than you already possess.

An airman will not be eligible for AFTA if:

  • You are missing grades over 60 days from a course end date.
  • You have suspense dates that have expired
  • You are missing personal data in your education record.
  • You are requesting AFTA for courses that begin more than 30 days prior to the request date.
  • You are requesting AFTA for courses that have already began.
  • You are requesting AFTA for lower level courses from the highest education degree you hold.
  • You have no degree plan in your record.

Exceptions:

  • AFTA will be provided for a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree regardless of your education level.
  • AFTA will be provided for a civilian college associate degree even if you have a CCAF associate degree provided you do not possess a civilian associate or higher degree.
  • While you are no longer required to obtain your supervisor’s signature on your AFTA form, you are expected to discuss your schedule with him/her to ensure participation and support.

The Army Tuition Assistance program (ATA) is open to nearly all active-duty soldiers including those in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.  For details about restrictions about eligibility and use, please download the Army Continuing Education System Regulations.

ATA will cover 100 percent of tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of:

  • $250 per semester credit hour up to $4000 per fiscal year (16 semester hours)

Soldiers will be eligible for Army Tuition Assistance (ATA) upon successfully completing one year of military service following graduation from Advanced Individual Training.

Soldiers can use ATA for a second, higher-level degree (Post Bachelors) once they have ten years of service, if any portion of the undergraduate degree was funded with ATA.  There is no ten year requirement if ATA did not fund any portion of your undergraduate work.

Soldiers can utilize ATA to cover up to 130 semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree and 39 semester hours toward a graduate degree.

Soldiers may complete one degree at the bachelor’s and at the master’s level.

Applying for Army Tuition Assistance

(From the GoArmyEd website)

  • Request ATA through GoArmyEd prior to the course start date (late registration period).
  • Request ATA on a course-by-course basis.
  • A notification from GoArmyEd will be sent if your request for ATA has been approved or denied (If denied, GoArmyEd will advise you of the next step).
  • All dropped courses or withdrawals must take place through GoArmyEd.  If you receive an “F” you will be required to repay your ATA. If unable to complete a course due to your military duties, you must ensure that you withdraw from the course through GoArmyEd so that you will not be charged.
  • If you would like to take a course from a school that does not participate in the electronic GoArmyEd course schedule, you must still complete an ATA request.  The request will be routed to an Army education counselor/Reserve ESS to be reviewed and approved.  Allow extra time for this process.  If approved, you will receive notification via email.  You will then need to print the approved ATA request form and provide it to the University.  You will enroll directly with the university.
  • You must submit a new, signed ATA Statement of Understanding each year (SFC and above may sign for themselves and the commander). Your ATA request will not be authorized until the ATA SOU is approved.  You will receive a notice from GoArmyEd 90 days before the due date.

Tuition Assistance (TA) is available to all eligible Naval officers, enlisted active duty and Reservists on continuous active duty.  Tuition Assistance will cover 100 percent of tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of:

  • $250 per semester credit hour; up to $4,000 per fiscal year (16 semester hours or 24 quarter hours)
  • Additional funding above the $4000 fiscal year cap may be requested, not to exceed $4500 per fiscal year

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must remain on active duty for the entire length of the courses approved.
  • Attend an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education.
  • Receive counseling from a Navy college office
  • Provide all grades from previously funded TA courses.  Any course in which the student received an ‘F’ or ‘W’ must be reimbursed.
  • Officers must remain on active duty for at least two years after completion of their last TA approved course.

Applying for Navy Tuition Assistance

The United States Marine Corps offers Tuition Assistance (MTA) for all eligible active-duty Marines for off-duty educational purposes.  The MTA will pay 100 percent of costs associated with tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of:

  • $250 per semester credit hour up to $4500 per fiscal year (16 semester hours)

To Apply for MTA:

  • Complete a TA orientation class prior to using MTA.  To attend the course, visit the Lifelong Learning or Education Office at your local base. (If you are stationed at a remote location, email [email protected]for assistance.)
  • If you are located at a remote site, your MTA will be processed at Camp Lejeune (if you are stationed east of the Mississippi) and Camp Pendleton (if you are stationed west of the Mississippi).  I-I duty Marines will apply through MARFORRES in New Orleans.  Recruiters will apply via their recruiting district or region headquarters.

Important Information for using MTA:

  • First-time, active-duty MTA applicants must have 24 months’ in service from their active-duty base date.
  • First-time MTA applicants must complete the MCI Personal Financial Management Course (Course ID 3240G).
  • Marines who do not possess an associate degree or 60 academic credits cannot take multiple courses concurrently.
  • First-time MTA applicants with a general technical score of less than 100 must take the Adult Basic Education Test and acquire a score of 10.2.
  • Marines must complete a degree plan prior to completing 12 semester hours.
  • MTA is not authorized for reimbursement for textbooks.
  • MTA is not authorized for use on courses leading to a lateral or lower level degree than the one you have already attained.
  • MTA cannot be used for certifications, license exams or credentials.
  • Marines shall be eligible for promotion.
  • Any officer using MTA must remain on active duty for two years prior to completion of the last MTA funded course.
  • MTA is available to Reservists on continuous active duty and their course must end prior to demobilization/deactivation.

Eligible active-duty members of the U.S. Coast Guard may receive Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (CGTA) for classes taken off-duty. CGTA may fund courses for eligible participants 75 percent of the amount paid for tuition and fees up to the maximum amount of:

  • $187.50 per semester credit hour and reflects the 75% reduction
  • $3375 per fiscal year and reflects the 75% reduction of $4500
  • 6 semester hours per fiscal quarter

If your education service officer uses the automated TA process via the NKO Portal, visit the NKO website.

Access the SOP on how to complete the WEBTA process on the Coast Guard website.

The following rules apply to Coast Guard Members applying for CGTA:

  • Coast Guard members must be on active duty or a Reservist on long-term orders greater than 180 days.
  • CGTA is available for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Credit hours are counted from course start dates.
  • If applicable, Coast Guard members must show satisfactory progress toward completion of unit qualifications.
  • If applicable, Coast Guard members must satisfactory progress toward watch station qualifications.
  • Coast Guard members must display satisfactory proficiency of craft.
  • Coast Guard members must have satisfactory conduct during the six months prior.
  • Enlisted members must complete all courses authorized by CGTA prior to discharge retirement or RELAD.
  • Officers must complete one year of service after completion of the authorized course.
  • TA is available to members seeking their first degree. TA is no longer authorized for members pursuing an additional degree at the same or lower level.

Members of the U.S. National Guard are eligible to receive tuition assistance through their appropriate branch.

Army National Guard

The Army National Guard (ARNG) provides Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) to soldiers meeting the following eligibility requirements:

  • Attend an accredited institution
  • Be a traditional ARNG soldier in ‘active drilling’ status
  • Must remain in ARNG during term of courses
  • Officers must serve four years after completion of their final FTA approved course
  • Must not be receiving ROTC scholarships

If you meet these guidelines, you become eligible the day you join ARNG.  ARNG FTA operates on a limited budget and is not a guaranteed benefit.  If you are approved, FTA will cover:

  • 100% of tuition up to $250 per semester credit hour or $166 per quarter hour; up to $4,000 per fiscal year (16 semester hours)
  • Fees up to $500
  • Soldiers will be eligible for Army Tuition Assistance (ATA) upon successfully completing one year of military service following graduation from Advanced Individual Training.
  • Soldiers can use ATA for a second, higher-level degree (post bachelor) once they have 10 years of service, if any portion of the undergraduate degree was funded with ATA.  There is no 10-year requirement if ATA did not fund any portion of your undergraduate work.
  • Soldiers can utilize ATA to cover up to 130 semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree and 39 semester hours toward a graduate degree.
  • Soldiers may complete one degree at the bachelor’s and at the master’s level.

Applying for ATA Through GoArmyEd:

  • Request ATA through GoArmyEd before the course start date or the school’s late registration period.
  • You must request ATA for each course you take.
  • You will receive notification from GoArmyEd when your request for ATA has been approved or denied. If you request is denied, GoArmyEd will advise you of the next step you should take.
  • All dropped courses or withdrawals must take place through GoArmyEd. If you receive an “F” you will be required to repay your ATA. If you are unable to complete a course due to your military duties, you must ensure that you withdraw from the course through GoArmyEd so that you will not be charged.
  • If you would like to take a course from a school that does not participate in the electronic GoArmyEd course schedule, you must still complete an ATA request. The request will be routed to an Army education counselor/Reserve ESS to be reviewed and approved. You should allow extra time for this process. If your request is approved, you will receive notification via email. You will then need to print the approved ATA request form and provide it to school. You will enroll directly with the school.
  • You must submit a new, signed ATA Statement of Understanding each year (SFC and above may sign for themselves and the commander). Your ATA request will not be authorized until the ATA SOU is approved. You will receive a notice from GoArmyEd 90 days before the due date.
  • Your FTA can be used with MGIB-Selected Reserve or MGIB-Active Duty as long as you are enrolled at least half time or more. However, MGIB-AD participants who are drawing GI Bill®-Kicker benefits are not eligible.

Air National Guard

The Air National Guard (ANG) provides tuition assistance to all eligible members.  If approved, you will receive:

  • $250 per semester credit hour; up to $4500 per fiscal year

To apply for your benefits, please visit the AirForce Portal.

Members of the Army and Air Force Reserves may be eligible for tuition assistance (TA) through their respective branches.

Note: The Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR), U.S. Navy Reserves (USNR), and Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)  do not currently offer Tuition Assistance to Reservists.

Army Reserves (USAR)

USAR offers TA for 100 percent of tuition and fees up to:

  • $250 per semester credit hour
  • $4000 per fiscal year
  • 16 semester hours per fiscal year

Eligibility for USAR TA:

  • Soldiers must be a drilling Reservist in good standing
  • Solders must declare an educational goal leading to credentials higher than current level attained
  • Soldiers must complete courses prior to separation from USAR
  • Officers must complete four years of service after completion of the last course provided by TA
  • Soldiers must enroll for the independent study course following Army Reserve procedures.
  • Soldiers will be eligible for Army Tuition Assistance (ATA) upon successfully completing one year of military service following graduation from Advanced Individual Training.
  • Soldiers can use ATA for a second, higher-level degree (post bachelor’s) once they have ten years of service, if any portion of the undergraduate degree was funded with ATA.  There is no ten year requirement if ATA did not fund any portion of your undergraduate work.
  • Soldiers can utilize ATA to cover up to 130 semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree and 39 semester hours towards a graduate degree.

Applying for ATA through GoArmyEd

  • Request ATA through GoArmyEd prior to the course start date or the school’s late registration period.
  • You must request ATA for each course you take.
  • You will receive notification from GoArmyEd when your request for ATA has been approved or denied. If you request is denied, GoArmyEd will advise you of the next step you should take.
  • All dropped courses or withdrawals must take place through GoArmyEd. If you receive an “F” you will be required to repay your ATA. If you are unable to complete a course due to your military duties, you must ensure that you withdraw from the course through GoArmyEd so that you will not be charged.
  • If you would like to take a course from a school that does not participate in the electronic GoArmyEdcourse schedule, you must still complete an ATA request. The request will be routed to an Army education counselor/Reserve ESS to be reviewed and approved. You should allow extra time for this process. If your request is approved, you will receive notification via email. You will then need to print the approved ATA request form and provide it to school. You will enroll directly with the school.
  • You must submit a new, signed ATA Statement of Understanding each year (SFC and above may sign for themselves and the commander). Your ATA request will not be authorized until the ATA SOU is approved. You will receive a notice from GoArmyEd 90 days before the due date.

Air Force Reserve (USAFR)

To apply for USAFR TA, contact your education service officer.  The USAFR TA offers 100 percent TA for undergraduate degree programs and 75% for graduate studies up to the set cap of:

  • $250 per semester credit hour
  • $4500 per fiscal year

An airman must be actively participating (for pay and points) and be in good standing (does not have a UIF, not placed on a control roster, not pending or issued an Article 15, and/or not pending court martial) from the time the airman applies for and completes the course(s).

Tuition assistance is only available for courses leading to a degree at a level not already held by the airman or higher. Example: Airmen who already possess a bachelor’s cannot apply for an associate’s or second bachelors (education levels must be progressive and not equivalent).

  • Exception:Airmen pursuing an associate degree from Community College of the Air Force in their primary controlled Air Force Specialty Code are authorized tuition assistance regardless of any other degrees held.

Airmen are responsible for paying all costs up-front to attending institution.

Military Transcripts

For Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Army National Guard

The Joint Services Transcript (JST) documents military training that has been certified by the American Council on Education (ACE) for academic credit purposes. 

The JST is used by the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Army National Guard. 

It includes your: 

  • Current rank 
  • Service duration 
  • Completed academic levels 
  • Formal military courses 
  • Military occupational specialties 
  • Skill identifiers 
  • Standardized test scores 
  • CLEP exams 
  • DSST exams
  • ACE-evaluated credit recommendations 

Submitting your JST

  1. Register on the JST website.
  2. Select “United States Sports University” from the drop-down list of universities you would like to receive your official transcripts.
    • Transcript requests using the online delivery method will usually be sent to the university within 24 hours.

For Air Force

The Air Force uses the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript for documenting all of the ACE-certified military training and experience, coursework, and CLEP or DSST exams.

Submitting your CCAF transcript

  1. Visit the CCAF website.
  2. Designate that your official CCAF transcript be mailed to USSA:

United States Sports University
One Academy Drive
Daphne, AL 36526-7055
ATTN: Admissions – Transcripts

Take the next step

College can be affordable. We’re here to help you make the best decisions on degree programs, payment options, scholarship applications, and more.

Questions?

Contact the Director of Financial Aid at [email protected].